Shrewsbury – Dr. Joseph M. Sawyer, the Shrewsbury Superintendent of Schools, released this statement this afternoon:
This morning, the Paton School received an anonymous phone call that made a non-specific threat. Per school district protocol, the Shrewsbury Police were called and the school went into lockdown. After an assessment of the situation by the police, students returned to normal classroom activities within 30 minutes. Out of an abundance of caution, the Shrewsbury Police maintained a presence at the school throughout the day, and one of the Shrewsbury Police Department School Resource Officers will be present at the school for the remainder of the week.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph M. Sawyer, notified Paton families of the incident by automated phone call and email shortly after it occurred. Later, in an email to all district parents notifying them of the incident, Dr. Sawyer said, “Any time a parent hears news of a potential problem at any of our schools, it is natural to be concerned. Please know that our students and staff are safe…. I am sending this message to you so that all of our district families have accurate information in order to alleviate concerns and in order to dispel rumors.” Dr. Sawyer also added, “I am grateful for the excellent response to the situation by the Paton staff and the Shrewsbury Police.”
The incident is under investigation by the Shrewsbury Police, with assistance from Massachusetts State Police detectives who work with the Worcester County District Attorney’s office.
