Dear Princeton Families, Students, Staff, and Community Members,
Princeton City School District is aware of a viral social media trend involving the fictional “Cat in the Hat” character that has recently generated concern in school communities across the country.
The trend includes social media posts, images, and videos, many of which may be AI-generated, depicting the character making vague threats. In some instances, posts have included threatening or concerning language directed toward schools, students, or specific locations.
Princeton City School District takes ALL threats seriously. Any social media post, message, image, or other communication that contains a threat or raises a concern about the safety of our students, staff, schools, or community will be promptly reported to and investigated by our local law enforcement and school administrators. What may be intended as a joke, prank, or participation in an online trend can cause significant fear and disruption and may also result in serious school disciplinary or legal consequences.
We ask families to speak with their children about responsible social media use and the importance of not creating, sharing, reposting, or otherwise amplifying threatening content. Sharing a threatening post, even to warn others, can increase fear, spread misinformation, and make it more difficult for authorities to determine the source of the information.
If you or your child sees concerning content involving a Princeton school, student, or staff member, please do not repost it. Preserve the information and report it immediately. Anyone can report a concern or potential threat any time, day or night. You can contact the Safe School Helpline® at 1-800-418-6423 ext. 359, text 66746 and type TIPS, or visit the Safe School Helpline Website. In an emergency or when there is an immediate threat to safety, call 911.
The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We appreciate our families and community members working with us to help keep Princeton schools safe and to prevent online rumors and trends from creating unnecessary fear. If you see something, say something. Don't spread it, report it.
Best Regards,
Mari Phillips, Ed.D.
Superintendent