x
Breaking News
More () »

Shenandoah Valley Prepares for Potential Threats

SHENANDOAH — Shenandoah Valley School District in Schuylkill County is preparing students, faculty and local police for any potential threat made to the s...

SHENANDOAH -- Shenandoah Valley School District in Schuylkill County is preparing students, faculty and local police for any potential threat made to the school.

"I just want to make sure our students and staff are prepared to respond the way they ought to respond," said Dr. Stan Rakowsky, the superintendent at Shenandoah Valley School District.

The drill comes after Mahanoy Area School District just four miles away has dealt with three threats in the past two weeks. Police believe a 13-year old-boy is responsible for one of those threats.

Shenandoah Police said it's a good idea to get the kids prepared, just in case.

"In particular some of the other school districts have had bomb scares and everything. It's a good practice to get the kids ready. Safety wise, it's the best thing you can do," said Shenandoah Patrolman Adam Bernodin.

In the case of a actual emergency at Shenandoah Valley, Lucky Kielbasi Shop would be the command center for school officials. It's across the street from the school and it also allows them to communicate with police who would be down Route 54 blocking the road.

Students in Shenandoah practiced evacuation procedures and school officials tried to make it as realistic as possible.

The superintendent hopes these drills will deter anyone who would attempt to make a threat to the school or students.

"If somebody gets their jollies by doing this kind of stuff, do it elsewhere because you're not going to get our attention on this," said Rakowsky.

Parents said they think it's a good idea to practice these types drills for the student's safety.

"Prepared, safer that the kids are ready and they'll be in control, ya know, they won't be afraid," said Tinamarie Krill.

Lisa Rooney is a parent of a high school student. She said, "At least they know that the situation is taken seriously and I think it's a great idea. "

These types of drills are not required by the state like fire drills, but the superintendent of Shenandoah Valley said he would like to do at least two of these bomb threat drills a year.

Before You Leave, Check This Out