School locked down after phone call threat

WINSTED — Batcheller School was locked down briefly Tuesday after a threatening phone call was placed to the building, according to Superintendent of Schools Melony BradyShanley.

Police have determined that the school and students are in no danger, and the lockdown has been canceled.

“We received a phone call at about 10:50 a.m., making a threat against the school,” Brady-Shanley said.

She declined to give any details about the call, but said she contacted the police immediately and put the school in “temporary lockdown” as a precaution, until police could investigate.

“The police determined that there was no threat to our students or the school,” she said.

Brady-Shanley is sending a letter home with all Batcheller students to explain what happened.

“On June 5, 2018, I reported to you via a phone message that Batcheller School was placed in a lockdown due to a threat. This lockdown was precautionary, while the Winchester Police Department investigated. The Winchester Police Department determined the threat was not associated with the school or students. Please be advised that security procedures such as lockdowns are designed to ensure the safety of all staff and students,” Brady-Shanley wrote. “Winchester Public Schools takes all concerns/ reports seriously, and we will follow our School Safety Plan accordingly. When security procedures are enacted, families will receive notice via a phone message as soon as the situation is secure and then I will follow up with more detailed information as it is received via a letter and/or phone message.”

She also provided her cellphone number and email address and encouraged parents to contact her with any concerns.