Holyoke Public Schools has emailed updated information to families and staff about the widespread threats to schools in Massachusetts recently posted on social media sites.
“I also want to tell you more about the process and protocols we follow—and how we communicate—every time there is an alleged or real threat that could affect our schools,” Superintendent Anthony Soto said in that email. “Please be assured that we hold the safety and well-being of our students and staff as our highest priority. All decisions, protocols, and procedures we have in place have been developed with safety in mind.”
Social media threat update
State and local police across Massachusetts have been investigating a series of likely related social media posts that have recently threatened school violence. Based on their collective investigations to date, law enforcement now considers this rash of threats to be noncredible. Police are continuing their investigations into the person or persons responsible for posting these threats.
In response to these widespread threats, HPS continues to follow threat-related safety protocols, including additional police presence at schools. School staff are having conversations with students to remind them to tell a trusted adult if they hear, see, or otherwise become aware of potential threats. Schools have also heightened monitoring when students, staff, and visitors enter schools.
As part of the district’s on-going commitment to safety, schools have periodically used metal detectors and conducted bag searches as students arrive at school for the day—and they will continue this practice going forward. Some of these searches will be announced in advance, and some will not. For unannounced searches, schools will continue to send a message home to families with an update after they have closed the search for the day.
Holyoke Public School’s process and protocols for alleged and real threats
HPS takes every report of possible threats seriously. The district follows established protocols and procedures for documenting, investigating, and responding to each report. These steps vary based on the nature of the reported threat. They are not publicly shared to ensure safety and security for students, staff, and building visitors, and to protect the integrity of law enforcement investigations.
HPS communicates both internally and externally, sharing information only after staff have verified, to the best of their abilities, the accuracy of that information. This process can take time, but HPS must always weigh the immediate safety needs of students and staff first, before communicating outside of the school building and/or disrupting the school day and students’ important learning.
The district has a strong partnership with Holyoke Police and its school resource officers who maintain a regular presence in schools. The district’s school safety and crisis team meets regularly to review, monitor, and refine safety procedures, in coordination with both State and Holyoke Police, and the Holyoke Fire Department.
How HPS communicate with families about reported safety threats and emergencies
WEBSITE (news stories and pop-up alerts)
HPS posts information on the district’s website in one or two locations, depending on the nature of the reported threat or emergency.
NEWS: HPS shares time-sensitive information via stories in the regular news section of the website that can be found on the district and school home pages. Look here for important news and updates that do not require any action on the part of families or staff.
POP-UP ALERTS: HPS posts pop-up alerts on every page of the website if there is urgent information that may require families and/or staff to take action.
HPS encourages everyone to consider the district website as the first and best source of information about what is happening in Holyoke schools.
DIRECT MESSAGING (emails, text messages, and/or phone calls)
HPS shares important safety information with families via email, text messages, and/or phone calls through the Thrillshare communication platform.
HPS also shares information through the district’s mobile app, so subscribe if you’d like to receive messages directly on your cell phone. Look for “Holyoke Public Schools” in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store to download.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
There may be a time lag between when information is posted on the website and when the district communicates via direct messaging. If you hear information from an outside source that you would like to verify, please check the HPS website first.
Be sure your contact information on file with the district is up to date to ensure you receive HPS messages. You can provide updates at any time by completing this form.
Please avoid calling school office lines during an emergency situation to ensure that staff can focus on the immediate needs of students and staff.
HPS does NOT post safety and emergency information on social media sites, so please don’t look there for official communication from Holyoke Public Schools. The district communicates with families and staff through the website, emails, phone calls, and text messages.