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Plastic gun in social media post sets off H-F investigation

A social media post Tuesday evening of a gun in a classroom had Homewood-Flossmoor High School officials scrambling to learn whether the photo in the post was real and who was responsible.

An investigation found that the photo was taken at H-F. The gun was a plastic airsoft BB gun. The post didn’t include any threats.

“At no time were students or staff in any danger,” H-F Principal Clinton Alexander said through a Wednesday email to parents. “The student who brought the plastic airsoft gun on campus has been identified and appropriate disciplinary action is taking place.”

School officials worked closely with Flossmoor police. Alexander said, “As an added precaution, Flossmoor police will have an expanded presence at school.”

“Through the collective efforts of home, school, and law enforcement we maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff,” he said.

The principal added he was glad that school administrators were alerted to the social media post, noting: “The individual who brought this information to our attention responded exactly as we would hope. They saw something concerning and immediately reported it to the school.”

Alexander asks parents to talk with their student about social media.

“In a time with heightened concerns related to school safety, I ask again that you reinforce with your children the lessons being taught at school about social media use,” Alexander said. “I also ask that you monitor closely your child’s social media presence. Posts that allude to violence or that can be construed as a threat are taken even more seriously by law enforcement, school administration and others viewing posts – even if malintent is not the true purpose of their message. 

“Discernment about what students post or share is a good digital citizenship lesson related to any type of social media post,” the principal said. 

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