Videos on the social media platform TikTok have emerged naming Dec. 17 national “shoot up your school day”. Due to anxieties, and fears around this threat, attendance numbers were significantly low and some classes were left with dwindling numbers of students. 

A day before, Dec. 16, a mass email was sent to parents and staff by Superintendent Roger Rice, informing them of the trend but clarifying that the post did not specifically threaten VUSD schools. Along with this, they informed parents and guardians that Ventura Unified and the Ventura Police Department “are aware of these new rumors/threats” and “wanted to make families and staff aware” as well. 

The district encourages the community to call with any information regarding the situation, and the safety of students and staff at school. If you “See Something, Say Something” and can contact VPD dispatch at 805-650-8010 and to students who would like to speak to someone, counselors are available.