Geneva High Shooting Rumors Are Unfounded: Police, School Officials

District 304 officials ramped up security at Geneva High School Wednesday after learning of rumors of plans for a possible shooting at the school. The Geneva Police Department and additional staff were on hand at the high school, located at 416 McKinley Avenue in Geneva, Wednesday morning, checking students bags and identification cards, according to a statement posted on the District 304 website. The rumors, which were referenced in social media posts, have since been determined to be unfounded, school and police officials said Wednesday afternoon.

"At this time, both the Geneva School District and the Geneva Police Department have determined that there is no credible evidence to substantiate any specific rumor of violence at Geneva High School or any other Geneva school," Geneva High Principal Tom Rogers wrote in a letter to parents and students Wednesday. "Rather, the conclusion is that social media posts have perpetuated rumors that spread very quickly."

School and police officials were made aware of the social media posts and rumors during the early morning hours of Wednesday.

"As a result, emergency communications were made to parents prior to the school day alerting them to this information," Rogers said. "As a precaution, student belongings were searched upon their arrival at school. Additionally, the Geneva Police Department provided increased support."

District 304 posted the following notice on its website Wednesday morning:

We are taking extra steps to ensure our students’ safety after being alerted to rumors of a possible shooting at Geneva High School being planned. Geneva Police and extra staff will be on hand at GHS this morning, and students should come prepared to have bags and IDs checked. While we have not been able to validate the credibility of these rumors, we will continue to take extra precautions until we have determined that our students are totally safe attending our school, and updates will follow. Thank you.

The school shooting rumors come days after a student dumped gasoline on himself in the school's cafeteria, authorities said. Students and staff at the school were able to act quickly to prevent the student from harming himself or others.

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In addition, Geneva High students are also reeling over news of the death of a recent graduate. Eweart "Daine" Rice-Picasso, 18, of St. Charles, died Sunday following a Saturday crash north of Bloomington. He was a 2017 graduate of Geneva High School.

Principal Tom Rogers said counselors would be on hand this week to help students process the recent tragic news and incidents.

On Wednesday, classes at Geneva continued as scheduled. After-school activities and practices Wednesday were also still on, Rogers said, unless an individual coach or sponsor communicates to students about alternative plans. Students will be able to participate in these events and practices regardless of their attendance in school today, according to Rogers. This attendance requirement will resume on Thursday.

In addition, Rogers shared the following information in his letter to parents and students Wednesday:

We encourage everyone to please refrain from perpetuating unsubstantiated rumors on social media. Instead, please contact Geneva High School or the Geneva Police Department directly with information you believe would be helpful.

Geneva High School will continue to put additional precautions in place to help reassure everyone that student safety is of the utmost importance. Also, the Geneva Police Department and Kane County Sheriff’s office patrol units are making Geneva schools their top priority this week. If students are in need of additional support at Geneva High School regarding these rumors or recent events, the Counseling & Advising Office is prepared to assist them.The past few days have been challenging for the Geneva High School community. As we move forward together, the safety and security of the students we serve continues to be our priority.

More on Patch

• Recent Geneva High Grad Killed In Downstate Crash
• Geneva High Student Pours Gas On Himself In School Cafeteria: School Officials
• Students Showed Compassion, Prevented Student From Harming Himself, Others: Geneva High Principal

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