Last week I received word that the Nicollet Junior High School received a bomb threat and the district failed in its duty to properly inform the parents of its students in a timely fashion. After discussing the issue with a concerned parent who reads the site, I posted four major points about the way the district handled the situation that should be changed if this were to ever happen again. Unfortunately for everyone involved, another bomb threat was posted during the last few days and this time the school district chose to send out proper communications on time and in a well written format.
You can read the original PDF or read from the quoted section below:
I am writing to let you know there has been another incident of threatening graffiti. Students found writing in a girls’ bathroom that stated, “Bomb 7/24/09 No lie.”
Burnsville Police Officer Senne, our school resource officer, examined the message and took photos before it was removed. Police are continuing to investigate these incidents. All staff members are aware of the graffiti and continue to watch for suspicious activity.
…
Students who have any information about these incidents are asked to talk with Officer Senne, Associate Principal Jason Thornberg or me. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 952-707-2601 or (principal’s e-mail address removed to keep it from being harvested).
Sincerely,
Renee Brandner, Principal
Well done. While it took two tries to get it right, they did a much better job the second time around. I want to openly thank the district and the school staff for doing it the right way this time.
What do you think about the way the school and district handled their response to a bomb threat this time? Do you think it was done properly? Was there anything you’d still like to see in future communications to parents? Whatever you feel, go ahead and comment on!
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May 23rd, 2009 at 11:51 am
Here’s what made this communication markedly better than the one sent after the first incident:
1. It was written on letterheadish paper.
2. It was signed!
3. Contact information, for both parents AND students, was included.
4. It offered more details and was more professional in tone. (Noticeably missing, however: WHEN the second graffiti was found so it’s uncertain whether this notice was timely.)
Also, if Principal Renée signs her name with a diacritical (accent) mark, don’t you think she could figure out a how to use her computer keyboard to make the same symbol in the typewritten name underneath her written signature?
All in all, it’s heartening the school is incorporating the practical feedback outlined by this site’s readers. Burnsville City Council: take note! Good ideas can come from anywhere in a community, even the blogosphere.
Now … let’s hope the school never has to send another one of these letters!
May 23rd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I am glad to hear about the improvement, and sad to see the repeated incident.
I am sure some kids think its funny to waste the time and resources of the school and police, but some day reality will slap them in the face.
Thinks like this make me understand the never ending pull toward 24 hour oversight by big brother. :(