Barrington High School Moves to Distance Learning After Shooting Threat

Barrington High School Moves to Distance Learning After Shooting Threat

Barrington High School is moving distance learning, following a school shooting threat this past week.

On Tuesday, a student at BHS started a petition to make classes virtual after the threat was made on Monday — with an alleged photo of what was written on a girls’ bathroom stall. 

“I am shooting up the school on 12/21 with my dad’s pistol,” was contained in the photo.

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Latest Communication

BHS principal Joe Hurley shared the following with the community on Sunday. 

Dear Staff, Students, and Families, 

We want to provide you with a brief update of our investigation and safety measures resulting from the threat found in the girls’ bathroom at Barrington High School on Monday, 12/13/21. As you are aware, the Barrington Police Department (BPD) and Federal agencies have expanded their investigation processes working in conjunction with high school administration. The agencies continue to support our safety measures and are working on this matter throughout the weekend to resolve this matter. 

As the investigation is still underway, out of an abundance of caution, we have made a decision to engage in distance learning from Monday, 12/20/21 to Wednesday, 12/22/21 at Barrington High School. We want to thank staff, students, and families for their continued support and patience as we work to resolve the threat made to the high school. We believe that the additional time for the investigation will provide us with the information we need to successfully and safely reopen schools on Monday, January 3, 2022. 

The basis of violent statements is trauma and mental health. Any student who comes forward with information related to this incident or any threat should trust that providing us with information in confidence will ensure that their classmate or friend will get the help they need. We care deeply about the well-being of our students and are here to help. 

As always, if you see something, say something immediately by contacting the Police Department directly at (401) 437-3935 or through their unrecorded anonymous Tip Line at (401) 437-3933. Information can also be communicated to the District by calling us at (401) 245-5000 ext. 1 or through CrisisGo Barrington Public Schools Anonymous Tip Line. 

Our counseling department remains available to offer emotional support to any staff member, student, or family member who seeks help. 

We continue to look at this incident seriously and diligently work with the Barrington Police Department to resolve this issue. We will continue to keep you updated as information becomes available. 

Joseph D. Hurley