A threat made against Kingston Community Schools has been found to be fake, according to superintendent Shona Vennevy.
In a letter home to parents on Monday, October 20, the superintendent shared that a threat had been made against the school, but after investigation and interviews of suspected individuals, it was determined the threat was not real. Though the administrator could not share specific details due to the ongoing investigation, she did share that the threat had been generated using another student’s photo and artificial intelligence. Vennevy further emphasized that there was no credible or ongoing threat to the district.
The announcement comes following an investigation by several law enforcement agencies, which culminated in a day of increased police presence at the Kingston schools. The Kingston Police Department noted in a statement that “any threat—whether made seriously or as a “joke”—is never taken lightly. Such actions can cause fear and disruption within our schools and carry severe criminal and disciplinary consequences.”
The department also noted that the extra presence of law enforcement on Monday, October 20, was taken as a proactive measure to “help maintain a calm, safe, and secure learning environment for students and staff.” Local law enforcement encourages parents to talk with their children about the seriousness of making or sharing threatening statements, even in jest.
If anyone becomes aware of threats or concerning behavior related to local schools, please report it immediately to the school’s staff and administration, the school’s resource officer, or the state police’s student safety program’s confidential tip plan, OK2SAY at ok2say.state.mi.us/
