Worcester Schools Report 'Threats Of Violence On Social Media'

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester Public Schools have seen an uptick in "reported threats of violence on social media," officials said in a statement Monday.

Threats at schools across the state and country have been increasing recently following a school shooting in Georgia that left four dead.

See related: Waltham Middle School Threat Prompts Increased Police Presence

Police do not believe the threats to Worcester schools are credible. However, there will be additional police patrols at schools across the city Monday and over the next several days.

The threats are under investigation.

Below is the full joint statement from Superintendent Rachel Monárrez and Interim Police Chief Paul Saucier.

Dear Worcester Public Schools Community,

We are writing to provide you an update about the reported threats of violence on social media toward various schools in Worcester. Please know we are aware of these messages and they are being investigated by the Worcester Police Department (WPD).

The Worcester Police Department does not believe these messages are credible. It is safe to send your students to school.

As a precautionary measure, there will be extra police patrols around schools across the city today and over the next several days. Additionally, we have shared information with our staff to increase vigilance around visitor management and to ensure safety protocols are being followed.

Every threatening message that has been shared with the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) has been reported to the Worcester Police Department. In every instance, WPD has found these threats to not be credible. School districts across Massachusetts and the nation are experiencing an uptick in receiving these types of messages. However, please note that we always take these threats seriously and will always make sure they are investigated.
In addition, we will communicate with families when these issues occur. Please make sure your contact information is updated in WooEdu (or Team Online for staff) to receive our alerts via ParentSquare.

Teachers and counselors are here to speak with any student who is feeling anxious or worried. Visit the Health and Wellness page of our website for additional resources on how to speak with your children. For more information about safety protocols in WPS, view the district Standard Response Protocols or the Safety Department web pages.

Please know that WPS and WPD are in close communication to ensure the safety of our students and staff, which is always our top priority. If you or your children learn of any safety concerns, please report them to an administrator at your school.

Sincerely,

Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD
Superintendent
Worcester Public Schools

Paul B. Saucier
Interim Police Chief
Worcester Police Department