'Creepy Clowns' Reports Addressed by Manassas Schools Superintendent

MANASSAS CITY, VA — In light of the recent dubious sightings of clowns lurking around schools and related postings on social media in many parts of the nation and in the area, Manassas Schools superintendent Catherine Magouyrk sent the following letter to parents Thursday:

October 6, 2016

Dear MCPS Parents/Guardians:

I would like to thank all of our parents for your patience and assistance as we continue to deal
with the saturation of rumors regarding clowns. The Manassas City Police Department is
continuing to investigate any reports they receive specifically about clowns appearing on social
media. Some reports have been general, while others may reference a name or image of a MCPS
school. In each instance, the police have not found enough evidence to deem the posts as
credible, but they take each one seriously.

Today, all MCPS secondary school principals met with students, at each grade level, to discuss
social media use, personal and school safety, and avenues they can use to report suspicious
activity. At the elementary level, school counselors remain available to support any student that
expresses fear or concern regarding any clown rumor they may have heard. Additionally, our
police department continues to provide safety support at the schools as an extra precaution.

Across the nation, the clown rumors have become a very serious matter. It has caused emotional
stress for many students and their families, and has also been an unnecessary distraction to
teaching and learning in schools. The safety and well-being of our students is my greatest
concern. Manassas City Public Schools will suspend and pursue legal action against any student
that is found to have originated a post that threatens or incites fear among students and
staff. Additionally, any student that comments on a post, encouraging clowns to come to their
school building will also face suspension.

Please continue to talk with your children regarding their responsible use of social media and
encourage them to refrain from searching for and re-sharing information that could cause stress
or anxiety for themselves or their peers. Thank you for your continued support as we work
together to keep our schools safe.

Sincerely,
Catherine Magouyrk
Superintendent

Manassas Police said between Sept. 30 and Wednesday, it has received numerous reports from citizens citing clowns acting suspiciously near schools and also online.

Its statement, in part: "The reports have been broad and very similar in nature to those made throughout the Northern Virginia region and areas along the east coast. Manassas City Police has not discovered any evidence to suggest a plausible threat to the public."

The statement echoes that of Prince William County Police and other school systems having to bat down rumors and faux sightings.

Image via Pixabay