HOLYOKE — In response to potential online threats made last week, Holyoke Public Schools released additional information about online school safety threats and how the department works in these situations.
On Sept. 23, law enforcement agencies statewide took extra safety precautions after a number of schools received threats over the weekend.
One of those schools named was Sullivan School, but there was uncertainty if it was for Sullivan Middle School in Holyoke, or a school by a similar name in Worcester. As a precaution, Sullivan Middle School students in Holyoke were scanned with handheld metal detectors upon arrival and staff searched bags, with nothing threatening being found.
State and local police across the state began investigating a series of likely related social media posts that have recently threatened school violence. Based on those collective investigations to date, law enforcement now considers this rash of threats to be noncredible. Police are continuing their investigations into the person or persons responsible for posting these threats.
Superintendent Anthony Soto sent out a letter to families and staff with updated information about the widespread threats to schools in the state that were posted on social media.
“Please be assured that we hold the safety and well-being of our students and staff as our highest priority,” said Soto. “All decisions, protocols and procedures we have in place have been developed with safety in mind.”
Soto said in response to these threats the School Department would be continuing to follow threat-related safety protocols, which includes additional police presence at schools. School staff also were having conversations with students in response to the threats as a reminder to tell a trusted adult when they hear or see potential threats.
“As part of the district’s on-going commitment to safety, schools have periodically used metal detectors and conducted bag searches as students arrive at school for the day — and they will continue this practice going forward,” Soto said. He added some will be announced and some will not.
Soto also explained the department’s process and protocols for addressing alleged and real threats. All reports of threats are taken serious, and protocols call for documenting, investigating and responding to each report.
“HPS communicates both internally and externally, sharing information only after staff have verified, to the best of their abilities, the accuracy of that information,” Soto explained. “This process can take time, but HPS must always weigh the immediate safety needs of students and staff first, before communicating outside of the school building and or disrupting the school day and students important learning.”
Soto added the district has a strong partnership with Holyoke Police and its school resource officers who maintain a regular presence in schools. The district’s school safety and crisis team also meets regularly to review, monitor and refine safety procedures in coordination with both state and Holyoke police, and the Holyoke Fire Department.
Soto’s letter also explained the district’s forms of communication with parents are via the district website and direct messaging via email, text and or phone calls through the Thrillshare communication platform. HPS also shares information through the district’s mobile app, so parents are recommended to subscribe to receive direct message that way.
Soto noted there may be a time lag between when information is posed on the website and when the department communicates via direct messaging so if parents hear information from an outside source it is best to verify with the district site first.
“Please avoid calling school office lines during an emergency situation to ensure that staff can focus on the immediate needs of students and staff,” Soto said. “HPS does not post safety and emergency information on social media sites, so please don’t look there for official communication from Holyoke Public Schools. The district communicates with families and staff through the website, emails, phone calls and text messages.”
The Holyoke Police Department did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
