Norwin student who made online threat not a concern to public safety, superintendent says

NORTH HUNTINGDON, Pa. — UPDATE 7:20 a.m. Thursday (5/26/22):

The Norwin School District superintendent Dr. Jeff Taylor said that they’ve confirmed the student who made the threat is not a threat to public safety.

Here’s the full update posted to the school’s website:

Good morning Norwin Faculty and Staff,

Last evening, the District received a report from the Pennsylvania Safe2Say Reporting System of a possible threat of violence against a Middle School student and an employee. The threat was made during a social media conversation between students. North Huntingdon Township Police quickly identified the student as a possible suspect for the threat.

It has been confirmed that the student who made the threat is not a threat to public safety.

Throughout Norwin School District, the safety and security of our students is of utmost concern. When emergencies occur, the administration relies on our District’s Safety and Security Plan which was created with advice from a number of safety professionals.

If you have any specific questions or concerns about school safety procedures, please contact your building principal.

Best regards,

Dr. Jeff Taylor

Superintendent

Previous coverage:

A middle school student and an employee at Norwin Middle School in North Huntingdon were the target of a possible threat of violence.

According to a release from Norwin School District, the district received a report of the threat Wednesday evening. The threat was made on social media during a conversation between students.

The release said the district immediately initiated its District Safety and Security Plan procedures.

North Huntingdon Township police investigated and mitigated the threat. The police department identified the students and employee involved and took the necessary steps, along with the district, to ensure they will not be on school transportation or property Thursday.

The release said Norwin School District will have added police presence in its buildings Thursday and is activating “enhanced safety and security protocols as per our safety and security plan.”

The release, signed by superintendent Dr. Jeff Taylor, said:

“The District considers all threats to the safety and security of our students and employees to be serious until an incident is deemed not credible by law enforcement. Threats against our students and/or employees are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the Norwin School District. Please know that this behavior would be a significant violation of our student conduct policy and may result in serious disciplinary consequences such as expulsion as well as criminal charges.

“In light of the horrific event that took place in Texas this week, I understand that this safety alert may cause a heightened sense of concern. I encourage parents and guardians to take this opportunity to talk with your children about appropriate use of social media and the serious consequences of inappropriate communication.

“Our primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff ~ a job that we take very seriously. We will try to the best of our ability to communicate as quickly as possible with our employees and community members without compromising the integrity of the police investigation.

“If you have any specific questions or concerns about school safety procedures, please contact your building principal. Thank you for your attention to this communication.”

The release also said that because this situation involves students and is an active policy matter, no further details are available at this time.

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