West Hills students were vacated and moved to Armstrong High School after a threat was made to the building.
Armstrong School District officials and the Pennsylvania State Police are trying to determine the origin of a threatening message left as a voicemail that resulted in the evacuation of West Hills Intermediate Elementary School.
The administration activated the systems and procedures for handling threats. Students from both West Hills Primary Elementary and West Hills Intermediate Elementary schools were transported to Armstrong High School prior to the start of the school.
Pennsylvania State Police, local law enforcement, and the District security team are conducting building searches and threat evaluation at the West Hills campus.
“All students are safe,” stated a news release by the Armstrong School District.
Students from West Hills Primary and Intermediate schools were made available for pickup this morning by parents or guardians at Armstrong High School. School administration said that elementary students will have a modified school day at Armstrong High School and will be bused home at the regular departure time if they cannot be picked up.
“Armstrong School District would like to publicly thank all First Responders, Administration, Teachers, Staff, Community Members, Bus Contractors, and Students for their efforts to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” the news release stated. “We appreciate the Armstrong School District families, parents, and guardians for their understanding and cooperation during the student pick-up process. Your cooperation, flexibility, and patience are very helpful in situations like these.”
“These types of actions are a serious disruption to your child’s education, uncalled for, and not taken lightly,” the news release continued. “Due to the fact that this is an ongoing investigation, please understand that we cannot discuss any specific details related to the threat. The Pennsylvania State Police crime unit is investigating this incident. Thank you for your understanding and please know that we will continue to swiftly address and communicate any issues we feel interfere with the potential safety or well-being of the students and staff at all Armstrong School District Schools.”