EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - East Grand Rapids high and middle school students weren't allowed to leave the buildings after a threat was made against one of the students on Monday, Sept. 17.
According to the school, there was a "familial dispute resulting in a threat against one of our high school students." The student was removed from the school for his own safety and the safety of all other students and staff.
The partial lockdown was described as students being able to move within the building but not leave the building. This means students who normally attend KCTC or dual enrollment classes stayed at the high school -- and students were not able to leave the school for lunch.
Shortly before 1 p.m., the school said the suspect had been arrested and there is no longer a threat to EGRPS and the lockdown was lifted.
Full statements from the school:
Dear EGRPS Families,
This morning East Grand Rapids Public Schools received notice from a family member of a high school student that there was a familial dispute resulting in a threat against one of our high school students. EGR Department of Public Safety was contacted immediately. The student to whom the threat was made has been removed from the high school to ensure his own safety and the safety of all high school students and staff.
Student safety is our highest priority. To that end, the Middle School and High School are currently on partial lockdown during which students are able to move within the building, but not leave the building. Students who normally attend KCTC or dual enrollment classes will remain at the high school. The three elementary buildings will conduct indoor recess.
Because the suspect has not been apprehended, open campus lunch at the high school is canceled for today. Students will not be able to depart the high school during their lunch period. Students will be provided a lunch at no cost to the student. While we recognize this may be an inconvenience to our students, we cannot be too cautious when ensuring our students’ safety. The East Grand Rapids Department of Public Safety will maintain a police presence at both the Middle School and High School for as long as needed.
Every effort is in place to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We will keep you updated on future developments.
Dr. Heidi Kattula
Superintendent
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Dear EGRPS Families,
EGR Public Schools just received confirmation from the EGR Department of Public Safety that the individual at the center of the threat has been arrested and is currently in police custody. The officers of the EGR Department of Public Safety have confirmed that there is no direct threat to EGR Public Schools. With this confirmation, the partial lockdown order has been lifted and elementary schools will resume outdoor recess. We are confident we can move forward with our regular dismissal times and processes and extra-curricular activities.
We would like to thank EGR Department of Public Safety for their prompt attention to this concern. The steps taken today were done to ensure the safety of all our students and staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked through today’s security alert.
As always we want to ensure the social emotional well-being of our students. Please contact one of our guidance counselors if the safety measures put in place today caused questions or concerns.
Dr. Heidi Kattula
Superintendent
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