Idaho Falls, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Idaho Falls schools, including Skyline High School and Eagle Rock Middle School, canceled classes amid unfounded gun threat rumors. The decision prioritized the safety of students after a comment by a student was reported and deemed noncredible. District officials confirmed disciplinary actions would follow. While a separate rumor circulated about an armed individual near a school event, investigations revealed no real threat. Classes resumed the next day, and a scheduled community event will proceed with additional police presence.
Idaho Falls Schools Cancel Classes Amid Gun Threat Rumors
Idaho Falls schools including Skyline High School, Eagle Rock Middle School, and Ethel Boyes Elementary experienced class cancellations on Thursday due to unfounded gun threat rumors. This precautionary decision was made to prioritize the safety of students and staff following a comment made by a student regarding a potential gun threat the previous night.
The Idaho Falls School District 91 confirmed that the comment about a gun threat, which prompted the cancellations, was reported to the school resource officer and later deemed noncredible. In light of this incident, district officials stated that disciplinary action would be taken against the student who made the comment in accordance with board policy.
On the same day, a separate rumor circulated during a school dance about a vehicle in the vicinity allegedly containing someone armed with a gun. The Idaho Falls Police Department is currently investigating this second report. The safety of the community remains a top priority as officials work to address these concerns.
Superintendent Karla LaOrange highlighted the district’s commitment to safety and expressed appreciation for the families’ cooperation throughout the situation. Context reveals that the rumor may have stemmed from pranks initiated by students of a rival high school, allegedly involving Orbeez guns, as students reported seeing individuals in a car wearing ski masks during the Emotion Bowl week.
Following an investigation, authorities confirmed that no real gun was involved in any of the incidents. Classes for elementary students resumed the day after the cancellations, while middle and high school students returned under an intervention schedule aimed at addressing ongoing safety concerns.
Moreover, the much-anticipated Emotion Bowl event scheduled for Friday will continue as planned, but with an enhanced police presence to ensure the safety of all attendees. The community remains on alert, hoping for a safe conclusion to the week’s events.
Background on Idaho Falls School District’s Response Procedure
Idaho Falls School District 91 has protocols in place for such incidents, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious comments or activities immediately. The district takes all threats seriously and implements precautionary measures to protect students and staff. Past incidents have reinforced the need for vigilance within schools as they work tirelessly to foster a safe learning environment.
FAQ
Why were classes canceled in Idaho Falls schools?
Classes were canceled due to unfounded rumors about a gun threat made by a student. The decision was made as a precaution to ensure the safety of students and staff.
What was the outcome of the investigations into the gun threat rumors?
Investigators determined that the rumors were not credible. Additionally, no actual firearms were found, as the threats stemmed from pranks by rival students involving Orbeez guns.
Will the Emotion Bowl event still take place?
Yes, the Emotion Bowl event is scheduled to proceed with increased police presence to ensure participant safety.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Schools Involved | Skyline High School, Eagle Rock Middle School, Ethel Boyes Elementary |
| Reasons for Cancellation | Unfounded gun threat rumors and precautionary measures for safety. |
| Investigation Findings | Rumors deemed noncredible; involvement of student pranks. |
| Class Resumption | Classes resumed next day for elementary; intervention schedule for middle/high school. |
| Event Continuation | Emotion Bowl scheduled with increased police presence. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- East Idaho News
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Idaho News
- Google Search: Idaho Falls school gun threat
- Local News 8
- Google Scholar: School Safety Gun Threats
- AOL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Idaho State Journal
- Google News: Idaho Falls school safety
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
