More Details Revealed Concerning Clown Photos at Jonathan Law High School This Week

MILFORD, CT — Earlier this week, two Jonathan Law High School students were disciplined after posting photos of clowns around school and even placing some in lockers.

Now more information is coming to light, as Law Principal Fran Thompson sent home a letter addressing the incident. Thompson confirmed that "there were two separate incidents that occurred (Tuesday) at Jonathan Law.

"Both incidents involved the distribution of “clown” pictures. The pictures were distributed to random students. We swiftly investigated both incidents as soon as we became aware of them. Through both investigations, we were able to find the individual Jonathan Law students who were responsible. Appropriate consequences were administered."

"I want to emphasize that at no point in the investigations of either situation was there any imminent danger to our school community," Thompson wrote. "Please take a moment and talk with your children about this online phenomenon that has entered schools. Our kids need to understand the devastating effect this type of behavior could have on their peers or others."

Milford police said Thursday morning that no arrests have been made in the clown photo incident at Law as of this time. Reports had said two students were arrested in connection with the clown photos, but police said that is not correct.

And in a notice sent to Milford families (see below for the full letter), Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Feser asks everyone to be "vigilant and report matters" that are suspicious to a school employee or the police.

Feser also wrote that pranks and jokes may appear humorous at the time but may not come off that way, and some may even find them threatening. She asks parents to talk with their children about making good decisions and being good citizens. She said she is "disturbed" by the impact of the clown phenomenon.

Read Feser's full letter below:

Dear Milford Public School Families

I am writing to our entire school community to follow up on the national “clown” phenomenon which is affecting so many cities and towns. As we continue to monitor this situation we also want to maintain communication with all of you.

Social media and the news reporting venues have a stronghold on our daily lives. We are informed of the good, the bad and other things that occur in our society which affect all of us on different levels. The recent hoaxes or pranks involving clowns and disturbing comments associated with this phenomenon have created anxiety, frustration and even fear among many of us.

With this in mind, I ask all of our school community members to continue to be vigilant and report matters that seem suspicious in nature to a school employee or the police department. If you see or hear something through conversations or social media posts that could affect the safety and security of our schools, please report this information immediately. In addition to our school employees, our School Resource Officers are a valuable asset to our school community, so please access them as well.

Students, please understand that jokes and pranks may seem humorous at the time, but are received differently by individuals. Some may laugh, some may feel threatened, some may be fearful, some may become angry. You need to think about whether your actions could negatively impact an individual or an entire school community. What may appear to you as only humorous, others might find offensive and threatening. Be mindful also that your actions not only affect others, but also your reputation in the community. There could be serious consequences if your actions have the potential to cause harm to others.

Finally, be cautious of sharing information on social media as well as friending or following those with whom you are not familiar.

Parents and Guardians, please have a conversation with your children regarding the importance of making good decisions and being a good citizen. Reinforce that resources are available for students to report information that could affect the safety of our school community. Impress upon them the need to talk with their teacher, a counselor or another adult if they feel threatened or frightened.

In closing, while I am very disturbed at the impact of this clown phenomenon, it can be a lesson for all of us, namely, understanding that our actions can negatively or positively affect everyone including ourselves.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth E. Feser, Ed.D.
Superintendent