Due to Shooting Threat, Barrington High School Could Move to Distance Learning Next Week

Due to Shooting Threat, Barrington High School Could Move to Distance Learning Next Week

Barrington High School could move to distance learning next week, following a school shooting threat made days ago. 

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,” is contained in the photo.

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On Friday, BHS Principal Joe Hurley addressed the threat.

Communication to Community

Hurley sent the following out on Friday.

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. There were no additional incidents today, Friday, 12/17/2021. 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. They will continue to work on this matter throughout the weekend.

We know that many of you have questions about next week, specifically the 12/21/21 date indicated in the threat. In collaboration with law enforcement, and out of an abundance of caution, we MAY decide to engage in distance learning at Barrington High School only from Monday, 12/20/2021 to Wednesday, 12/22/2021, with a full in-person return date of Monday, 1/3/2022. 

At this time, we request that students and staff bring their materials and devices home for the weekend. We will send an updated communication no later than 3 PM on Sunday, 12/19/2021, to inform you of our progress and decision about distance learning. 

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.

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

Thank you, 

Joseph D. Hurley

 

This story was first published 12/17/21 7:25 PM