Penndale Update 1/30/23

Penndale Update 1/30/23 7:15 PM

January 30, 2023 - 7:15 pm Update

Good evening, everyone.

Since my last communication, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Lansdale Police Department’s Chief Mike Trail regarding today’s events.  Chief Trail has also been working with other local and county officials and departments.  After much discussion, school will be held in person at Penndale Middle School tomorrow, Tuesday, January 31st. 

While the investigation is ongoing, there is no immediate threat to our students and staff. Lansdale intends to have a robust police presence at the building throughout the day.  We will also be allocating additional security resources to Penndale and across the district. Families who want their child to remain home must follow normal absence procedures.  

Thank you and have a nice evening.

Todd M. Bauer
Superintendent

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January 30, 2023 - 3:00 pm update


Dear North Penn Families and Staff,


The safety of our staff and students is of utmost importance, as is communicating so that we all have accurate information. Today, NPSD was notified by police in regard to a threat of a shooting received against Penndale Middle School that was made to a national crisis line. Upon learning of the threat, police immediately reported to the building and worked in collaboration with NPSD Security and Administration to investigate and sweep the building. Several police units and county detectives were on site for precautionary reasons. 


The school was placed in a “Hold” which meant that students remained in their classrooms and did not traverse from one class to another.  We also utilized a “Lock Out” as an additional precaution to keep students and staff safe, meaning no one was permitted to enter or leave the building. While NPSD personnel and law enforcement continued to investigate the situation, the school remained in a hold and lock out until approximately noon when we learned of a bomb threat. At that time, in consultation with police, Penndale was dismissed out of an abundance of caution. 


At this time, we do not have reason to suspect that it was a Penndale student who made the threat. Rumors of students being taken out of school in handcuffs are not true. A decision regarding whether or not students and staff will report to Penndale tomorrow will be decided this evening in collaboration with local law enforcement. In the event that school is not in session, we would utilize a virtual day for Penndale.


Please understand that the investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided when we have any further information. I want to thank our local law enforcement for their assistance, as well as Penndale students, staff, and families for their cooperation today.


Sincerely,


Todd M. Bauer

Superintendent