JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Landmark Middle School student was arrested in connection to a “threat involving the school,” Duval County Public Schools confirmed Tuesday.
DCPS said of the arrest “threatening statements are not treated as a prank or joke and may result in both school disciplinary consequences and criminal charges when appropriate.”
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LMS Principal Vontrena Myers said in a message to families that Duval County School police were investigating “reports that a student made a verbal threat involving violence at the school,” and that “the post was removed.”
Myers said the school would “continue to have enhanced safety measures on campus in addition to our weapons detection system and existing safety protocols.”
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In a second communication with families, Myers shared news of the student’s arrest and said “multiple tips submitted through Fortify Florida,” helped identify the student.
Fortify Florida is “a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.”
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Myers advised parents to “use this as an opportunity to talk with your students about the seriousness of making threats and the importance of immediately reporting anything concerning to a trusted adult or through Fortify Florida.”
Below are the communications from Myers shared with Landmark Middle School families:
Communication 1:
“Good evening Seahawk families. This is Principal Myers calling to share an important school safety update.
“We are aware of reports that a student made a verbal threat involving potential violence at the school. Although the post was removed, every threat is addressed and taken seriously. School Police are continuing their investigation, and our threat assessment procedures have been activated.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we will continue to have enhanced security measures on campus in addition to our weapons detection system and existing safety protocols.
“Again, while this threat is being addressed by our School Police, I believe it is important to keep our school community informed.
“As a follow up reminder, we continue to encourage students, families, and staff to always report safety concerns directly to the school so that we can immediately investigate. You also always have the option of reporting anonymously through Fortify Florida using the link that is on duvalschools.org.
“Remember again, See Something, Say Something remains one of our best methods of keeping our campuses secure. All threats are taken seriously, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for our students and staff. Thank you for listening, and for your partnership. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the school.”
Communication 2:
“Hello Landmark Middle School families. This is Principal Myers following up with an important update to the safety message I shared last night.
“Yesterday, one of our students was arrested following an investigation into a threat to involve our school in a shooting.
“Thanks to multiple tips submitted through Fortify Florida, School Police were able to quickly identify the individual and conduct an investigation.
“As you know, we take all threats seriously and will never dismiss threatening statements as a prank or a joke. These situations are addressed with the strongest school disciplinary consequences possible and, when warranted, as a criminal matter.
“Parents, please use this as an opportunity to talk with your students about the seriousness of making threats and the importance of immediately reporting anything concerning to a trusted adult or through Fortify Florida.
“Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our school community safe. Please feel free to contact me at the school if you have any questions or concerns.”
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