Investigation continues into school threat
Paterson closed Friday as a precaution
School officials are remaining tightlipped on details regarding an incident involving a threat at Gilbert Paterson Middle School that saw the school closed Friday while police investigated.
Morag Asquith, Associate Superintendent, Instructional Services with Lethbridge School District 51, directed inquiries as to the nature of the threat to LPS.
“At this time, I don’t have (details) in front of me, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable preparing something off-thecuff,” she said. “I know our staff did report to police yesterday and responded promptly to that concern.”
LPS issued a statement saying police were investigating the situation and that, as a precaution, there was an increased police presence at other schools.
Police say they were contacted by the principal of Gilbert Paterson to report a possible threat after a student discovered a written message threatening violence.
“At this time it is unknown who wrote the message or how long it was there before the student observed it and notified staff,” the statement reads.
Asquith said administration was in communication with LPS, school staff and parents throughout Thursday evening in order to keep them updated on the situation. A decision to close the school Friday was made Thursday around 8 p.m.
Administration worked into the evening to “stay out in front” of the story.
“As we know, media and social media really does create a lot of information very quickly, and we wanted to be sure there was consistent and accurate messaging that went out,” Asquith said.
As part of a prepared statement, Asquith said LSD51 considers staff and student safety a priority, and that any concerns regarding threats must be taken seriously.
She said the issue of school security and threats of violence are something all school districts are dealing with.
“Since the (Parkland High School shooting in Florida), there has definitely been an increase in reports throughout the world, and this is a trend that continues to occur,” Asquith said. “What’s important for our school district to continue to do is work with staff, students and with our community to really deescalate the responses that create the hysteria around this, but also prepare staff to respond and prepare for the continuing concerns around safety in schools.”
She said the focus of the district was on talking to staff about how they will deal with the issue on Monday when the school reopens.
She added staff have been spoken to about how they can deal with and process this issue themselves, and how they are responding to concerns.
“I think it’s something that, when we start to talk more about wellness and mental health, it definitely is a priority in our schools, and we really want to ensure students and staff continue to keep that a priority,” she said.