Updated
A letter sent out by Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools superintendent Matt D’Andrea Monday warned families and staff of a social media post made by a student threatening Island schools. “The middle school student who posted the threat has been identified and the police are involved,” D’Andrea wrote in the letter. “The student’s school administration is following its crisis management plan and is working with the child’s parents on appropriate steps and support.”
D’Andrea continued on to say that school administration and faculty are closely monitoring the situation, and stressed that the safety of students and staff is their highest priority.
“I will follow up with additional information if necessary. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions,” D’Andrea said in the letter. D’Andrea’s notice did not specify which school the case involved, but sources told The Times that the case involved an Oak Bluffs student.
Reached by phone Tuesday, Oak Bluffs Police Sgt. Nicholas Curelli asked for questions about the incident in writing. The Times sent an email with questions, but Curelli replied saying the incident involves a juvenile, and per Massachusetts law, he cannot discuss particulars. “I will refer you to the MV Schools Superintendent’s Office for additional information they may have. The Oak Bluffs Police Department always works daily with our partners at MVRHS and the Oak Bluffs School to ensure students’ safety,” Curelli wrote. “Sorry I couldn’t discuss further but the law is clear with regards to juveniles.”
D’Andrea told The Times Tuesday afternoon that there are no new developments to report regarding the situation or the investigation, just that Island schools are following up with parents, have involved the police, and are taking all necessary steps to ensure educational buildings are safe for everyone.
“I can say that the safety of our students and staff is the most important part of what we do,” D’Andrea said. “I do not believe that this is a credible threat, but we take all threats very seriously.” He added that Island schools always make counselors available to students who may be feeling uncomfortable for whatever reason.
Updated with a comment from D’Andrea.
Why is the Times able to find out the location of the school but the parents aren’t told? Who is being protected here? Why does Mr. D’Andrea tell us to call with questions he won’t answer? ‘Tis a puzzlement.
I hope this young student is getting all the help he/ she needs.
If the threat is substantive, we should be told who it is for our own protection. If the officials are dealing with the kid and his/her parents then it isnt palpable and wont be acted upon. This is a none issue. If a so called juvenile was pacing around MV with a gun then we should be told who he is and not hide behind some arcane rules.
There is no law that prevents police from revealing the names of juveniles
All you vipers frothing at the mouth to know the name of the accused juvenile are proving exactly why their name should not be released.
This so called *viper frothing at the mouth to know the name of the accused juvenile* would like to know as concern for public safety for a `adult crime` which is a epidemic in our country!
BTW C.A.C., why always such a attitude against those who disagree with you, especially those who totally disagree with you? Everyone above seemed to act orderly, including me.
It is my understanding and I am sure you will correct me if I am wrong but, the media is not prevented from publishing the names of minors for any purpose. Many media outlets make it a policy NOT to publish the names (or other identifying information) for minors, but there is no law that would require them to do so.
In a unanimous 1979 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Smith v. Daily Mail that the First Amendment protects the right of journalists to use the names of minors in newsworthy stories as long as the information is “lawfully obtained” and “truthfully” reported.
Your “concern” is touching. The only reason anyone wants to know the name is to engage in a public character assassination of a minor. Ive seen this play before with all the same characters in this forum. Its shameful.
Cooper you seem against revealing names but some of your counterparts are exorcized about anonymity on this site. Anonymity in posting never hurts anyone but anonymity of a juvenile who threatens physical violence, should by your logic, be protected. How do you square that circle? I have been advised not to use pronouns lest I be judgmental so sorry I didn’t use”’Ms Cooper”
Andy– when was the last time you saw anyone complain about the lack of anonymity here ?
And then you bring up the pronoun thing.
Two non issues in 2 sentences. You’re doing well. You even implied that you know what some people are thinking… That seems to be your gift..
But it’s pretty clear that you in fact are judgmental of people who prefer the use of gender neutral pronouns.
But If it makes you feel any better, I , as a raging liberal and a minister of the church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, do hereby forgive you, and you can continue using pronouns of your choice. I certainly won’t judge you, and if a few people do, well, that’s their problem.
But, just make sure you don’t offend Ms. Cooper by calling her “miss Cooper” if she is married, or if she isn’t . she might not appreciate being called Mrs. Cooper.
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