THE DALLES — North Wasco School District 21 notified the community that The Dalles Middle School had been placed in “Secure Status” around 9 a.m. this morning, Dec. 10. District officials said the move was a precaution as law enforcement investigated a threatening statement that originated from outside the school.
“In a Secure Status, all students and staff remain safely inside the building,” said a news release published on Facebook. “All exterior doors are locked, and no one is allowed to enter or exit the premises. Inside the school, students and staff are safe and continuing normal activities.”
Secure Status differs from Lockdown Status, where there is a perceived threat inside the building, during which “school doors are shut and locked, lights are turned off and students are confined to classrooms, common areas or offices that are able to be secured by a locking door," according to the D21 website.
District officials said they did not anticipate a disruption to the school day or regular dismissal schedule, and asked that parents and guardians refrain from coming onto campus until the Secure Status was lifted, which happened about a half an hour later.
“Students and staff remained safe throughout the situation, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as law enforcement worked to investigate the matter thoroughly,” said the updated news release.
Officials said that all threats to the school community are taken seriously, and the district has a strong partnership with local law enforcement. Anyone afraid to attend school, or if their child communicates fear for their safety, is encouraged to report it to the school or to utilize www.safeoregon.com. All reports are taken seriously, even if they are ultimately found to be unfounded, officials said.
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