HARVEST – The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an online threat made toward Sparkman High School this morning. According to Sparkman principal Chris Shaw, school administration was made aware of the threat by an individual and immediately contacted the sheriff’s office’s SRO assigned to the campus.

“Along with the SRO, our team of school administrators is investigating this situation. Additional deputies will be on campus today to ensure student and staff safety,” Shaw stated in a Facebook post around 9 a.m., which has since been deleted. “We take any type of threat seriously and have the full cooperation of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.”

Shaw also warned about the consequences of using threats as pranks. Local authorities have not said yet if they believe this particular threat was a hoax.

“I encourage you to talk with your child about the seriousness of threats and the importance of reporting suspicious activities, threats, or disturbing information to a trusted adult,” Shaw said in a statement addressed to parents “Students also need to be aware that law enforcement agencies take these threats very seriously and pursue prosecution even when such incidents are intended as pranks. Please ensure your child knows these ramifications and that they understand hoaxes related to campus safety will not be tolerated.”