By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — An alleged threat made against Lynnfield High School students was determined not to be credible by Lynnfield Police, Superintendent Tom Geary stated in an Aug. 27 letter.
Geary stated in the letter sent to families that the Lynnfield Police Department “was made aware of a threat shared via social media by a Lynnfield High School student” on the morning of the first day of school.
“High school administration was notified by LPD, and we followed established protocols to investigate the matter,” stated Geary. “Upon receiving this information, the student was immediately removed. After an investigation led by LPD, in collaboration with school administration, it was determined that the threat was not credible and posed no danger to our students, staff or school community.”
Geary stressed to families that, “the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”
“While (Aug. 27’s) situation was resolved quickly and determined to be non-viable, we understand that such events can be unsettling,” stated Geary. “We are grateful for our partnership with LPD and for their leadership, cooperation and swift response. As always, we encourage students, staff and families to report any concerns directly to school administration or the LPD. Working together helps us maintain the safe and supportive learning environment that our community expects and deserves. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.”
The alleged LHS threat on Aug. 27 occurred on the same day a shooter killed two Catholic school students and wounded 15 children sitting in the pews of a Minneapolis church. The children were celebrating Mass on the first week of classes at the Annunciation Catholic School.
The School Department has adopted the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and the Standard Reunification Method (SRM) safety protocols. The SRP’s program entails using protocols called “Hold,” “Secure,” “Lockdown,” “Evacuate” and “Shelter.”
Ellen and John-Michael Keyes founded the “I Love U Guys” Foundation in 2006 after their daughter, Emily, was killed while SWAT team members were responding to a hostage situation at Platte Canyon High School in Bailey, Colorado.
Over 50,000 schools in the United States, Canada and 11 different countries have adopted the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s protocols.