HELLERTOWN, Pa – Police say that Saucon Valley School District closed its schools Thursday after receiving a threat to the district involving a firearm.
The juvenile responsible for the threats has been identified by police and has received charges of terroristic threats and other related charges filed with the Northampton County Juvenile Probation Department, according to the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office.
With the juvenile being identified and charged, officials say that there is no indicated threat towards the district or general public.
District Attorney Baratta stresses that the making of any threat, particularly involving a firearm, is a serious matter and will be addressed accordingly.
Saucon Valley School District schools will be open and operating on a normal schedule on Friday, according to school officials.
There will be an enhanced police presence on campus throughout the day, as well as counselors available at every building for students.
District officials received information through social media, text messages, Safe2Say reports, and phone calls regarding a possible threat, according to a news release from the district.
The district informed the Lower Saucon Township Police Department on Wednesday.
Out of an abundance of caution, district administrators determined that closing schools for the day was the most responsible course of action while law enforcement continues to investigate, the district said.
“We are making this decision out of an abundance of caution and with the absolute priority of our students’ and staff’s safety in mind,” the district wrote in a communication to families.
All K-12 schools are closed Thursday. The district said all on-campus extracurricular activities and athletic events scheduled are postponed or canceled.
Saucon Valley Elementary’s Math and Literacy Night was postponed. The previously scheduled virtual SAT/ACT informational class will be held as planned, the district said.
According to the news release, students enrolled at Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School who have their own transportation were given the option to attend vo-tech classes.
However, district transportation was not provided. The district will continue to provide updates to families and community members as additional information becomes available.