As we continue to process last week’s tragedy in Barrow County, we are especially thankful for the team of hard-working police officers and administrators who keep your children safe. 

Our team, including police officers, regularly coordinates with all levels of law enforcement to investigate potential threats to our schools. 

We will continue to invest in the best experts, technology, alert systems, training, and communication tools, which we call Cobb Shield. 

Since Barrow and across the state, the number of fake threats posted on social media has spiked. After the tragedy, over 40 Cobb schools have experienced disturbing social media posts, created with the intent to disrupt schools. 

Each posted threat has been fully investigated. The posts are disturbing and emotional, but they have been proven not to be actual threats to a Cobb school. 

We are certain people are posting to disrupt school and will be disciplined as strongly as the law allows, including criminal charges. 

As a Cobb parent, how can you help make your child’s day safer? 

• Learn about the safety supports at your child’s school. You will be able to address incorrect information which may be heightening their anxiety, if you know. 
• Listen to police officers discuss the ins and outs of protecting schools from threats outside the school. You may feel better about your child’s safety when you hear directly from experts. 
• Encourage your children to learn about dangers they should look for inside their school. Students and staff are trained every school year. Reinforcing their training from home is another way to stop problems before they start. 
• Know what you can expect to be told by your school during a crisis. 
• Report safety concerns to the District’s Tip Line by call, text, or email. 

Safety problems usually start outside of school, and with your support from home, you are helping us stop threats before they happen. Thank you for partnering with us. You are an invaluable member of our One Team. Other than your home, the safest place in Cobb for your child, continues to be their school.