Bellefonte parents ‘thankful beyond words’ after threat response at high school
This letter is in thanks to the police and law enforcement agencies, Bellefonte Area High School administrators, teachers, staff and all who responded to the threats on Wednesday.
“Thank you” does not fully express our gratitude for all that they did for our kids. On Wednesday morning, a threat was called in to police of an active shooter in Bellefonte high school. Directly after receiving the threat, the school was on lockdown. Police officers arrived in under one minute. They were followed by roughly 70 officers and sheriffs within just a few minutes. The high school administration communicated with the parents inside of 15 minutes and continued to update us throughout the day. The teachers and staff members successfully locked down the school and evacuated students with the help of the police as they systematically cleared the school, room by room, floor by floor.
As a parent, seeing the plans put in place unfold before us under that terrifying threat was not only incredibly reassuring, but probably the only thing allowing us to stay sane. It was only because of everyone’s immediate and focused response that the threat was confirmed to be a hoax quickly and without communitywide panic.
As we hear the stories of our brave teachers and officers from our children, we are overwhelmed with gratitude. Police officers that did not hesitate and charged into the school to ensure the safety of our kids. Teachers that refused to open doors until it was confirmed that it was an officer on the other side, doing their due diligence. Staff members keeping kids away from windows and possible danger.
We are blessed and grateful to be under the surveillance of such good and active officers, teachers, staff and administrators, who even now, as the panic subsides, are taking time to evaluate the ways in which they could improve their response. Your perseverance, bravery and commitment are top-notch. We are extremely grateful and thankful for all you do every day, but especially in the face of such a horrifying threat.
We are thankful beyond words.