WESTWOOD— A rumored threat at Westwood Middle School on Friday morning was determined to be unfounded following an investigation by local police and school administrators. No credible danger was identified, and officials are urging the community to avoid spreading misinformation on social media.
The text of Calderón’s follow-up on Friday:
Dear Westwood Regional School District Families,
This message serves as a follow-up to yesterday’s communication regarding the reported threat at the middle school. Today, on the morning of Oct. 11, 2024, student arrival was closely monitored by the Westwood Police Department and administration. I am pleased to report that no safety issues were identified, and we are grateful for the steadfast collaboration and partnership with our local law enforcement. Their commitment to ensuring the safety of our students has been unwavering.
Following the arrival, the WWPD and WRMS administrative team conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the police investigation and the district’s findings. Based on the comprehensive information gathered, it was determined that no credible threat was made, and the concern originated from third-party hearsay—an unsubstantiated rumor.
However, if anyone has firsthand information regarding this matter, we encourage you to come forward, as this could prompt a reopening of the investigation with the police.
It is essential to remind our community that we are bound by student privacy laws in all situations that occur within the school district. We kindly ask for your understanding as we adhere to these guidelines when sharing details and to understand that we are following the guidelines with the release of information. We continue to work with all students involved to ensure they receive the appropriate support and services, as necessary.
We understand that situations like this can create unnecessary stress for both parents and students. Please know that the safety and security of our school community are always our top priority. We kindly ask for the community’s support to not make assumptions when posting on social media. While we certainly understand parental concerns regarding student safety—concerns that the district shares—making premature conclusions can unintentionally cause harm to those involved. By working together and communicating through the proper channels, we can help ensure that the facts are clear and the situation is handled with care. I wish to reiterate that the investigation concluded that no credible threat was made, and the concern stemmed from an unsubstantiated rumor.
As always, our school counselors are available to support any students who may feel unsettled by recent events. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and trust as we work together to ensure the well-being of every student. Thank you for your continued support.
Should you have any questions or concerns, we strongly urge you to contact your building principal directly, as social media often can spread misinformation and amplify confusion.
On Oct. 12, the school board added this to the official outreach:
We hope this email finds everyone well and enjoying their weekend. First and foremost, we want to reassure you that the safety of our students, staff, and community members remains the top priority of this Board.
We understand the concerns following the recent report of a potential threat in our district. Thankfully, after a collaborative investigation by the Westwood and Washington Township police, it was determined that the student in question did not verbalize the alleged threat. As parents and community members ourselves, we share the instinct to seek immediate answers in moments of uncertainty and fear. We care deeply about the safety of all our students and ask for your partnership to maintain that safety.
We thank our local law enforcement for their response and dedication to protecting our community. Their investigation reassured us that there was no immediate danger present, and we remain confident in their ability to respond promptly in any future situations. While the immediate threat was discredited, efforts are ongoing to ensure the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of all involved.
Our district takes all potential threats seriously. We handle these matters with compassion, balancing safety with the rights of individuals involved.
In addition, we recognize that misinformation, though often unintended, can lead to confusion, heightened anxiety, and unnecessary risks. Sharing unverified details on social media or other informal channels can amplify fear and complicate safety efforts. We kindly ask for your support in preventing the spread of rumors. We urge everyone to rely on official communication channels for updates.
In any safety situation, our district, in collaboration with law enforcement, will always prioritize the immediate protection of students, staff, and the community. Once safety is secured, we will share accurate and reliable information with you. While we aim to keep you informed as quickly as possible, accuracy remains our top priority in every update. Each situation is handled with care, and we are steadfast in our commitment to long-term security.
We understand that we live in a time of heightened uncertainty and fear due to the challenges faced by schools nationwide. We are committed to working together to address these concerns and keep our community safe.
We thank you for your trust, understanding, ongoing cooperation and partnership.
We are all Cardinals.
Sincerely,
Mr. Jason Garcia and the Westwood Regional Board of Trustees