Update: 4:05 p.m.
-A Facebook threat targeting Newtown High School prompted a lock-in at 1:10 p.m., one day after the regular monthly safety drill, a procedure that keeps students and staff doing their normal classroom activities but prohibits anyone from leaving the building or visitors from entering the premises.
Schools Superintendent Joseph Erardi said this precautionary measure was taken after it was deemed there was “enough content” to the threat that school and public safety officials felt it was prudent to do the lock-in procedure. The lock-in was lifted 45 minutes later, and school was dismissed at its regular time just after 2 p.m.
At the school, some students interviewed were unaware that there even was a lock-in, and those who were aware said that they understand the need for caution given the tragic events that occurred in the district two years ago. One student, Molly Begg, a junior, said no one said anything about the lock-in as it occurred, and even though she suspects there was a limited threat she thinks the school response was a “good idea.”
Begg and others were clearly disgusted that someone might think this a prank.
“It’s kind of ridiculous,” Begg said.
Messages sent to parents were clear that that all students and staff were safe, and that this was a precautionary measure.
But Erardi was clearly disturbed that anyone would send such a threat, and expressed confidence that police will be tracking down the perpetrators, and once found, they will be prosecuted.
“It’s not annoying, it’s criminal,” Erardi of such threats.
A parent forum about the incident will be held in the Newtown High School auditorium tonight at 7:30 p.m.
Newtown High School is currently in a lock-in situation after receipt of a written threat through social media, a procedure that keeps students and staff in classes as usual but prevents any visitors from entering the building.
Schools Superintendent Joseph Erardi sent out messages to high school parents alerting them of the situation, emphasizing that everyone is safe. He said another message is expected to be forthcoming in the next half hour.
A month ago, the school district dealt with an evacuation of the Sandy Hook School temporarily located in Monroe because of a threat, and that followed a couple weeks later with a lock-in procedure at another elementary school. In both cases, Erardi commended the professionalism of staff and police in their response.
In all of these cases, Erardi has emphasized the need to use caution, but that at no time has any student or staff members been in any danger. Parents and school leaders have been disturbed that there are those who would target Newtown for these types of threats given the fact that the community is still in recovery from the tragic mass shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012 that killed 26 students and faculty.