WCSD says it might move the location of the high school further north, saving Wildcreek's existing clubhouse, cart barn and a 9-hole executive course. Sam Gross/RGJ
Washoe County School District police are investigating a threat involving involving Spanish Springs High School.
The Snapchat item, which appears to have been posted on Wednesday, alludes that something is going to "go down" at 8 a.m. on Thursday, followed by squirt gun, fire and explosion icons.
About 7:45 a.m., just minutes before school started an advisory was sent to parents of students at the school.
More: Lockdown at Traner Middle School ends after school police investigate threat
"Rumors are circulating today about the possibility of an incident taking place on campus," said Victoria Campbell, a school disrict spokeswoman.
"We take these rumors seriously."
Classes are being held as usual at Spanish Springs High.
Since Wednesday afternoon, a screenshot of a social media post alluding to a threat at Spanish Springs has been circulating on social media.
The name of the account that posted the message is "EXP0SING SSHS" followed by a series of icons.
That message, sent by Spanish Springs principal Tammy Hart, read:
Good morning,
This is Tammy Hart, principal of Spanish Springs High School. I want to keep you informed about some rumors that are circulating today regarding the possibility of an incident taking place on our campus.
All safety protocols are being followed. School police are investigating the rumors now.
I want you to know that all of us in the Washoe County School District take these rumors seriously and that the safety and security of our students and staff are our highest priorities. Classes will be held as usual today as teaching and learning continue today at Spanish Springs High School. I will keep you apprised as we learn more information.
In the meantime, please call our office if you have questions and concerns.
Julie Caramella-Brand, a mother two Spanish Springs High School students, shared the Snapchat message on Facebook Wednesday night when she saw it around 7:44 p.m.
Caramella-Brand said after her son showed her the post she and her husband notified school police.
Since she shared it last night it has been shared from her Facebook page more than 1,000 times.
"I did not receive any notice from the school until this morning. This was seen by my son last night who brought it to me. Whether it was a prank as some are saying or a real threat, I wasn't going to take it as anything other than a real threat. My husband and I notified the school and police last night the moment we saw it. We did choose to keep our children home today as we were not going to risk their lives for any reason."
"The post I shared going viral was my intention. I wanted as many people informed as possible. In the world we live in today, parents can't afford to just pass things like this off."
School police were investigating and following safety protocols. The safety and security of student and staff is "our highest priority," Campbell said.
The school at 1065 Eagle Canyon Dr. in Sparks has over 2,300 students. In 2016-17 there were 10 reported bullying incidents and one cyber bullying incident, according to the Nevada Department of Education.
Hart was named to lead the school in 2014. She previously was the school's vice principal.
READ MORE: Can a student be arrested for a threat?
In October, the Washoe County School District arrested a student who made a social media threat against Shaw Middle School. The school is also in Sparks.
School Police Chief Jason Trevino said that October incident was the first time the district arrested a person based solely on a threat.
More information will be added to this story as it becomes available.