Threat investigated at West Warwick middle school
WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — West Warwick Superintendent Karen Tarasevich sent a letter to the school community after an apparent threat made by a student during a physical education class at Deering Middle School Friday.
The student was alleged to have “suggested potential violence against the school.”
Tarasevich said that the school administrators activated threat assessment protocols and the West Warwick Police Department investigated the incident, which determined that there was no credible threat, no students were ever in danger, and the statement was a “poor choice of words” by the student.
“We are committed to transparency and accountability while also respecting the privacy of the student involved. Due to federal and state student privacy laws, we cannot disclose further details about the student or any disciplinary measures being considered,” Tarasevich said. “We can confirm that all district policies and protocols are being followed regarding student safety, discipline, and support services.”
Parents had expressed concern about the school system’s response to threatening social media posts made back in March.
The full letter from the superintendent can be read here:
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff:
This afternoon, an incident occurred at Deering Middle School involving a student who reportedly made a threatening statement during a physical education class. The statement suggested potential violence against the school and was overheard by several students. Given the seriousness of the remark, we are treating this matter with the utmost urgency and care.
Immediately upon notification, school administrators activated our established threat assessment protocols, and the West Warwick Police Department was contacted and has been actively involved in the investigation. Our investigation indicates there is no evidence of a credible plan or intent to carry out an act of violence against the school at this point; rather a poor choice of words by the student.
We are committed to transparency and accountability while also respecting the privacy of the student involved. Due to federal and state student privacy laws, we cannot disclose further details about the student or any disciplinary measures being considered. We can confirm that all district policies and protocols are being followed regarding student safety, discipline, and support services.
At no point today were any students or staff members in any danger. However, we recognize that incidents like this can be distressing. We encourage families to talk with their children about the importance of the words they choose and the serious consequences that can result from making inappropriate or threatening statements.
The safety and well-being of our school community remains our highest priority. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure that Deering Middle School, as well as all of our schools, remains a safe, respectful, and secure place for all students and staff.
Sincerely,
Karen A. Tarasevich, M.Ed
Superintendent of Schools
