Important Information – AMJHS Threat
December 8, 2024
Dear Lockport City School District Community,
I am writing to provide an update on a recent threat made online concerning Aaron Mossell Junior High School. This threat, which was posted on the evening of December 7, 2024, has been thoroughly investigated, and I want to reassure everyone that the situation has been resolved and there is no threat to the safety of our students or staff.
On the evening of December 7, 2024, district officials and local law enforcement were notified by community members of a social media post made by a student at Aaron Mossell Junior High School. The post included an image of a rifle along with a series of threats directed at the school. The post was shared widely within the community, but it was later removed.
Upon learning of the threat, district officials and local authorities immediately began investigating the matter. Through their joint efforts, it was determined that the student involved did not have access to any firearms and that the image posted was sourced from the internet. Furthermore, the student had no means to carry out any harm utilizing a firearm as was posted online.
Local authorities have been working closely with the student and their family to ensure appropriate support and intervention.
Based on the findings of this investigation, the district and local police have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the safety of our school community. Accordingly, school at Aaron Mossell Junior High School will resume as usual tomorrow, December 9, 2024.
Please know that threats of this nature are taken very seriously. The district and local law enforcement will continue to fully investigate such incidents, and we reserve the right to take all necessary disciplinary and legal actions, in accordance with our code of conduct, when threats are made.
We appreciate the quick action of our community members in bringing this matter to our attention and thank the Lockport City Police Department for their ongoing support and collaboration.
In accordance with district protocol, additional police officers and security personnel will be on-site at Aaron Mossell Junior High School tomorrow to ensure the continued safety of all students and staff. If parents or guardians have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Dr. Kathleen Bailey, Principal of Aaron Mossell Junior High School, at (716) 478-4700.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we worked to address this situation.
Yours in education,
Mathis Calvin III, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools