Gov. Justice directs West Virginia Fusion Center, Department of Homeland Security, partner agencies to investigate threats of violence to WV schools
CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice has directed the West Virginia Fusion Center to act as the central repository for all threats of violence received at more than 45 schools in West Virginia. The Governor also directed state agencies to act in a coordinated manner to diligently investigate social media posts and warnings circulating in communities across the state. “We will tenaciously pursue these bad actors and anyone creating an unsafe environment for our children. I just won't tolerate it. Not for one instant,” Gov. Justice said. “Each and every one of these threats will be investigated and all our resources are working together to protect our students, our schools, and our communities.” The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security and other law enforcement agencies are aware of and working with local, state, and federal partners to monitor and investigate all leads and information received. A call was held earlier today with school superintendents from across the state to discuss the threats, ongoing response, and safety measures and protocols in place with local schools. Homeland Security also assured that if additional resources are needed in specific counties, the state can provide support and facilitate connections as necessary. “We are working with local, county, regional, state, and federal authorities to investigate and address these threats,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Mark Sorsaia. “As we fulfill our mission to protect our students, teachers, and staff and coordinate our response and investigation with local and federal authorities, we ask the public to share any and all information they may have regarding these threats.” Threats early in the school year are not uncommon. Each instance is taken very seriously and punishable by strict disciplinary measures, including possible suspension, expulsion, and legal consequences. The school safety unit takes all threats seriously and supports zero tolerance when dealing with threats to schools. The West Virginia Fusion Center, under the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, will continue coordinating response efforts and investigations at the state level. “Our ongoing priority is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our students and communities,” said Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Rob Cunningham. “We will continue our investigation of each event and are prepared to respond if needed. We ask the community to download our emergency response phone app and assist us in keeping our communities safe.” The community is encouraged to report any and all types of threats by calling 911 and utilizing the My Mobile Witness reporting app. "These threats are incredibly disruptive to student learning and well-being," said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. "We implore our families and communities to work with their local law enforcement agencies or school safety officers to report suspicious activities. Students deserve to attend schools where they feel safe and can learn in a productive and nurturing environment." The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security will provide updates as more information becomes available. Reporting a Threat The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security reminds all West Virginians to immediately call 911 if there is an immediate danger or law enforcement intervention is necessary. Additionally, West Virginia has partnered with My Mobile Witness to implement a “see something, send something” reporting system that can be completed on a smartphone or other mobile device. All West Virginians are encouraged to participate in this initiative by downloading the free See, Send application from the App Store or Google Play. My Mobile Witness is also compatible with web-based reporting and is not strictly for cell phone use. Once the app is downloaded to a device, users will be prompted to enter their first and last name (though any reporting can be done anonymously, if the user prefers), their phone number, and then select a state of residence. Once those fields are entered, the app will be ready to use. The user may submit tips for “Crime/Suspicious Activity” or “School Threat or Safety Issues,” and they may also request help for “Suicide or Addiction.” https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?e=403a6b8281&u=d525ab9ade4d860d2b5772468&id=0d7a3a0f8b
Out of an abundance of caution, the eighth grade trip to Greenbank scheduled for tomorrow will be cancelled. Students will report to school as usual. Thank you.
We want to take this opportunity to remind students, staff and parents about the availability of the "SeeSend" app, an important tool that can be used to report potential threats in WV schools. All students should have a desktop shortcut on their devices titled either, "SeeSend App" or "See Something" for quick access. Additionally, we have added the app shortcut to the home page of the BOE website for universal availability.
SeeSend link for Pocahontas County schools: https://isx.wv.seesomethingsendsomething.us/webforms/14333b5d-675e-44e0-bf33-28bd253b775f
This is a reminder to all 8th-grade students that we are traveling to the Green Bank Observatory and Fort Warwick tomorrow. Remember to wear layers and only closed-toed shoes (no Crocs or flip-flops). Also, remember your lunch or money to purchase your lunch. See everyone in the morning!!
Administrators from Pocahontas County Schools were made aware of a variety of concerning social media communications. To keep our students and staff safe, school was canceled in an abundance of caution giving us time to investigate in conjunction with West Virginia State Police and West Virginia Capitol Police. School will resume tomorrow, Thursday, September 12, 2024.
We have several layers of protocols we utilize to keep our schools safe. Our schools are locked and under video surveillance at all times. All staff are trained in situational awareness and safety protocols. School safety is everyone’s primary responsibility. If you see something say something to the appropriate authorities. Please call the Safe Schools helpline at 1-866-723-3982.
We appreciate everyone working together to keep our students, staff, and communities safe, especially on Patriots’ Day.
We feel it is in the best interest of all of our students and staff to close schools on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
Come get your mums - we have 14 left! They are beautiful!
Congratulations to our Nica athletes this week for another great race!
Mia Valach 1st
Tyler Faulknier 1st
Blake Alderman 10th
Silas Dean 8th
Brynn Clutter 2nd
Interested in becoming a bus driver? 🚍 Here's a great way to get started!
We are so grateful for our service personnel! Custodians ensure our learning environments are clean and safe, cafeteria staff provide nutritious meals to fuel our students, bus drivers transport everyone safely, aides support our teachers and students, and secretaries keep everything organized and efficient. Your dedication and hard work make a world of difference! 🙌❤️
Thank you for being the backbone of our schools! #SchoolHeroes #ThankYou #EducationMatters
The Marlinton Middle School Mums Sale has been extended! Call the school at (304) 799-6773 September 10th and 11th to support the school! Cost $12.00 each.
Just a reminder that 8th grade students attending Adventure Pocahontas depart tomorrow morning. Please make sure your luggage is to school by 8 am in the morning. Also if your child needs medication while gone, parent/guardian must have it to front office by 8 am. We look forward to our adventure!
Please consider contributing supplies for Pocahontas County students! 📓📚🖍️✏️✂️📏 #Packthebus
Congratulations to our new LSIC member, Sarah Doss!
We look forward to working with her, Val Monico and Luci Mosesso!
We will also have community members Herby Barlow, Michelle Deeds and Kendall Beverage!
📢 Tuesday's Pocahontas County Board of Education meeting has had a location and time change. The meeting will now be held at the PC BOE office at 6 pm and the HES LSIC presentation will be rescheduled for another time.
One of our classroom boards by Ms. Kirk reviewing our word of the week!
Don't forget to check our "Community Bulletins" page for information on upcoming family friendly events! 📌 There are lots of exciting fall events coming up in Pocahontas County and surrounding communities. 🍁
https://boe.pocahontas.k12.wv.us/o/pcs/page/new-community-bulletin-board
Thank you for buying mums for MMS fundraiser! We have sold out! If we are able to get more we will share information with everyone. Thanks again!
We are proud to partner with Cook Center for Human Connection to offer this amazing resource for parents!
They are here and they are beautiful- $12 and support MMS! Please come to front office to get yours through Thursday. They are going quickly!
