PORT ANGELES — An event at Port Angeles High School that began with a potential threat found written on a desk was resolved without incident when the person found responsible was identified, Principal Jeff Lunt said.
Law enforcement nonetheless remained at the high school throughout the day Friday as a precaution after the message was discovered Thursday.
“Law enforcement wanted to just make everyone feel at ease and they offered to continue to assist and have a presence here,” Lunt said. “It’s a testament to the partnerships we have because not only was Port Angeles Police Department involved in this, but the national park rangers and Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Police were present.”
Lunt said PAPD Chief Brian Smith, PAPD school resource officer Jason Hooper and school district administrators, including Superintendent Marty Brewer and Vice Superintendent Michelle Olsen, were involved in the response as well.
Parents learned about the threat warning of a school shooting during fifth period on Friday when they received an email from the school district just after 5 p.m. on Thursday. A second email notifying them the threat had been resolved was sent at 9:35 a.m. Friday.
Lunt said the high school and school district have robust safety protocols in place for events like Thursday’s, and a review involving the respondents took place after each.
“We are prepared because we have given thought to these things before they happen, because we not only as a school practice for scenarios like fire drills and those sort of things, but as a district we practice and talk about situations that might arise,” he said. “After the situation, we ask, what worked? What didn’t? What might be changed? How can we do even better next time?”
Lunt credited the rapid response and resolution of the situation to the strong relationship among school staff, district leadership and law enforcement that had one intended purpose.
“It’s important that students know the community cares about their safety and understand that our community comes together and rallies for our kids,” he said.
________
Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached by email at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.
