Officials from North Penn School District have provided an update to their investigation into a 8th grade student who allegedly made threats against Pennfield Middle School last month.
In an email to parents of Pennfield students, Principal Sean O’Sullivan reiterated that police were notified once the district became aware of the incident, and added that the student is no longer in attendance at Pennfield Middle School.
O’Sullivan’s statement also debunks the claim that the student had what was being referred to as a “hit list.” The email reads, in full:
Dear Pennfield Families,
I wanted to update you and clear up some misconceptions regarding the recent situation of a Pennfield student being investigated for making threats against the school community. As soon as the threats were made known to Pennfield staff, it was reported to the Hatfield Police. This student is no longer in attendance at Pennfield Middle School.
There are rumors that this student created a “hit list.” The investigation determined the list does not exist. The only list that existed was of students who police wanted to speak with because they may have had information regarding the situation.
I hope that this new information helps to ease anxiety you and your student may be experiencing. As always, guidance counselors are available to speak with your child if needed. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call me.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sean O’Sullivan, Principal
The update from the school district comes two weeks after a Change.org petition was launched, questioning the district’s initial handling of the incident. (read more about the incident and petition here)
At the root of the petition, parents made a series of demands to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff, including having the student criminally prosecuted for making terroristic threats, having the student permanently expelled and having both actions tethered in response to any student who makes such threats in the future.
Both the school district and police issued statements following the launch of the petition, stating that they had followed protocols and the incident was dealt with immediately and appropriately.
North Penn School Board Director Jonathan Kassa, who serves as chairman of the Safe Schools Committee, said he was briefed on the incident by North Penn School District Superintendent Dr. Curt Dietrich, and together they are confident that all of the protocols were followed and that the matter was dealt with by the district, in partnership with law enforcement.
Kassa said he welcomes any parent with concerns about school safety—be it this specific incident, or a more global view of safety within the district—to attend the upcoming Safe Schools meeting, scheduled for Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Educational Services Center located at 401 E. Hancock Street in Lansdale.
To read our previous coverage, click here.
See also:
Police, School District Officials Respond To Petition Questioning School Safety
Social Media Post Sparks Police Investigation Into Student At Pennbrook Middle School
Ambler NAACP Chapter Shows Support For Pennfield Petition, Plans To Attend School Board Meeting
Cosplay Causes Consternation, School Lockout In Hatfield
Student Charged After Threatening To ‘Shoot Up’ Penndale Middle School
