Dear Plano CUSD 88 Families and Staff,
We are writing to inform you that, similar to this time last school year, “swatting” hoax events are beginning to ramp up nationwide. Swatting involves using Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Voice over Internet Protocols (VoIPs), and/or Google Voice to make a prank phone call to school(s), parent(s), or emergency service(s) in an attempt to create chaos, fear, and draw a large-scale police response. Recent incidents have occurred nationally, mostly on college campuses.
We want to reassure our families that there is no known threat to our schools. This message is purely precautionary and intended to provide you with information. In response to the increasing reports of swatting in various college communities nationally, Plano CUSD 88 is working closely with our School Resource Office (SRO) and local law enforcement to ensure the continued safety and security of all students and staff in the event that these incidents evolve further. Safety protocols are in place within our schools.
While we do not anticipate any such event, it is important to be prepared. In the event of any situation that poses a threat to the safety of our buildings, our building and district administration will collaborate with the Plano Police Department and first responders. Should a situation arise in our community, we will communicate with families and staff as soon as possible. All official communication from Plano CUSD 88 will be sent in written form via our district platforms, including text, email, and posting on our website, just as you are receiving this message today.
Additionally, we want to acknowledge that any matter, whether credible or not, that threatens safety in our school community can impact our students and families. Each of our schools has at least one social worker on staff, with counselors also available at Plano Middle School and Plano High School. We want to emphasize that all threats against our schools are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. We encourage parents and students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or concerns to school officials or local authorities immediately.
In our partnership together, we also ask that you speak with your children about the importance of not spreading rumors, reporting any threats they hear, and trusting that the district and local law enforcement have their safety as a top priority. Together, we can help maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Plano CUSD 88 Administration, in partnership with the Plano Police Department