JOHNSON COUNTY, KS (KCTV) -
Blue Valley School District officials are investigating after an email announced that high waters from Sunday's rain had forced the cancellation of classes.
The email was signed by Principal Tonya Merrigan. It sounded authentic enough after the heavy rains that some parents and students believed it.
Except it was a hoax, district officials said.
Students believe the email was the result of a senior prank.
The sender of the email did not hack the district's system, but apparently was able to access the district's email distribution list. The email was sent to KCTV5 with an attempt to get the announcement on air. But the sender did not have sufficient information to get past the safeguards in place at KCTV5 to prevent such pranks from making it on air.
The author even gave the email the air of legitimacy by saying those taking Advanced Placement tests should report to school where they would find district vehicles ready to take them to a new testing location.
"As I read through it, it certainly seemed legitimate to me," said Blue Valley North junior Chris Wall.
Wall was preparing to go back to bed when he talked to a friend who alerted him that it was a prank. Junior Deborah Klein also believed the message and decided to use the free time to have brunch with friends. She was halfway to Lawrence when her parents called to say she needed to turn around and head to school.
She arrived at class with first period nearly over.
Kristi McNerlin, a spokeswoman for the Blue Valley School District, said the email didn't cause a significant drop in attendance.
Klein said this was one of the best senior pranks she's seen.
But district officials aren't laughing. They are working to track down the culprit who could face some stiff discipline if caught.
Copyright 2012 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved.
