Student and staff safety is a top priority of the Lambton Kent District School Board and the LKDSB takes all alleged threats to students and staff safety seriously. There has recently been a photo and message circulating through social media that suggests an alleged threat to a school to occur this week. The image has been circulated amongst two LKDSB secondary schools.
Chatham-Kent Police Service was immediately contacted and conducted an investigation. All necessary safety protocols were followed at the two schools. Upon further investigation, it was determined that this was not a threat to any LKDSB schools. The investigation determined this social media post is related to a school in a different school board district and an arrest has been made in connection to this incident.
In the interest of public confidence and transparency, messages have been sent to parents and guardians of the two schools and a letter has been posted on their websites.
We are also encouraging parents and guardians to have ongoing conversations with their children about personal safety strategies and responsible digital citizenship. Teachers address the topic of personal safety with our students in age-appropriate ways as part of the regular curriculum, and as the need arises, to reinforce these important lessons.
It is important to remind students about responsible use of social media and responsible digital citizenship. Inappropriate use of social media, while on or off school property, either during the school day or outside it, that has a negative impact on school climate, may result in an investigation and action where appropriate.
Additionally, if you are aware of any photos/social media posts of concern or any suspicious activity regarding your school community, please contact local police, as you should take all alleged threats seriously. Please read a media release from Chatham-Kent Police Service: http://ckpolice.com/school-threats-on-social-media/
Should you have any further questions, please contact your school principal.
Sincerely,
Gary Girardi
Superintendent of Education