Dear First Colonial Parents and Guardians:  

I would like to make you aware of a recent incident that had the potential to be widely disruptive for us and ask your assistance in helping ensure a similar one doesn’t occur in the future. Yesterday at approximately 4 p.m., we were alerted by the school system’s Office of Safe Schools and Risk Management that a text message was circulating among students. That message warned of a gun-related incident slated to take place at First Colonial on Thursday, March 6. You should know that the police investigated this situation and determined the threat was not valid. They were also able to identify the person who created and sent the message. Unfortunately, that person is a student who now faces disciplinary action from the school system as well as possible charges by the police.  

The timing of this incident is very unfortunate. Tomorrow First Colonial will participate in the “Every 15 Minutes” event. This event, which is sponsored by the police, involves a dramatic scenario that identifies student actors as victims of drunk driving. Since “Every 15 Minutes” is hosted by police, there will be a police presence here. I am concerned that the presence of uniformed personnel and official vehicles will cause some alarm and that there may be speculation that this is related to that unfortunate text message. I am asking your help in dispelling such rumors. Consequently, please pass a copy of this communication on to any parent who could benefit from the information.  

I am also asking you to remind your children that if they become aware of a threat, their first response should be to alert school administration and/or the police so that it can be dealt with quickly and decisively versus forwarding the message around.

You should know that our goal is always to foster an atmosphere where students feel free to come to us if they become aware of a potential threat to student safety. However, we also fully intend to take disciplinary action against those who make threats or who participate in behavior specifically designed to disrupt the school day. While students have been allowed the courtesy of having their cell phones in school, School Board policy prohibits their use during the school day. Obviously, common sense dictates that a student would not be punished for using a cell phone in a true emergency, but action will be taken when the behavior is designed to create hysteria. This recent incident also underscores the fact police will investigate and subsequent charges are a likely outcome.  

At First Colonial we are very serious about ensuring that our school remains a safe learning environment and we ask you to be our partners in this all-important endeavor. I thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,  

Dale Holt

Principal