09/05/2026
Stringtown Public Schools
September 4, 2026
Dear Stringtown Families and Community,
As Superintendent of Stringtown Public Schools, there is no responsibility I take more seriously than the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Our children are the heart of our school and our community, and I believe you deserve honest, timely information whenever something occurs that may cause concern.
We were recently contacted by local law enforcement and informed that Stringtown Public Schools has been named in connection with a viral social media trend commonly referred to as the “Cat in the Hat” trend circulating on TikTok.
I understand that seeing the name of our school associated with something that appears threatening or alarming can immediately cause fear and concern. As a parent and educator, I understand that reaction. That is why I want our families to hear directly from me about what we know and what we are doing.
This social media trend began with a TikTok video posted in June 2026 using a scene from the 2003 Cat in the Hat movie accompanied by an ominous soundtrack. It quickly developed into numerous copycat posts, many involving AI-generated images and videos. The trend reportedly began in the United Kingdom and Ireland and has since spread internationally, including to communities and schools throughout the United States.
Thousands of communities have reportedly been referenced in similar posts. Law enforcement agencies have investigated these incidents, and the information available to us indicates that these posts are part of a social media trend intended to create fear, attention, and online views rather than an indication of an actual plan of violence.
Most importantly, local law enforcement is aware of the post involving Stringtown Public Schools, is monitoring the situation, and has been in direct communication with us. At this time, we have been advised that there is no credible threat to our students, employees, or school.
Even though there is no credible threat at this time, we will never dismiss something simply because it originated on social media. When the safety of our children is involved, we will always take concerns seriously, communicate with law enforcement, remain vigilant, and provide our families with accurate information as quickly as possible.
I also ask our students and families to help us by not sharing or reposting alarming content. Reposting these images or videos can unintentionally spread fear and misinformation. If your child sees something concerning online, please encourage them to tell a parent, teacher, administrator, or law enforcement officer rather than sharing it with others.
Stringtown is more than a school district. We are a family and a community. We look after one another, we communicate with one another, and when something causes concern, we face it together with facts rather than fear.
I want every parent to know that when you send your child through our doors each morning, we understand the trust you are placing in us. That trust means a great deal to me personally and to every member of our staff. We will continue doing everything within our ability to provide a safe, caring, and positive environment for every Stringtown student.
Thank you to our local law enforcement for communicating with us and watching over our community. Thank you to our parents for your trust and partnership, and thank you to our staff for the care you show our students each and every day.
If additional credible information becomes available that affects our school, we will communicate directly with our families. In the meantime, please feel free to contact the school office with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for being part of the Stringtown family and for continuing to support one another and, most importantly, our children.
Sincerely,
David Morris
Superintendent
Stringtown Public Schools
