ATLANTA — On Thursday, the Superintendent of Atlanta Community Schools Tawny Hisscock released a letter to parents informing them of recent incidents where students searched for weapons-related content using school issued devices.

Hisscock emphasized that there were no threats made to the school and no one is in any danger.

“We want to reassure you that every instance has been thoroughly investigated through our formal behavioral threat assessment process,” the letter stated. “In each case, it was determined there was no credible threat to the school, any individual, or the community. These searches appear to be driven by curiosity or a misguided attempt to ‘see what happens’ rather than intent to cause harm.”

Hisscock said in a phone interview that in one incident, a student sent a video of a Nerf gun that shoots real bullets to another student. No message was attached to the video. In another incident, students searched content about guns made with Legos.

The behavioral threat assessment process has been in place at Atlanta schools since the mass shooting at Oxford High School in Oxford, Michigan in November 2021, Hisscock said.

A law passed in January 2025 requires Michigan public schools to establish Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) teams by Oct. 1. Those teams must include a school administrator, a mental health professional, and a school resource officer or local law enforcement officer.

“It’s important that not just one individual is making the calls,” Hisscock added. “That’s why it’s important to have a team. Each member of the BTAM team brings a valuable perspective.”

“The professionals on that BTAM team have to go through special training,” Hisscock added. “The team assesses any and all threats, whether it’s about students at risk of harming themselves or the content of Thursday’s letter, to ensure the safety of the whole school community.”

“There’s an initial screening document that we use,” Hisscock also said.

That screening document assesses questions like whether there was a plan made or if the student’s story is consistent with the knowledge that officials have about the incident.

“A lot of times what you flesh out with that is that the student is struggling and needs some extra interventions and supports,” Hisscock said.

If students look up weapons-related content, they will receive an automatic two-day out-of-school suspension.

“To maintain a safe and focused learning environment, we are implementing a strict disciplinary standard for this behavior,” the letter stated. “Any student found searching for weapons or related restricted content on school devices will receive an automatic two-day out-of-school suspension. Depending on the severity or context of the incident, harsher consequences including long-term suspension or law enforcement involvement may be pursued.”

Hisscock said that this consequence was appropriate since it takes a lot of time and resources for the school district to conduct a behavioral threat assessment with the BTAM team.

“Kids need to understand the seriousness of this,” Hisscock said. “We’re taking time out of these people’s jobs.”

On Thursday, Hisscock and School Resource Officer Jessica Bedell met with the junior high classes to speak with students directly about the gravity of these incidents, the letter stated. They emphasized that school devices are educational tools and that searching for prohibited content is not a joke, a challenge, or a victimless prank. It triggers a serious security protocol that consumes significant school and law enforcement resources.

The letter ended with three reminders: digital footprints are permanent, safety is not a game, and words and actions have weight.

“We appreciate your partnership in keeping our school a safe place for everyone to learn. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me,” Hisscock said, concluding the letter.

Reagan Voetberg. News Staff Writer. rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.