False rumor swirls of student with weapon at Sycamore High School, threats unfounded

SYCAMORE – A rumor of a a student with a weapon at Sycamore High School on Friday morning was investigated and found to be untrue, district officials said.

At 12:05 p.m. Sycamore Community School District 427 sent an email to notify families about the situation.

According to the email shared with the Daily Chronicle, the Sycamore High School administration was made aware of a rumor of a student with a weapon on campus Friday morning.

“Administration worked quickly to contact the Sycamore Police Department and completed a joint investigation of the rumor,” the email states. “The investigation determined that the rumor was untrue, and the safety of SHS students and staff was not threatened.”

District 427 Superintendent Steve Wilder said Friday that the safety of the students is top of mind.

“First and foremost, we’re glad that our students and staff are safe,” Wilder said. “That is our No. 1 priority.”

Wilder said he was glad the rumor was reported so school officials could investigate it.

“Reports like this allow us to enact our safety plan and protocols to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” he said.

Wilder also thanked the Sycamore Police Department for its investigation, and the high school’s school resource officer who helped expedite the threat investigation.

The email that was sent to families reminded parents to talk to their students about the importance of alerting an adult of any suspicious activity. Students should alert a trusted adult of any suspicious activity or information if they hear of it.