Dear Northfield Public Schools Families:
In alignment with our strategic commitment to communication, I want you to see a copy of this message that Northfield Middle School Principal Greg Gelineau sent to families a short time ago. To emphasize Mr. Gelineau’s message, the Northfield Police Department promptly conducted a threat assessment, including a home visit. Their conclusion is that it was not a credible threat and students and staff are not in danger. Please contact Mr. Gelineau directly if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Matt
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Matt Hillmann, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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NMS Families:
I want our families to know that we had a report of a student making a threat about using a weapon at the middle school. Administration immediately notified the Northfield Police Department and a threat assessment with a home visit was completed. After completing this assessment, it was determined that the threat was not credible and our students are not in danger. Our Student Citizenship Handbook consequences are followed anytime a threat is verified.
As a reminder, 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:
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Interviewing the student(s) involved.
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Interviewing staff.
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Searching persons, backpacks, vehicles or lockers.
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Reviewing video footage, if available.
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Home visits by law enforcement.
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Discussions with family members about the threat and access to weapons outside of school.
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Other investigative steps may be included based on the circumstances of the situation, including contacting law enforcement if needed.
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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
ggelineau@northfieldschools.org