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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nRecently, an incident involving four students at one of our high schools significantly disrupted the campus environment, created unnecessary fear among students, staff, and families, and ultimately resulted in those students being arrested. Activities such as \u201csenior assassin\u201d games are not harmless. In today\u2019s environment, these behaviors present a very real safety concern that we will not overlook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I want to be very clear: Our school district will not tolerate student participation in these types of activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What may have once been considered lighthearted behavior is no longer appropriate given the realities we face today. Across the country, schools have experienced tragic acts of violence, and as a result, we must approach any situation that could be perceived as threatening with the utmost seriousness. Items such as water guns or look-alike weapons brought onto campus \u2014 regardless of intent \u2014 create confusion, fear, and potential danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students who engage in these activities, particularly those who bring any type of water gun or replica weapon onto campus, will face serious consequences. These consequences may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Immediate suspension, including possible assignment to an alternative education center or expulsion<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Removal from all graduation-related activities, including the ability to walk at commencement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Referral to law enforcement, which may result in arrest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These are not consequences we take lightly, but they are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of every student and staff member on our campuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We ask for your partnership in reinforcing this message at home. Please speak with your child about making responsible choices and understanding the seriousness of their actions. The goal for every senior is to finish the year strong and celebrate this important milestone \u2014 not jeopardize it over a moment of poor judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We remain committed to providing a safe, secure, and positive learning environment for all students. Thank you for your continued support in helping us do just that.
Sincerely,<\/p>\n\n\n\nFred Heid
Superintendent
Polk County Public Schools<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe situation in Polk County has escalated quickly from a schoolyard game to a serious legal matter. Following an incident on Friday, April 17, 2026<\/strong>, Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) and the Sheriff\u2019s Office are taking a zero-tolerance stance on the “Senior Assassin” game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Davenport High Incident<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The recent crackdown was triggered by a lockdown at Davenport High School<\/strong>. Four students (three 18-year-olds and one 17-year-old) were seen waving what appeared to be handguns in the school parking lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the “weapons” were actually realistic-looking water guns used for the game, the sight caused immediate panic. A student alerted a teacher, leading to a full law enforcement response and a campus lockdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Legal and Academic Consequences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sheriff Grady Judd and Superintendent Fred Heid have made it clear that “harmless fun” isn’t a valid excuse when it disrupts public safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Criminal Charges:<\/strong> All four students involved in the Davenport incident were arrested and charged with disruption of a school function<\/strong>, a second-degree misdemeanor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- School Discipline:<\/strong> Participation in these games, especially bringing replica weapons onto campus, now carries heavy penalties:\n
- \n
- Immediate suspension or expulsion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Removal from graduation activities<\/strong>, including the inability to walk at commencement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Referral to law enforcement for potential arrest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is “Senior Assassin”?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The game is a popular end-of-year tradition where high school seniors use an app to track and “eliminate” assigned targets using water guns. While usually played off-campus and outside school hours, the use of realistic-looking water guns and tactical behavior (like stalking or crouching) often leads to 911 calls from concerned citizens who believe they are witnessing a real threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Superintendent Heid emphasized in a district-wide email that in today\u2019s environment, these behaviors are a major safety risk that the district “will not overlook.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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- Referral to law enforcement for potential arrest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- School Discipline:<\/strong> Participation in these games, especially bringing replica weapons onto campus, now carries heavy penalties:\n
- Criminal Charges:<\/strong> All four students involved in the Davenport incident were arrested and charged with disruption of a school function<\/strong>, a second-degree misdemeanor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n