A school threat was made on social media the night of Sept. 12, launched a response from Duncan Public Schools to ensure student and faculty safety.
The Duncan Middle School has made several safety improvements this school year.
“Safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” DMS Principal Cassie Berthold said.
This is Berthold’s first year as Duncan Middle School principal, having previously served as principal of Woodrow Wilson Elementary. She said this year has included several new safety protocols, including an update of the school office.
For the last couple of years, the school has had a buzz-in system that allows the office staff to keep track of everyone coming into the building. This year, a window has been added into the entrance vestibule to ensure everyone visitor has to stop by the office and to reduce the number of visitors entering the building. The school also added a film to the doors leading into the school’s atrium.
Berthold said no one can enter the office without someone knowing.
The threats were addressed prior to the start of the school day Sept. 13. Still, the school was prepared in case such a situation came up.
For instance, the school brought in additional police officers to campus to aid the school’s new resource officer, Allison Bray.
Berthold said the school has seen a lot of improvements this year when it comes to school safety.
The school also added a new lunch system that the school incorporated this year is designed to keep students safe by reducing the number of students who are able to get up and wander around the cafeteria during lunch times.
This year, the school has also moved to a new program for its emergency drills.
Although Duncan has been the recipient of threats, it’s not the only school in the area dealing with this situation. Waurika Schools closed Sept. 13 following a report of threats. Waurika Schools reopened the following Monday.
In a post on the Duncan Public School’s Facebook page on Sept. 13,” Duncan Superintendent Channa Byerly said the school district was aware of the threat situation and was taking action with help from the Duncan Police Department.
“At this time, we have not identified a credible threat to our schools, students, staff or visitors,” Byerly said in the post. “It is important to note that many of these images have been shared in other districts across the state over the past week. Nonetheless we will continue to closely monitor the situation as it evolves, in collaboration with law enforcement.
“You may notice an increased presence of police and security personnel at our school sites. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we work with a heightened focus on safety to ensure the well-being of our students and staff.”
