Stamford School Officials, Police Look Into Non-Specific Threats: SPS

STAMFORD, CT — Rumors of non-specific threats posted online that have affected several school districts around the state have trickled into Stamford.

A juvenile Westport student was arrested after police said the student posted a threat on social media against Staples High School, and on Wednesday, Bridgeport police arrested a juvenile student in that community under similar circumstances.

Bridgeport closed schools on Friday. WFSB reported that classes at public schools in Bristol and Torrington were canceled out of an abundance of caution.

"What we've seen over the last couple of days is wider circulation within our school community of the vague, non-specific threats that have been circulating in many other districts," Stamford Public Schools spokesperson Kathleen Steinberg told Patch via email.

At Turn of River Middle School, someone reported a rumored threat to school administrators and the Stamford Police Department late Wednesday night, Steinberg said.

"The SPD investigated and deemed the rumor not credible," she added, noting that TOR Principal Dr. Mark Bonasera and his team met with students on Thursday to answer questions about school safety. Student support staff also met with students who needed support.

In a message to families, Bonasera said there would be extra police presence on campus Thursday.

On Friday, according to Steinberg, SPS received reports from Cloonan Middle School and TOR that students and staff arrived at school concerned about another non-specific threat circulating online.

"The SPD confirmed that this threat was not credible, either," Steinberg said.

Cloonan Principal Natalie Martinez shared a message with families Friday morning, urging them to report any concerns or threats against the school community to police or district administration.

Superintendent of SPS Dr. Tamu Lucero also sent a letter to families, teachers, administrators, and staff Thursday afternoon.

"I want to remind everyone that our security director, Joe Kennedy, works with the SPD to assess and investigate every alleged threat or rumor reported to us. The SPD prioritizes school security, and they canvas our school campuses on a regular basis and provide an enhanced presence when circumstances warrant. Although much of the SPD’s investigative work takes place out of public view, you can be assured that every alleged threat is taken seriously," Lucero said.

Lucero noted that students who make false threats against a school will face consequences, including possible criminal charges and disciplinary action.

"Please talk to your children about the consequences of their words and actions both online and off," Lucero said. "Stamford Public Schools is doing everything we can to provide a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors."