The ConVal Regional School District canceled all classes Wednesday after receiving word of a “potential threat,” according to Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders. School is scheduled to resume Thursday, Saunders said.
Saunders said the district was notified by police of the threat Wednesday morning at 6.
“The local police departments are in the process of assessing the situation, and we are in constant contact with them,” district officials said in a statement Wednesday morning. “Due to this threat, we are cancelling school today and will be sharing further information as it becomes available.”
In a statement later Wednesday, Saunders said the following:
“At 6:00 am, November 7th, 2018, ConVal School District administration received a phone call from the Peterborough Police Department. Peterborough police shared that they were informed by a community member of an online threat to the ConVal school community. The Peterborough Police Department also contacted the police departments of Antrim and Bennington to support the investigation. Out of an abundance of caution and after consultation with local law enforcement, school administrators cancelled school for the day.
“Working on information provided by the community member, the police departments of Antrim, Bennington, and Peterborough collaborated to investigate the alleged threat. This involved questioning students and obtaining search warrants for personal property, technology, social media, and residences of the students who were allegedly involved. During the investigation, the police determined that there was not an ongoing threat to the ConVal Schools and that school activities could resume on Thursday, November 8th, 2018.
“Throughout the course of the day on Wednesday, November 7th, 2018, district and building administrators worked systematically through an established protocol to partner with local law enforcement to ensure student safety and support the investigation of the alleged threat. In addition, we communicated timely and accurate information to families, staff, and the larger ConVal community, as well as planned for students and staff to return to their buildings.
“Law enforcement has confirmed that the alleged threat has been addressed. Tomorrow, ConVal students and staff will return to schools. In order to reassure parents and students that schools are safe, building principals will meet with staff prior to the start of school to share specific plans for students’ return to school. Students will be greeted by staff members at all schools upon their arrival, and we anticipate that schools may have law enforcement presence during the school day. Counselors will be present in each school building to address student concerns that may arise. Administrators and staff will maintain established routines for students.”
[“source=forbes]
