Social media posts following an incident between students at George Rogers Clark High School Monday led to a letter (printed in its entirety below) being sent to the parents and guardians of students Thursday afternoon.

According to the letter, the school has seen “a rash of inappropriate posts on social media,” with some “related to racial intolerance, fighting and threats of fighting or disrupting the educational process.”

Principal David Bolen said while the school has not taken any action against those involved in the posts, Winchester police are investigating the source of some of the posts.

“One being investigated alleged a weapon may be brought to school,” Bolen said. “Another one called for a riot.”

Bolen said no weapons have been brought to the school as a result of the Monday incident or the following social media posts.

He said overall, the school is continuing to function as it always does. But, school staff are being more diligent in finding and addressing inappropriate social media posts, which he said violate the Clark County Public Schools policy requiring students to speak and behave in a civil manner toward each other, staff and visitors and prohibiting the disruption of the educational process.

Additionally, Bolen said extra school resource officers have been sent to the school “for the time being.”

He said the school has not taken any action as a result of the Monday incident or the social media reaction. However, he said action may be taken by local law enforcement agencies.

Superintendent Paul Christy said some of the inappropriate posts have come not from students, but members of the community at large. He said the high school is working through the issue, and hopes to be able to focus its attention on KPREP testing which begins next week.

“Following an incident at school Monday, there has been an undue response,” Christy said. “As a school, we are working through our policies and procedures to move forward. The school is safe. It’s our testing season and we just ask our students and community to join us in continuing our business of teaching these young adults.

“The continuing uproar is being carried on outside of school on social media and is not within our control. We will encourage local officials to deal swiftly with those involved.”

Christy said despite the incidents and alleged low attendance this week, the high school is still set to host its graduation May 26 at Cardinal Stadium.

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Over the last two days there has been a rash of inappropriate posts on social media.

Posts related to racial intolerance, fighting and threats of violence are disrupting the educational process. Clark County Board Policy 09.422 states, “students are required to speak and behave in a civil manner toward students, staff and visitors to the schools. The use of lewd, profane or vulgar language is prohibited. In addition, students shall not engage in behaviors such as hazing, bullying, menacing, taunting, intimidating, verbal or physical abuse of others, or other threatening behavior. This policy extends to any/all student language or behavior including, but not limited to, the use of electronic or online methods. Such behavior is disruptive of the educational process and interferes with the ability of other students to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered.”

The intent of this policy includes inappropriate postings on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.

The administration and staff of GRC does not condone nor will tolerate the actions referenced in this policy. Disciplinary actions will occur in the form of detention, suspension or expulsion.

School administration, in conjunction with local law enforcement, will prosecute any and all offenders to the fullest extent.

Please feel free to contact the school with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

David H. Bolen

Principal