On Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at 9:15 A.M., Penticton RCMP were advised that photocopies containing threats were located on the grounds of Skaha Middle School and Princess Margaret Secondary School. Penticton RCMP and the local schools and administration are actively engaged in an ongoing investigation involving the threats. Although there is no known imminent danger to students or staff, Penticton RCMP are concerned and taking pro-active investigative steps in an effort to determine who is responsible. Officers have been deployed to several schools, including Okanagan Falls Elementary School as a precaution to ensure their continued safety until a suspect can be identified.
Staff at Okanagan Falls Elementary School are following Threat Assessment Protocol today by locking all exterior doors and keeping students inside. School District No. 53 will be releasing an update to parents of Okanagan Falls Elementary School and the media Thursday afternoon.
UPDATE:
At this time, the RCMP do not have a suspect identified and will not be able to assign officers to Okanagan Falls Elementary School on Friday. As a result, we are choosing to further our precautionary measures by cancelling classes at Okanagan Falls Elementary School on Friday, February 20th in hopes that the RCMP can use all resources to focus on their investigation. If a suspect is identified before the start of the day, we will issue an update on our website and through the media.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Penticton RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Meanwhile, please continue to watch local announcements and the district website at www.sd53.bc.ca for updates as they are available.
Marieze Tarr, Board Chair
School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen)
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