Ridgeview Charter Middle School in Sandy Springs is investigating after a student wrote threatening messages aimed at classmates, according to Principal Thomas Garrett. Administrators said they launched a full review and carried out a formal threat assessment, adding that students and staff were not in immediate danger while the situation was being addressed. School leaders said disciplinary action is underway under the district’s student code of conduct.
What the principal said
In a message to families, Principal Thomas Garrett told parents that staff “learned about the threats and immediately began following district safety procedures,” and that administrators initiated both a full review and a formal threat assessment, according to 11Alive. Garrett stressed that “the threatening behavior of any kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated” and thanked the students who came forward to report what they saw. The message said the school is taking appropriate disciplinary steps in line with district rules.
District safety protocols
Fulton County Schools outlines a proactive Threat Assessment Protocol, an anonymous tip line and regular safety drills meant to help staff and students recognize and respond to concerning behavior, according to the district’s safety page. The district says school leaders coordinate with the Fulton Schools Police Department and local law enforcement when formal assessments or investigations are needed. Those procedures guide how incidents are reviewed and what next steps, including discipline or additional supports, may follow.
Recent local safety incidents
Parents in Sandy Springs have been through similar scares in recent months. Last August, High Point Elementary was evacuated after a bomb threat and students were temporarily relocated to Ridgeview, according to Fox5 Atlanta. Incidents like that have kept threat reporting, safety planning and formal assessments high on the district’s list of priorities.
Possible consequences
Ridgeview officials said disciplinary measures are being handled under the district code of conduct while administrators complete their assessment and coordinate, as needed, with law enforcement. Under Georgia law, making terroristic threats can carry criminal penalties when a communication is intended to terrorize or includes a threat of violent crime, according to the state statute. For additional context on school discipline and district procedures, families can review Fulton County Schools’ student-discipline resources alongside Georgia’s criminal code.
How to get updates
School leaders urged families to keep reporting concerns, support one another and rely on established school and district channels for accurate information and guidance. Parents with questions can call Ridgeview Charter Middle School at 470-254-7710 or contact district safety channels. The initial school message did not indicate that any criminal charges had been filed.
