Social media has lit up in a frenzied sweep over rumors in the community that a student was apparently making threats about violence at the school. Parents have been frantically in search of answers and/or confirmation of whether the threat was real or imagined.
St. Joseph Schools Superintendent Ann Cardon dispatched a message to parents this evening saying:
Dear Parents and Staff, We are aware that a potential threat was made against St. Joseph High School today and local authorities are actively investigating. We will share more information with you as it becomes available.
Authorities have indicated that the student identified as making the threats will not be in school on Tuesday, and there will be a police presence at the school.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department also confirmed that dispatchers had received multiple calls regarding the situation beginning around 4:30 in the afternoon.
*****UPDATE 9:20PM ***** UPDATE 9:20PM *****
Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey says that the St. Joseph Department of Public Safety has been joined in the case by an FBI Task Force working the situation.
There have been reports online by parents of other threats made in Bridgman and Hartford Public Schools, but we have no formal confirmation of those incidents at this time.
*****UPDATE 10:15PM ***** UPDATE 10:15PM *****
Here is the message being shared by St. Joseph Public Safety:
As you may be aware, we are currently investigating a potential threat at St. Joseph High School. At this time, we cannot confirm if an actual threat was made however, we are working with the administration at the school and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force to ensure the communities safety. We will communicate more information as soon as possible.
Here, too, is an updated message from the Superintendent, Ann Cardon:
Dear Parents and Staff, Earlier this evening we received a call from the police stating that they received a report from a concerned parent that one of our students made a threatening statement. We have been working collaboratively with the police throughout the evening, and as they have been interviewing kids, they do not believe it is a credible threat. I just spoke with Brian Uridge, St. Joseph Public Safety Director, and he said, “At this time there is no immediate danger to students and it appears to be a miscommunication based on overheard conversations and posts on social media. We are currently interviewing multiple people and will update as we learn more.”
However, in light of what occurred last week I can certainly understand that many of you have a tremendously heightened sense of concern. We will have a visible police presence at the high school tomorrow and plan to operate as normal.
We hold the safety and security of your children as our number one priority and feel confident that we can open our doors, however, as always, whether you send your child to school is your decision and we will respect your decision.
Sincerely,
Ann Cardon, Superintendent
