Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am writing to inform you about a recent incident that occurred this evening regarding a transient threat and the actions we have taken to address it.
On Wednesday evening, we received concerning rumors regarding a student allegedly making threats to fight someone in our school bathroom and posting a picture of guns.
The photo did not indicate any direct comments or threats of violence. Regardless, we take such reports very seriously, and upon being made aware of these rumors at approximately 9:00 pm on Wednesday evening, we immediately initiated our threat assessment protocols in conjunction with local law enforcement
To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff, we collaborated closely with the Windber Borough Police for a thorough investigation into the matter. Additionally, we asked the Windber Borough Police to conduct a safety check to ensure the safety of the student and to verify that he had no access to weapons. We can confirm that the student does not have access to weapons and that there is no direct threat to the school. However, there is no place in our school for students quarreling with one another and bringing it to our schools.
Though it was determined that the rumors were not founded and a result of poor and immature behavior, we believe in erring on the side of caution when it comes to the safety of our students and staff. Our primary objective was to follow protocols and ensure everyone's safety while maintaining a conducive learning environment to the best of our ability.
I want to reassure you that the school will continue to function normally, and our focus remains on providing a safe and nurturing educational environment for all our students. We encourage open communication and invite you to reach out to our high school office if you have any further questions or concerns regarding this matter.
Finally, I would like to thank the numerous students who reported this concern to adults as well as through the Safe2Say app. This is exactly what the app was designed for and I am appreciative of the students being safe, respectful, and responsible during this incident. As a resident of Windber with four students in the district myself, I am proud of each and every one of the students who came forward.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work together to prioritize the safety and well-being of our school community.
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Vuckovich
Superintendent of Schools