Pages

Friday, December 18, 2015

Communication to parents and staff from Superintendent Rebecca Miner about school threats

Rebecca Miner, Superintendent
Shoreline Schools
Rebecca Miner, Superintendent of Shoreline Schools, sent this email to parents and staff on Friday in the wake of alleged threats to both Shorewood and Shorecrest high schools.


Dear Shoreline School District Families:

I am writing today to inform you about several recent events in the District.

On Thursday, December 10th, Shorewood High School staff received information that there may have been a threat to that school. Police diligently followed up on information as it became available and arrested the alleged perpetrator in that situation yesterday evening.

Early this morning, Shorecrest High School administration received information of a possible threat being made against the school. School administration immediately notified police who followed up on the report. After conducting interviews, they determined that no threat was made.

Because of the lingering anxiety that these types of situations can cause, additional police officers are on site at our high schools today to provide reassurance.
We greatly appreciate the efforts that students, staff and community members have made to contact district and police officials with information. If your children see or hear things that cause them concern, please encourage them to report their concerns using one of the methods outlined below.  

It is important that these concerns come to the attention of someone who can investigate them promptly. If they are not brought to our attention and continue to be sent to students and community members, they can cause fear and anxiety without us being able to respond. It is also helpful if you discuss with your child the importance of choosing their words on social media and in other communications carefully. It is difficult to predict how one’s words might be interpreted by others.

We have a number of ways that concerns can be reported to the District. You may share information with a staff member, report them to the District’s Safe Schools Alert Tipline or call 911.\

You may find the flyer for the tipline HERE. Reports to the tipline may be anonymously submitted or you may provide your contact information. It is most helpful to school and police officials if you provide your contact information so that we can follow up with additional questions if needed.

As you have likely seen, many schools throughout the region, as well as nationally, have been dealing with both substantiated and unsubstantiated threats. Hearing about these issues naturally raises awareness and anxiety. You can help your children simply by talking and listening to them. You know your child better than anyone and if you become concerned about their levels of anxiety or would like information about how to talk with your child about these concerns, please contact your school’s administrators, counselors or family advocate who can provide you with support.  

The safety of your children, our staff and the community is our top priority. Our District has detailed emergency preparedness plans and protocols that are frequently drilled at each of our buildings. If you have questions regarding our plans, please contact your building principal or Chuck Goodwin, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.

In closing, I would like to thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate these types of issues.  In addition, I would like to acknowledge the support of our law enforcement partners, the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park Police Departments, who have provided us with invaluable assistance.

Thank you,

Rebecca Miner
Superintendent



No comments:

Post a Comment

We encourage the thoughtful sharing of information and ideas. We expect comments to be civil and respectful, with no personal attacks or offensive language. We reserve the right to delete any comment.