DSUSD sees major drop in attendance following shooting threat
UPDATE – 4/18/17 – 4:40 p.m. – Two schools in the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD)saw major absences the day after a school shooting threat picked up traction online.
“John Glenn Middle School has a student body population of 1298,” said Mary Perry, the public information officer for DSUSD. “On a regular day they see about 70 or so students out for various reasons. Today there were 565 absences.”
Although the threat was issued to John Glenn Middle School, another district school also saw a sizable drop in attendance today.
“Amelia Earhart Elementary School has a student body population of 905,” said Perry. “On a regular day they see about 35 or so students out for various reasons. Today there were 228 absences.”
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District officials said security and police presence will be increased tomorrow at John Glenn Middle School after a shooting threat spread online.
A screenshot of a warning to students and parents about the threat spread throughout social media.
Mary Perry, public information officer for Desert Sands Unified School District, said district security and the Indio Police Department are investigating the threat, and it appears to be an old threat from several weeks ago that is resurfacing.
The district’s full statement is below:
“Investigation into the possible threat is ongoing. We are currently sending a message to the John Glenn Middle School parents.
Both IPD and our own security team have been working on the situation for several hours. It appears to be an old threat from several weeks ago that is resurfacing. There will be additional law enforcement presence on campus tomorrow.
The district also sent an audio message to parents about the threat and tomorrow’s increased security.
The Indio Police Department also issued a statement via its Facebook page this morning.
“As many of you are aware there was an alleged threat made at one of our local middle schools in regards to an act of violence. Any incident that is reported to the Indio Police Department or to the Desert Sands Unified School District is taken seriously and both departments work together to thoroughly investigate the threat. If we determine there to be any credible evidence to suggest an act of violence will take place, parents would immediately be notified as school safety is a priority.”
The post goes on to mention the recent uptick in school violence rumors that have circulated nationally and locally in recent months. IPD emphasizes that each threat is taken seriously and that students will be held accountable if they issue a what is determined to be a “valid criminal threat.”
The Indio Police Department currently has four full-time School Resource Officers who work closely with the Desert Sands School District Security Agents to ensure the safety of all students and staff members.Thank you for your continued support and cooperation and remember, if you see something, say something!
IPD’s post closes with a reminder to call 911 in case of an emergency and to call 760-391-4051 in a non-emergency situation.
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