Whatcom Sheriff’s Office, school district investigate second threat found on bathroom wall
The Mount Baker School District and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a second school threat found this week on a bathroom wall on the high school campus.
“This afternoon we discovered a new threat scratched on the wall in a boy’s bathroom in our 700 building at the high school,” a letter from high school principal Matthew Durand and junior high principal Troy Wright emailed Monday, Oct. 18, to families with students in those schools and Mount Baker Academy and preschool parents. “The threat read ‘October 28 a lot will die.’
“We know that this was done today as the threat was not there this morning. We are thoroughly investigating the situation and have reported it to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office; we recognize that these are serious offenses that will be prosecuted.”
Whatcom County Undersheriff Doug Chadwick said the threat was scratched into a bathroom paper dispenser.
The second threat came 18 days after another message was found Sept. 30 scratched into the wall of the men’s bathroom in the field house stating, “School Shooting October 28.”
That threat was difficult to read, according to Superintendent Mary Sewright at the time, and it was not known exactly when it was made.
But, like the first threat, Durand and Wright reported that the second was being taken “very seriously.” They promised updates as more information was gathered and that the district planned for increased law enforcement presence on the schools’ campus.
“We are all shaken by the recent threats of violence on the secondary campus. The safety and well-being of our school community is our number one priority,” Sewright said in a letter emailed to students, staff, families and the community on Wednesday, Sept. 20.
In her letter, Sewright reiterated that the school district has ongoing relationships with area law enforcement agencies, including the sheriff’s office, Tribal police and Border Patrol.
The junior and high school campus also already practice fire, earthquake and lockdown drills with students monthly, Sewright wrote, and staff covers procedures throughout the school year. The district planned to do a lockdown drill on Thursday.
But Sewright also emphasized the importance of family involvement in keeping schools safe, writing “80% of guns used in school violence are taken from the home of the shooter or the homes of relatives or friends. Teens are experiencing unprecedented mental health challenges right now and we encourage you to continue checking in on your student (and their friends!).”
Talking with students to see if they know of anything about threats at school is extra important, she wrote, adding that another person knew about a shooter’s plans in 77% of shootings.
“All school staff members are ready to listen to any information you or your students have about this (or any) threat on campus,” Sewright wrote.
She also offered these tips for parents:
▪ Speak to your children about how they feel about going to school, but don’t ask leading questions, such as “are you worried about going to school?” Give them an opportunity to express what is on their mind.
▪ Allow children to ask questions, as it helps them feel reassured, diminish frightening fantasies and talk about what they’re worried about.
▪ Listen to their fears and acknowledge them, but remain calm — “let your child know that you can understand why they might be uneasy.” Then, have a conversation about the facts about how rare school shootings are.
▪ Emphasize that schools are safe places, filled with teachers and other adults that care about them and are there to help them and that schools have drills to help keep students safe.
▪ Make sure to give extra reassurance and take time to make sure you give more comfort to your children.
▪ Be on the lookout for non-verbal cues that indicate anxiety, such as noticeable changes in sleeping or eating habits. They may need your help even if they are not asking for it.
▪ Encourage students to talk to teachers and school counselors if they feel overwhelmed.
▪ Additional information and resources are available on the district’s website.
Durand and Wright urged anyone with information about either of the threats to contact the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office at 360-778-6600, the high school at 360-383-2015 or the district’s tip line at 360-383-2093.
Chadwick said that both threats remain under investigation and that the sheriff’s office is continuing to work with the Mount Baker School District to provide resources and enhance safety for students and staff at the schools.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority, and we are committed to keeping everyone safe,” Durrand’s and Wright’s letter read. “At times like this, we are grateful for our partnership with Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and the support of our community.”
This story was originally published October 21, 2021 at 11:26 AM.
