From September 16, 2024, 06:54
HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Harrisonburg High School and Rocktown High School will be closed today, September 16.
According to the Harrisonburg City Public Schools website, Harrisonburg police are investigating a threat. The threat was specifically directed at Harrisonburg High School, but affects students at both high schools. HCPS says the threats mentioned in an earlier release are not credible and that the middle and elementary schools will operate on a regular schedule today.
UPDATE: Superintendent Dr. Michael Richards has sent a letter to families advising of the impending school closure. The full letter can be seen below.
“HCPS Families:
Just a few minutes ago, I sent an email to our staff to give them more information and background on today’s school closures. I also wanted to share this message with our families to hopefully calm some nerves.
After the Georgia school shooting, schools across the country have received a flood of threats. We are no exception. Previous threats against us have been relatively easy to dismiss. This one is also very likely discreditable, but we are not taking any chances. We consider a threat to be credible until it is proven that it is not. We work with law enforcement and will not discredit a threat unless they say it is.
This particular threat was made over SnapChat, which is particularly difficult for law enforcement, so it has taken some time to communicate with SnapChat and narrow the investigation to specific individuals. The threat was specific to HHS, and law enforcement’s investigation has resulted in several students that HPD needs to speak with at both high schools. Until law enforcement completes their investigation, I have decided to close the schools.
I want to reiterate that we take threats seriously, even if they are unlikely to be credible. If your child’s school is threatened, appropriate action will be taken.
Later today, you will receive a longer letter from me that goes into more detail about these threats and the ways we must work together as a community to address them.
Please be assured that the safety of our students and staff is my top priority.
Sincerely,
Michael G. Richards, Ed.D.
Superintendent”
