Today, Jefferson County Schools received a threat directed at Charles Town Middle School. Our team, alongside law enforcement partners, acted immediately to protect students and staff across the district. We want to share what happened, how we responded, and what comes next.
What Happened
At 11:17 a.m., Charles Town Middle School received a threatening phone call. Law enforcement was immediately notified and responded to the school. Out of an abundance of caution, all JCS schools were placed on SECURE or LOCKDOWN while law enforcement conducted a thorough investigation.
Law enforcement completed a full internal and external search of the building. No explosives or weapons were found. Students and staff were evacuated to the football field by law enforcement during the building search.
Students were released to families beginning at 1:45 p.m. Only guardians and emergency contacts listed in the student files were permitted to pick up students, and a photo ID was required.
Every threat is evaluated individually and in coordination with law enforcement. The details of the threat dictate the process and response.
Today's Timeline
11:17 a.m. – Threatening phone call received at Charles Town Middle School.
11:18 a.m. – CTMS contacts law enforcement.
11:21 a.m. – All JCS schools placed on SECURE or LOCKDOWN.
11:28 a.m. – First communication sent to JCS families.
12:12 p.m. – All schools except CTMS released from SECURE.
1:17 p.m. – Law enforcement completes full internal and external building search. No explosives or weapons found.
1:20 p.m. – Students and staff begin re-entering the building.
1:38 p.m. – Families notified to pick up students at CTMS.
What Comes Next
Law enforcement's investigation into this threat is ongoing. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners as this matter is investigated. Families should be aware that this call is similar to the threat received yesterday, and we are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
Mental health and counseling support will be available to students and staff in the coming days.
Thank you for your patience and trust as we navigated another difficult day. Our students and staff handled this situation with remarkable composure, and we are grateful for the swift response of our law enforcement partners.