Dear JCS Families,
I want to start by saying that all students and staff are safe.
This morning, Jefferson County Schools received a threat directed at Wildwood Middle School. Our team, alongside law enforcement partners, acted immediately to protect students and staff across the district. I want to share what happened, how we responded, and what comes next.
What Happened
At 10:19 a.m., Wildwood Middle School received a call threatening that bombs had been placed around the outside of the building and that the caller had an AR-15. Law enforcement was immediately notified. Officers tactically cleared the building's exterior and coordinated with local and federal partners, including six bomb detection dogs from agencies across the region. No explosive devices were found.
Out of an abundance of caution, and on the guidance of law enforcement, students were held inside Wildwood Middle School and evacuated once bomb dogs had cleared the entrance and parking lots. Wildwood Middle School students and staff were transported to Sam Michaels Park, where our reunification team was ready to receive them. Students were provided meals, and reunification with families began in the early afternoon.
Today's Timeline
10:19 a.m. – Threatening call received at Wildwood Middle School. Law enforcement notified immediately.
10:23 a.m. – Wildwood and Jefferson High placed on LOCKDOWN; all other schools placed on SECURE.
10:30 a.m. - Board office staff begin preparing for potential family reunification process
10:52 a.m. - Message sent to Wildwood Middle School families
10:53 a.m. – Message sent to all JCS Community
11:57 a.m. – All schools except Wildwood Middle released from SECURE/LOCKDOWN
12:14 p.m. – Community notified that secure holds have been lifted districtwide.
12:18 p.m. – Evacuation buses arrive at Sam Michaels Park.
12:23 p.m. – Students arrive at Sam Michaels Park. Meals are provided to all children.
1:00 p.m. – Reunification Process Begins
1:17 p.m. – Law enforcement completes building search. School cleared and returned to district.
What Comes Next
Law enforcement investigation into this threat is ongoing. We will continue to work closely with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, WV State Police, FBI and our other law enforcement partners. We have already learned that the call and phone number match a threat made in the Clarksburg area earlier this week. The phone number is an international one.
Mental health and counseling support will be available to students and staff in the coming days. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your school's counselor if your child needs additional support.
Thank you for your patience and trust throughout today. This has been a hard day for everyone, hold your kids and families a little closer tonight as we are all grateful for the safety of everyone.
With gratitude,
Dr. Chuck Bishop
Superintendent
Jefferson County Schools