LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – Glenbrook Middle School in Longmeadow is closed Friday, following the discovery of a threat Thursday afternoon.
According to a statement from Superintendent of Schools Martin O’Shea, at around 2:45 P.M. Thursday, a student reported seeing a message on a restroom wall threatening future school violence.
Longmeadow police are now investigating to determine who made the threat. Police and school personnel say they are taking this matter very seriously.
“My older one last night, he was like ‘I’m really uncomfortable going to school tomorrow.’ My younger one still doesn’t really get it all that much but they are happy to stay home today,” said Brian Spaulding of Longmeadow. Spaulding decided to keep both of his kids home from school after receiving emails from the Longmeadow Public School Department regarding the threat.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous and it shouldn’t be happening. Our kids and their parents should be able to send kids to school and feel that their kids are safe all day and there shouldn’t be any violence in schools,” said Alex Bloom of Westfield.
“It’s very unsettling and it’s disruptive to the school day and you already have so much going on as a student, that like your safety is like something that you’d want to be guaranteed,” said Katelyn Fernandes of Ludlow.
In a follow-up statement sent before 9:00 Thursday night, O’Shea wrote: “To be clear, while we have no reason to believe a genuine threat exists, we do not yet have the confidence to confirm that the school violence threat made at Glenbrook is a criminal hoax.”
The superintendent added, “student and staff safety and a sense of security are of primary importance.”
Longmeadow staff and families received an update with additional information Friday afternoon regarding this investigation.
“I am writing to the LPS community with an update regarding the threat made to Glenbrook Middle School.
While the investigation into this matter is not complete, progress is being made. I am grateful to the Longmeadow Police Department and the Glenbrook administrative team for their diligence and determination throughout the investigation. As soon as possible and when prudent, I will provide you with updates or information on our assessment of this threat.
In the meantime, I want to assure staff and families that a team of administrators is working thoughtfully on a plan in anticipation of student and staff re-entry on Monday, January 30. I anticipate that the day will begin with a staff meeting led by school and district administration and which will include representatives from the Longmeadow Police Department. With input from our LPS counselors, we will provide resources, supports, messages, and strategies to allay concerns, promote a sense of safety and assure students that they are in the care of trusted adults.
Thank you for your support and patience as we work together to prioritize the safety of students and staff. Additional updates will follow. Parents/caregivers can expect additional information on our re-entry plan prior to Monday.”
Marty O’Shea, Superintendent of Schools
All other Longmeadow schools will be open as normal on Friday, but with an additional police presence.
