Dear Northfield School District Families:
I want you to see a message that Northfield Middle School Principal Greg Gelineau shared with families a short time ago. I want to emphasize that this situation is not connected to yesterday’s incident.
Student and staff safety is a top priority in our district. We appreciate your patience as we have worked through the two threatening incidents this week.
Sincerely,
Matt
—
Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent
mhillmann@northfieldschools.org
NMS Families:
I want our families to know that we had a student make a threat about using a weapon at the middle school during a class today. The teacher immediately brought the student to the administration. After confirming the threatening statement was made, the Northfield Police Department was called and a threat assessment was completed. After completing this assessment, it was determined that the threat was not credible and that students were not in danger. The student will be held accountable based on the consequences outlined in the Student Citizenship Handbook.
Given the timing of today’s situation, I want to make sure our families know that this is not related to yesterday’s threats. For your information, a threat assessment includes the following:
All threats of violence are immediately and thoroughly investigated to determine whether a threat is credible and has the capacity to be carried out. The investigation involves many aspects, which can include:
- Interviewing the student(s) involved.
- Interviewing staff.
- Searching persons, backpacks, vehicles or lockers.
- Reviewing video footage, if available.
- Home visits by law enforcement.
- Discussions with family members about the threat and access to weapons outside of school.
- Other investigative steps may be included based on the circumstances of the situation, including contacting law enforcement if needed.
- The basic principle of Behavioral Threat Assessment is an on-going examination of the “Totality of Circumstances,” or trying to investigate a threat from all sides to determine the likelihood it will actually happen.
All factors examined are consistent with studies done by the US Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security, who are the experts on the subject of Acts of Targeted Violence. Both Northfield Police and Northfield School District staff have attended trainings by both of those organizations specifically on the topics of school safety and threat assessment.
I am sorry to have to share this with you today. The safety of our students and staff is a top priority. If you have questions, feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Greg Gelineau
Northfield Middle School Principal