Dealing with Bomb Threats

Lemont, IL

A school district faces two fake bomb threats, and reviews its safety procedures.  More often than not, a bomb threat is used to interrupt classes.  The trouble is, a bomb threat cannot be taken lightly.  After all, who wants to be the leader of a school district that ignored a bomb threat, and had students killed as a result?

How do schools evaluate bomb threats? 

This calls for a close relationship with a district's local law enforcement.  Law enforcement can review the facts in the case and help a district determine if the threat is credible or not.  However, school leaders need to make sure they follow their own safety protocols, regardless of whether the LEOs deem a bomb threat 'credible' or not.

What say you?

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Safe Havens, International

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A Southern California school district is allowing some Sikh students to carry an article of their faith—a dagger-like blade called a kirpan.

At least three high school students in the Jurupa Unified School District will be allowed to wear the approximately 2-inch knives at school after their parents agreed to solder them or sew them into the sheaths so they cannot be used as weapons, Superintendent Elliott Duchon said.

The kirpan is one of five sacred articles that baptized Sikhs must wear.

"This is an issue of religious freedom and of faith," said Mary Burns, the district's longest-serving school board member. "Who am I to deny what is an article of faith of a 600-year-old religion?"
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The high school was placed on lockdown shortly before noon today following a shooting in the area, said Keith Ward, a school district spokesman. The lockdown was lifted by 1 p.m.

Ward said the procedure is done any time there is a potential threat to students' safety.

Safe Havens, International

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School district superintendent Joseph Bergant told the newspaper he thinks the February shooting at the school that left three students dead has taken its toll on survivors.

The district is now increasing efforts to spread awareness regarding the signs and symptoms of those who may be considering doing harm to themselves or others and need help.

Safe Havens, International