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Informational Message on Crossroads Threat and School Safety - October 6, 2017

The message below was emailed to Crossroads Middle School families to provide additional details regarding the threat involving a Crossroads Middle School student which occurred the evening of Thursday, October 5, 2017.

During the bus ride home after school on Thursday, a Crossroads Middle School student made threatening remarks to classmates.

These threats were reported to the Newberry Township Police Department who then shared this information with District administration. Based on our communication with the police department and the student’s parent, we were confident there was no threat to the school community.

Despite our confidence that the threat did not place students, staff, or visitors to Crossroads Middle School in danger, we realize that any threat made by a student is troubling and can often result in the spreading of rumors and incorrect information. Our goal this morning was to notify families and avoid unnecessary concern; however, based on feedback on social media, it may have inadvertently had the opposite effect and for that I apologize.

While we strive for transparency in our communications, ensuring student and staff safety is our first priority. 

Collecting information, formulating actions to ensure safety, and then providing families with details that do not jeopardize an investigation or a student’s rights to privacy take time. Recent events have provided the District with opportunities to review our efforts to communicate effectively, appropriately, and timely with our families. We thank you for your feedback, continued support, and confidence in our daily efforts to create a learning environment that protects the health and safety of our West Shore community.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by email or call the school directly. I would also like to encourage you to become involved in your school’s parent advisory group (PTO, PAC, etc.). Comments and concerns shared during those meetings are relayed to me and other administrators during District Voice meetings.

Have a great weekend. I look forward to seeing students on Tuesday, October 10, following our scheduled day off on Monday.

Sincerely, Todd B. Stoltz, Superintendent

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Posted Friday, October 6, 2017 at 6:00 a.m.

In light of recent events, we felt it was important to communicate with families about an incident to which we were alerted late, last evening.

The Newberry Township Police Department informed the District that they were investigating a situation that occurred after school Thursday involving threats made by a Crossroads Middle School student. The parents of all students involved are aware of the incident. As such, we will be open and operate under a regular schedule on Friday, October 6. 

Although this incident is being investigated by law enforcement, first thing this morning, the administration will conduct its own investigation into the matter.  

In the meantime, we understand situations such as this can cause anxiety, but rest assured we are working with local officials to ensure we maintain a safe learning environment. We appreciate your confidence in our ability to take all necessary actions to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and school visitors. 

If new information arises that would impact today’s schedule, we will contact you through our automated phone call system.  My thanks to everyone who has provided feedback and who have expressed their concerns on the importance of communication during events such as this. Should you, or your child, have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us by email or call the school directly.

Sincerely, Todd B. Stoltz, Superintendent