At around 9:00 Thursday morning police in departments across the state responded to schools after receiving threatening phone calls according to officials.
First State Update began receiving hundreds of messages as parents learned that their children’s schools and even area hospitals were on lockdown.
Several districts across the state have posted notices regarding the incident:
Newark Charter
We have been informed that across the state and nation “swatting” calls are being made threatening school violence. Again, NCS has not has not received any of these calls. Newark Police will continue to visit our schools throughout the day to monitor outdoor spaces. We have confirmed that all doors are secure and are not permitting students to go outdoors for recess and physical education classes. No determination has been made at this time regarding after school activities. NCS administration will continue to work in partnership with Newark Police to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of our school community.
Christina School District
Notice for Thursday, March 2: Statewide Safety Concern
Because safety is our top priority, this message is to make you aware that Christina School District has been notified of potential statewide safety concerns. Local police agencies have received numerous phone calls threatening to bring harm to specific schools in the State of Delaware.
Out of an abundance of caution, all schools and programs will be placed on heightened security and instructed to shelter in place for student safety. Classes, activities, and transitions between classes within the building will continue as normal. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff, and incidents like this remind us that we must constantly be vigilant. At this time, we anticipate normal dismissal.
We will continue to work closely with the Wilmington Police Department, Newark Police Department, and the Delaware State Police.
We encourage parents and guardians to talk to students about the importance of sharing information with adults and to remind students to report any incidents involving student safety on or off campus to a school administrator immediately.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
Delaware Department of Education (DDOE)
From Delaware State Police:
DSP is actively investigating threats made to multiple schools. There have been no safety concerns identified at this time. DSP is actively working with the schools as they initiate protocols to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
We have received reports from parents that police in Lewes, Dover, Milford, Cape Henlopen, and Smyrna also responded to local schools.