1.18.24
Dear Families and Staff:
As you may have heard on the news, yesterday a number of law enforcement agencies across the state and nation received anonymous “swatting” calls referencing active shooter situations in schools. We have been advised by law enforcement that these types of calls are not credible and are designed to trigger the dispatch of emergency services to a particular address as a hoax. The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is collaborating with the Iowa Department of Education (DOE) and communicating with school districts regarding swatting calls directed at Iowa schools.
While our district did not receive such a call, the purpose of this message is to let you know that we are prepared if we do. Our first priority is (and will always be) to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Thus, any and all threats will be taken seriously and may result in the mobilization of our safety procedures (including lockdown) out of an abundance of caution. Please know that we will communicate with you as soon as we are able in these situations. Our first priority is always to ensure the safety of those we serve which can result in slight delays in communication.
It’s extremely unfortunate that our local law enforcement partners are dealing with these kinds of calls. Responding creates a great amount of undue stress for everyone, including parents and students, which is why there are serious consequences for those that participate in this type of criminal behavior.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s building administrator or me.
Sincerely,
Chris Bergman, Interim Superintendent
Ckay Jensen, Jr. Sr. High Principal
Mark Young, Jacobson Elementary Principal