An emergency response plan was successful this week as Clearspring Middle School in Steinbach faced a bomb threat early Tuesday morning.
On January 15, 2019 at 8:30am, staff at Clearspring Middle School (CMS) in Steinbach were made aware of a bomb threat that was communicated to the school. The communication was received via voice mail, and the caller indicated the threat would be carried out at noon. Upon hearing the voicemail, 911 was immediately called and emergency response plans were activated.
Hanover School Division (HSD) says that all students and staff were evacuated as quickly as possible and moved away from the school. Students that were already in morning transit via bus to CMS, were re-routed away from the school. As a safety precaution, all evacuated students were transported to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Steinbach, just over one kilometre away from the school. CMS staff and bus drivers were prepared to stay at the church with students for as long as needed.
HSD reported that as of 9:31am, all students had been safely evacuated.
“While we hope our schools are never faced with an emergency situation, we are prepared to respond to an incident if one should occur,” said HSD Superintendent Randy Dueck. “Communication is also a priority in such circumstances. In the midst of a rapidly developing situation this morning, we did our best to send out timely updates to parents as information became available.”
By approximately 11am, RCMP reported that a suspect had been identified and confirmed that it was a student-prank call. The school was then deemed safe and clearance was given for students to return. All students were then transported back to CMS.
“In light of today’s events, we ask that parents take time to reassure their children that they are safe at school, and there is no further danger as a result of this incident,” said Randy Dueck. “School psychologists and counselors will be made available to students as needed.”
Parents were advised that if any questions or concerns needed addressing, to please contact the child’s teacher or school principal to discuss further.
