School districts said Wednesday they are beefing up security on their campuses during the final weeks of the academic year following a mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas a day earlier.
At least 19 young children and two teachers – all in the same fourth grade class – were killed Tuesday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, after a shooter opened fire.
Denver Public Schools said in a statement that the district’s Department of Security and Denver Police are “increasing uniformed attendance in and around our schools” for the next two weeks and providing mental health professionals to students. June 3 is the last day of school.
“At Denver Public Schools, the safety of our students is of the utmost importance,” the district said in a statement. “Our school teams already have safety policies, plans and procedures in place.”
According to Principal Gabriella Renteria, a letter sent to families on Wednesday, the Boulder Valley School District has beefed up security at Casey Middle School following rumors of a potential threat against the school, in addition to Boulder police officers.
The school on Tuesday became aware of a rumor circulating on social media “about a potential threat against Casey Middle School, which involved a student.” According to the district, Thursday is the last day of school, other than that not much is known about the nature of the threat.
Local law enforcement is investigating the potential threat, Renteria said.
“This morning I met with my staff and welcomed officers from the Additional BVSD Security and Boulder Police Department who will be providing additional security at the building today,” Renteria wrote. “Our goal is to continue to move forward with the school as much as possible. We will try to celebrate the end of this school year by doing everything we can to keep students and staff safe.”
The school is also providing counselors, school psychologists and other mental health professionals to students.
