While Saucon Valley School District usually stays out of the news, the week of Feb. 20 was an exception.

On Monday, Feb. 20, around 8 p.m., Saucon parents received an email from Superintendent Jaime Vlasaty explaining the school board’s decision to allow the After School Satan Club to use the middle school as a meeting place. Vlasaty stressed that, as the district allows groups of other faiths to meet on campus, it cannot deny the ASSC equal access.

To no one’s surprise, that announcement was the main topic of conversation in the hallways the following day. While no one seemed to directly support the organization’s use of the building, many students agreed that it was only fair that the group be allowed equal access alongside other groups.

Students were dismissed for the day Feb. 21 after Vlasaty was made aware of a threat left on voicemail by an unidentified male. The Lower Saucon Township Police Department was called in to search the school, but as the afternoon turned into evening, nothing was found.

Vlasaty made the decision to close school the following day. Students and staff returned to the building Feb. 23, and school resumed as normal, save for an increased police presence in the hallways.

On Feb. 24, Vlasaty released an email to parents informing them of “[her] recent decision to rescind approval for the use of the school district’s facilities” on grounds that the ASSC violated district requirements.

“Our community has experienced chaos,” she added. “Our students, staff and teachers have had to endure a threat to their safety and welfare. The gravity of feelings of instability, anxiety and fear have been profound.”

The following Tuesday, Feb. 28, Vlasaty sent another email to students and parents stating that, “the individual responsible for the threat… [had] been arrested in North Carolina and is currently in prison.” He has been charged with terroristic threats and is awaiting extradition back to Pennsylvania.

Despite the recent turmoil, not all Saucon news is bad news. Its swimming and boys basketball teams have advanced to districts, and the wrestling team has moved on to regionals.

Additionally, many in Saucon’s high school are looking forward to its upcoming production of “Mary Poppins,” which will run from Thursday, March 9, [tomorrow through Sunday] through Sunday, March 12. (Tickets can be purchased at www.showtix4u.com, and by typing in “Saucon Valley High School” in the website’s search bar.)