Parents and students at Somerville High School experienced a jolt of concern this morning when a threatening phone call put the school into a "secure and hold" status. According to 7NEWS, the threat was received around 9:30 a.m., initiating a response that lasted until approximately 10:45 a.m. During the "secure and hold", students remained in classrooms, and teaching continued, though hallways and common areas were off-limits to foot traffic.
The precautionary measure, described as an abundance of caution by district officials in an email, mobilized local law enforcement to conduct a meticulous search, taking about an hour and fifteen minutes. In a statement obtained by 7NEWS, "SPS administrators and the Somerville Police Department conducted a thorough search of the school," the school district stated in an email to families. "We found no evidence of a safety concern in the building." Despite the all-clear, police presence remained through dismissal as a precaution.
Somerville High School officials were prompt to address the emotional impact on students and families. As detailed in a letter to families referenced by NBC Boston, "We understand the difficult emotions that may come with the announcement of a Secure and Hold, but please know that we take safety and security very seriously and we have these procedures in place for exactly these reasons." School counselors were made available to support students who might be affected.
