Mercer Island School District’s communications team informed the school community this afternoon about a situation that occurred over the weekend regarding group text threads involving Islander Middle School (IMS) students, a picture of one of them with a BB gun along with the message: “Our school’s not safe,” according to the notice that was shared with the Reporter.

After learning of the situation from an alert parent who saw the text, the Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) met with the student — who shared the photo — and their family and “determined on Sunday that there was not a threat to IMS or students,” the community message reads.

The notice via ParentSquare adds that IMS administrators were informed about the incident today and: Utilized threat assessments protocols and training from the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) Safety Co-op; met with the student who sent the photo; partnered with the family of the student who sent the photo; and connected with all the families of the students in the group text.

“IMS administrators and counselors met with all the students who participated in the group text and reminded these students about the Say Something app, which is on all school issued iPads,” the notice said. “Our risk assessment reached the same determination as the MIPD.”

In order to keep students safe online, MISD asks families to make it a regular practice to monitor their child’s online activity and periodically review their devices.

“Open conversations and active supervision help students make safe and responsible choices while navigating the digital world,” the notice reads.

According to the MIPD, this case is still under investigation. The Reporter will relay more information when it becomes available.