NORWICH OFFICIALS DETERMINE THREAT TO KELLY MIDDLE SCHOOL ‘NOT CREDIBLE’

Norwich — School Superintendent Abby Dolliver asked for increased police presence at Kelly Middle School on Wednesday and Thursday after an investigation into what she described as “no credible threat” of violence by a student on Monday.

In a message sent to parents and staff Tuesday night, Dolliver said police investigated a rumor of “a threat of violence to take place at Kelly this week.” Dolliver said the students involved and their parents were interviewed by school administrators and Norwich police.

“Together with the police, we have determined that there is no credible threat to students/ staff safety,” Dolliver wrote. “I have asked for police presence at Kelly at the start of the day on both Wednesday and Thursday to ensure safety for all, as it’s our top priority throughout the district.”

Dolliver said rumors about the threat persisted on social media, and one or more Norwich Free Academy students offered to come and help “keep you safe.”

Dolliver spent Wednesday morning at Kelly and she and Principal Sheri Tanner greeted arriving students and parents who dropped of their children. She said a few parents chose to keep their children home but attendance was about normal Wednesday.