Students return to school after threat at OMS
BY DEBRA PALMIERI
The doors of all Parkland schools are once again open following a threat directed at Orefield Middle School on Sept. 7.
Students returned to in-person classes Sept. 12.
South Whitehall Police Chief Glen Dorney said the police department was contacted around 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 regarding a Safe2Say report of a threat directed at Orefield Middle School.
Police began an investigation immediately with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Schools were closed Sept. 8 due to the threat. Classes were offered online the next day, with after-school activities in person.
A later news release said the individual who made the threat said he was going to shoot people at the middle school.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Madson sent families an update on Sept. 12.
“As we headed back to school today, I realize that safety was on everyone’s mind,” Madson wrote. “We were all affected by the unsettling message that a threat was made in our community ... “The South Whitehall Township, Upper Macungie Township Police and Pennsylvania State Police provided additional officers and troopers at the district schools today to help ensure the safety of students and staff.
“Additionally, administrators were on site at all schools during the time when children enter school in the morning and when they leave at the end of the day. Resources will continue to be made available to help safeguard our schools.”
Dorney provided an update to the situation on Sept. 12.
“The investigation into who lodged this threat is still ongoing, and additional police resources will be made available to help safeguard our schools,” Dorney wrote.
“The law enforcement response and coordination with the Pennsylvania State Police, Upper Macungie Township Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation, in collaboration with the Parkland School District administration, has been tremendous.
“It is the joint goal of the Parkland School District and law enforcement partners to provide a safe and healthy environment for students and staff within all district schools.
“Students are encouraged to utilize the Safe2Say application to provide information that may aid in this investigation.
“The intent is to hold the person or persons responsible for this threat criminally accountable for their actions to the fullest extent of the law.”
Madson urged parents and guardians to help by “establishing a foundation of communication” with their children.
“Talk to your child about the proper outlets for stress, anger, and other emotions, monitor their social media, and engage in dialogue about the consequences of their words and actions,” Madson wrote. “Our goal is that a student should never be scared to report concerns to a trusted adult - even if they think the person they heard it from was making a joke, or that the person would not follow through on what they said, etc.
Madson offered a few things for parents to know and share with their children to help keep schools as safe as possible:
•Parkland School District and the local and state police who service our community take every threat seriously.
•If your student comes to you with something alarming they heard or saw on social media, help them report it to the appropriate source. Report any suspicious behavior as early intervention can prevent a situation from escalating.
•If you see or hear a threat, call 911, if there is any possibility of immediate risk to someone.
•Contact Safe2Say to report a school threat or concern anonymously.
•Parkland School District administrators work with local law enforcement to follow up on every tip and suspicious activity report they receive.
•The consequences of making threats can include suspension or expulsion from school and criminal prosecution.
“Early intervention can prevent a future tragedy. Reporting any threat allows law enforcement time to identify, assess, and manage the threat,” Madson wrote. “ ... The intent is to hold the person or persons responsible for this threat criminally accountable for their actions to the fullest extent of the law.”
He encouraged students to use the Safe2Say Program to provide information that may aid in this investigation.
Anyone with information related to this event should contact the South Whitehall Township Police Department at 610-398-0337 or email pdinfo@swtpd.org.