Security measures continue at Arthur Day Middle School

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This article was published 14/01/2019 (1920 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Arthur Day Middle School staff scrutinized student backpacks and bags for the second day in a row, after Winnipeg police uncovered further threats, as well as undisclosed examples of “inappropriate social media behaviour.”

The grades 6 to 8 facility also released a letter to parents Tuesday, as police and school authorities in the River East Transcona School Division took precautionary safety measures.

“Classes are continuing as usual, with all exterior doors locked and a strong presence throughout the school. Police and our divisional support team are also at the school supporting our staff and students,” principal Wendy Walder wrote in the letter, which was also released to media.

On Monday, a social media threat of an undisclosed nature triggered backpack and locker searches at the school which went into a hold-and-secure mode. Parents were notified by letter Monday of the measures.

In her Tuesday message, Walder wrote the additional measures were planned in consultation with the authorities after city police made the school aware of additional, ongoing inappropriate social media behaviour, including threats.

The extra scrutiny began when students showed up for classes Tuesday at 43 Whitehall Blvd., and their backpacks and bags were given a “visual inspection,” the letter read.

“We, along with law enforcement officials take these types of threats very seriously as our priority is and always will be the safety of our students, staff and school community.”

Students remained indoors at lunch.

alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca