Hennessey Public Schools
605 E Oklahoma, Hennessey, OK 73742
August 31, 2026
Hennessey Public Schools is aware of a troubling social media trend affecting schools nationwide called the “Cat in the Hat.” Although this may be part of broader trend, one of the posts identifies Hennessey Public Schools, along with many other Oklahoma School Districts. Therefore, we are taking it seriously and exercising every reasonable precaution to protect our students and staff.
Law enforcement notified Hennessey Public Schools this morning of this situation. Our administrators along with local police officers will conduct a thorough sweep of the building and campus.
The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. If anyone receives any direct communication from the account or has additional information, please preserve the messages and screenshots, then immediately contact school administrators or law enforcement.
We appreciate the cooperation of our families, staff, students, and law-enforcement partners as we take every appropriate step to maintain a safe and secure learning environment.
The “Cat in the Hat” trend is a viral social media phenomenon featuring creepy, AI-generated or staged videos of the Dr. Seuss character lurking in neighborhoods at night, which has recently escalated into unfounded school threat hoaxes.
What the Trend Is
- Creepy Videos: Creators use artificial intelligence or costumes to make a life-sized Cat in the Hat appear in doorbell-camera footage, on dark streets, or outside windows.
- Viral Spread: The clips spread rapidly on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook, often accompanied by captions warning people to lock their doors. As reported by CNN, the eerie footage has caused widespread confusion and fear.
How It Escalated
- School Hoaxes: The trend worsened in late August 2026 when some users began posting fake lists and threats targeting specific schools and students in states like Michigan, Kentucky, and Maryland.
- Safety Precautions: Some schools temporarily went into secure holds or increased police presence out of an abundance of caution.
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