MISHAWAKA — Penn-Harris-Madison’s Schmucker Middle School will have additional law enforcement officers on-site Wednesday, March 4, after administrators learned about a violent social media message threatening the school.
According to a letter sent to Schmucker parents Wednesday morning from Principal Sarah Smith, the school was notified about a Snapchat message viewed by a Schmucker student that said “the school was going to be shot up and that you better duck and dodge.”
The letter says P-H-M’s director of safety and student services, Tommy Teeter, was immediately notified. Teeter is working directly with law enforcement as they investigate and “put several precautionary measures in place” to ensure students and staff are safe, the letter says.
“The safety of your child is a top priority for Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation,” the letter says. “We take these matters very seriously, responding immediately with the appropriate action.”
Additional law enforcement officers will be on campus throughout the day on Wednesday, Smith’s letter says, and Teeter will also be on site to help coordinate.
The letter also tells parents to remind their children to report any unsafe behavior or situations to an adult immediately. Families can report student concerns using the Safe School Helpline, available anytime via the app, phone, text or online.
Lucha Ramey, P-H-M’s director of communications, said officials are actively investigating and the school hopes to have an update to share with parents soon.
Email South Bend Tribune education reporter Rayleigh Deaton at rdeaton@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: P-H-M’s Schmucker Middle increases security after threatening message
Reporting by Rayleigh Deaton, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
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