What was termed “a disturbing Facebook posting” overnight has prompted South Kitsap School District Superintendent Michelle Reid to distribute a letter to school parents.
Reid wrote that a student at Marcus Whitman Junior High had posted threatening statements on Facebook, prompting intervention by the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office. According to the school district, the student has been arrested and taken into custody.
Reid said no further threat remains to students at the school.
The superintendent’s letter is below:
Hello South Kitsap families,
As we are one large district family, I want to update you about a situation that transpired over the course of last evening. Someone contacted the Kitsap Sheriff’s Department late last night to report disturbing Facebook postings regarding the possibility of a school threat situation at Marcus Whitman Junior High in the future. These threats were investigated by our outstanding law enforcement officers and the young person responsible for the threats has been arrested and taken into custody.
There is no further threat to Marcus Whitman or any other school in the district at this time.
Mr. Carlson, the principal at Marcus Whitman, will be meeting with staff at the school this morning and notes it will be another great teaching and learning day today. Deputy Brown will be on campus at Marcus Whitman this morning to provide the support he routinely provides for students and staff in the district.
We currently live in a time that is fraught with anxiety, fear and at times threat. It is important to remember that we are safe and that it is always important to report any information that is threatening or disturbing in nature.
It is so important when working with young people to recognize their struggles and be mindful of the expressions of frustration and anger so that we can either intervene personally or refer them to support staff who can assist them in working through life’s challenges.
We remain resolutely committed to the safety and well-being of all our students and staff. Together all things are possible. Please contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
Let’s have a great Thursday!
Warmest regards,
Michelle Reid, Ed.D. Superintendent
