[UPDATED] BREAKING NEWS: Bethel Public Schools Are On a Partial Lock Out Due to Threat to Bethel High School

[Update 1:31 p.m.]

Latest message from Bethel Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Carver:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

I am writing to update you regarding a situation that took place at Bethel High School this morning. The high school administration was notified this morning of a threat made against the students and staff at the high school. Following protocol, the high school went into and lockout this morning and the Bethel Police were notified. To take extra precaution we also did a partial lock out of the whole campus. With the assistance of the high school administration and the Bethel Police Department the threat was investigated and the individual who made the threat was apprehended without incident. Thankfully, the investigation indicated there was no imminent danger to the students or the staff and the high school is back to its regular schedule.

Please be assured that we care deeply about our students, staff, and you, as parents, who support our work in the schools. It is our shared belief that the safety of our students and staff is paramount. I commend the high school administration and staff for carrying out the safety procedures we have in place in all our schools fully and quickly. Although I am prohibited discussing any confidential student information by both state and federal law, we appreciate your ongoing support and belief in our efforts to provide a safe environment for you son/daughter. Please feel free to contact me at any time should you care to discuss this or any other matter related to the Bethel Public Schools.

Christine Carver, Ed. D.

Superintendent of Schools

Bethel Public Schools

P.O. Box 253Bethel, CT 06801

(203)-794-8601

[Update 11:45 a.m.]

According to the Superintendent’s office, the lock-out has been lifted.

Middle School and Johnson School are still being held today and they will be dismissed early as planned.

*****

Message just received from Bethel Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Carver is as follows:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The Bethel Public Schools are no longer in a partial lock out. The threat has been resolved. We thank our parents for their patience and the Bethel Police Department for their good work.

As always, we take all safety and security of our students and staff seriously.

Middle School and Johnson School Conferences are still being held today. As a reminder, Middle School/Johnson School will be dismissing early today at 12:56pm for conferences.

Christine Carver, Ed. D.

Superintendent of Schools

Bethel Public Schools

P.O. Box 253

Bethel, CT 06801

(203)-794-8601

[Original article]

Report by Paula Antolini

Message just received from Bethel Superintendent Dr. Christine Carver:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The Bethel Public Schools are in a partial lock out at all schools due to a threat made through social media to Bethel High School.

We are working with the Bethel Police Department. To err on the side of caution students are not allowed outside during a partial lockout. We take the safety and security of our students and staff seriously. We will let you know if more information arises.

Christine Carver, Ed. D.

Superintendent of Schools

Bethel Public Schools

P.O. Box 253

Bethel, CT 06801

(203)-794-8601