Peabody High Takes Safety Steps After MA School Threat

PEABODY, MA — Peabody Veterans Memorial High School was among several schools across Massachusetts taking additional safety precautions Thursday after a "non-specific" threat of violence was posted on social media.

Haverhill, Lawrence and Waltham were among the other high schools that had an added police presence at the schools because of the threat.

In a message to high school families, the school said that students in many communities in the state "received the same disturbing social media message" about a potential shooting at "the school" that officials said was posted on Snapchat.

"The post made no reference to the city of Peabody or to any of the Peabody Public Schools," Peabody Superintendent of Schools Josh Vadala told Patch. "In collaboration with the Peabody Police Department, we were able to quickly determine that this was not a credible threat.

"Any situation like this is a good opportunity for us to review our safety and security protocols. We continue to appreciate the positive and collaborative relationships we have with our public safety departments including the Peabody Police Department."

Vadala added that schools received information that the source of the threat was identified in New Hampshire.

The school was taking several steps to help verify safety on Thursday, including frequent checks that all doors are closed and locked, making sure all visitors enter through the main entrance that is monitored by security, only allowing in visitors who previously made appointments and having two resource officers watch for any suspicious activity throughout the day.

"We realize information like this creates fear and can be unsettling," officials said in the school email that was posted on a Peabody community Facebook page. "The safety of our staff and students is our highest priority. Unfortunately, social media allows this type of activity to move quickly and cause panic, regardless of the credibility of the threat."

Parents were told they will be updated if more information becomes available.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

More Patch Coverage: Increased Police Presence At Waltham High School Due To Threats