HOUSTON – Extra security was at a northwest Harris County high school Wednesday after recent rumors that a shooting was planned at the campus.
A letter was sent home to parents of Cypress Creek High School students, which said the rumor originated on Facebook last week. Someone commented on a post about a generic message written on a restroom wall claiming that there would be a shooting at the school on March 1.
School officials said the supposed message was not specific and did not mention any names. Every restroom in the building was searched and no message was found, school officials said.
The school notified the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office and the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District's security department. Students who heard the rumor were interviewed, and officials said they found nothing substantial.
School officials said a similar message was found in a stall in a girls' restroom on Tuesday. It was photographed by students and has circulated among students. Officials said it is under investigation.
The school added officers at the school Wednesday to beef up security. School district officials said a contraband-detection dog searched the campus and did not find any weapons. Restrooms were also monitored throughout the day.
"I saw a few more cops for sure," student Nick Sammons said. "I guess they are trying to keep the students safe and whatnot, but I think it's blown out of proportion."
The school said extra security will also be on campus Thursday to help students feel safe.
"I don't know what else can be done besides that," mother Laura Law said.
Parents said they were extremely concerned about the rumors.
"First instinct, yeah, I would keep them home," mother Deeanna Barron said.
"It's hard to know what is real and what is a prank," another parent said. "I don't know -- how do you win?"
One parent said educating children at home is the key.
"Try to educate your own children," mother Tiffany Oglesby said. "Tell them these things happen and don't try to shield from from it. Let them know the real danger out there. Just try to arm them with information and how to handle situations like that. What do you do if someone comes to school with a gun? You tell an adult."
The following letter was posted on the Cypress Creek High School website.
"To the Cy Creek Community,
"It has become necessary to send this communication out as a response to a recent rumor that has been circulating since last week.
"This rumor originated when someone supposedly commented on a Facebook post about a generic message written on a restroom wall regarding a shooting that would take place at school on March 1. Supposedly, the message was non-specific and did not mention names. When the Cy Creek administration became aware of the rumor, every restroom in the entire building was searched and nothing was found.
"Harris County Precinct IV and the district security department were notified. The school administration and our constable were involved in interviewing students who had heard the rumor. Again no names were implicated and nothing was substantiated other than the rumor itself. The Cy Creek staff was notified about the rumor and informed that it was unsubstantiated. I wanted the staff to have accurate information to help address the rumor. Today a similar message was found in a girls' restroom stall. It was photographed by students and is circulating around. It is believed to be related to the supposed first message (possibly a copy cat) and is being investigated as well.
"Due to the tragic events in Ohio and media coverage, we want you to know that this rumor has been investigated and is unsubstantiated. Unfortunately, schools are defenseless against mediums like Facebook. It is also human nature for these types of rumors to go viral, taking on a life of their own. Even though we cannot control rumors, we can certainly assure you that the environment at Cypress Creek High School is well monitored and your student's safety will always be our primary concern.
"If you see additional security on our campus on Thursday, please know that we continue to strongly believe this is a rumor, but want students to feel safe. Please share this information with your child and let him/her know that counselors or assistant principals are available if they need further assurances."