Old, concerning videos cause stir at Conant High School

The resurfacing of concerning videos from last year by a one-time student at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates caused a stir on both social media as well as at the school itself Friday morning that Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 officials acted quickly to address.

Conant High School Principal Julie Nowak reached out directly to parents in an emailed statement.

"I want to assure you that there is no present safety threat to the school surrounding these recent reports," Nowak wrote. "We commend those who have come forth to express concerns and we have taken extensive steps to respond to this information."

Nowak said the videos were originally posted on social media last year by a Conant student and were immediately addressed at that time. But the recent resurfacing of the videos following the school shooting in Florida caused a significant disruption at the school Friday, with some students fearful about attending classes.

District officials characterized the videos as concerning but not specifically threatening.

"We take all of these concerns and reports very seriously and as we continue with our school day, it is important that we continue to communicate and support one another during these challenging times," Nowak wrote.