By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
TOMAHAWK – Following a potential threat sent via email to a School District of Tomahawk student earlier this week, the Tomahawk Police Department (TPD) determined that students and staff were not in danger, and regular classes were held the next day.
According to an update sent to district families and staff on the evening of Monday, April 24, the district that afternoon had been made aware of an email sent to a student that contained a “potential threat of violence to be carried out on school grounds.”
The district did not disclose who sent the email, but said TPD made contact with the sender on Monday, April 24, shortly after being notified of the email by the district. After TPD determined that students and staff were not in danger, a regularly-scheduled school day remained on the calendar for Tuesday, April 25.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to inform you of the situation and assure you that there is no higher priority than the safety of our students and staff,” the district stated in the update, noting that it was “satisfied” with TPD’s conclusions that students and staff were not endangered.
Counselors were made available to students on Tuesday, April 25.
District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry said the district requested an additional police presence to cover drop-off and pick-up times on Tuesday, April 25, “but that was strictly precautionary.”
“Anytime our students, staff, families and/or community members hear something, they should report it immediately to either authorities or school officials,” Quesinberry stated. “This is an incredibly vital step in keeping our schools safe.”
Quesinberry added that the district also utilizes Speak Up, Speak Out Wisconsin, a resource created by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety (OSS) that offers a Threat Reporting System, Threat Assessment Consultation, Critical Incident Response and General School Safety Guidance.
The district’s website features a link to Speak Up, Speak Out Wisconsin for those who would like to anonymously report a tip, Quesinberry noted.
“At the end of the day, maintaining strong relationships with our community, and especially local law enforcement agencies, is crucial to our ability to maintain a safe environment at school,” Quesinberry stated.
To learn more about Speak Up, Speak Out Wisconsin, visit www.speakup.widoj.gov/.
To access the Speak Up, Speak Out Wisconsin link on the district’s website, visit www.tomahawk.k12.wi.us/ and select the “Families” dropdown tab.