From the Office of West Virginia Governor Jim Justice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Gov. Justice directs West Virginia Fusion Center, Department of Homeland Security, partner agencies to investigate threats of violence to WV schools
CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice has directed the West Virginia Fusion Center to act as the central repository for all threats of violence received at more than 45 schools in West Virginia. The Governor also directed state agencies to act in a coordinated manner to diligently investigate social media posts and warnings circulating in communities across the state.
“We will tenaciously pursue these bad actors and anyone creating an unsafe environment for our children. I just won't tolerate it. Not for one instant,” Gov. Justice said. “Each and every one of these threats will be investigated and all our resources are working together to protect our students, our schools, and our communities.”
The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security and other law enforcement agencies are aware of and working with local, state, and federal partners to monitor and investigate all leads and information received.
A call was held earlier today with school superintendents from across the state to discuss the threats, ongoing response, and safety measures and protocols in place with local schools. Homeland Security also assured that if additional resources are needed in specific counties, the state can provide support and facilitate connections as necessary.
“We are working with local, county, regional, state, and federal authorities to investigate and address these threats,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Mark Sorsaia. “As we fulfill our mission to protect our students, teachers, and staff and coordinate our response and investigation with local and federal authorities, we ask the public to share any and all information they may have regarding these threats.”
Threats early in the school year are not uncommon. Each instance is taken very seriously and punishable by strict disciplinary measures, including possible suspension, expulsion, and legal consequences. The school safety unit takes all threats seriously and supports zero tolerance when dealing with threats to schools.
The West Virginia Fusion Center, under the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, will continue coordinating response efforts and investigations at the state level.
“Our ongoing priority is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our students and communities,” said Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Rob Cunningham. “We will continue our investigation of each event and are prepared to respond if needed. We ask the community to download our emergency response phone app and assist us in keeping our communities safe.”
The community is encouraged to report any and all types of threats by calling 911 and utilizing the My Mobile Witness reporting app.
"These threats are incredibly disruptive to student learning and well-being," said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. "We implore our families and communities to work with their local law enforcement agencies or school safety officers to report suspicious activities. Students deserve to attend schools where they feel safe and can learn in a productive and nurturing environment."
The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Reporting a Threat
The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security reminds all West Virginians to immediately call 911 if there is an immediate danger or law enforcement intervention is necessary.
Additionally, West Virginia has partnered with My Mobile Witness to implement a “see something, send something” reporting system that can be completed on a smartphone or other mobile device. All West Virginians are encouraged to participate in this initiative by downloading the free See, Send application from the App Store or Google Play.
My Mobile Witness is also compatible with web-based reporting and is not strictly for cell phone use. Once the app is downloaded to a device, users will be prompted to enter their first and last name (though any reporting can be done anonymously, if the user prefers), their phone number, and then select a state of residence. Once those fields are entered, the app will be ready to use. The user may submit tips for “Crime/Suspicious Activity” or “School Threat or Safety Issues,” and they may also request help for “Suicide or Addiction.”
To view this message in your browser:
https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?e=94b2481ca6&u=d525ab9ade4d860d2b5772468&id=0d7a3a0f8b
Remember Silver and Black Friday tomorrow!
iReady Diagnostic results will be coming home with your student today!
This is a reminder that we will be holding our first school dance of the year, hosted by NJHS and Student Council, this Friday! Tickets are be available for purchase during lunch every day this week, and the cutoff for ticket sales is Friday after lunch. Please note that tickets must be purchased in advance for admittance to the dance. If you have any questions, please contact the school office. We look forward to a fantastic evening!
We are happy to announce TCMS has two new additions to our staff! Welcome Ms. Cooper and Officer Skinner! We are thrilled to have you on the Silver Knights team!
We’ve officially started year 5 of the ThinkSync program at TCMS (previously known as MetaNu)! Students will take weekly assessments on Mondays during Knight Time to reflect on their experiences and monitor their mental wellness through personal profiles, which will go hand in hand with our Character Counts curriculum. They’ll also have access to a variety of lessons, tools, and resources at any time through their iPads, cell phones, or any electronic device with internet. One exciting update is the new “Contact a Counselor” feature, allowing students to connect with a Student Success Center staff member right from their profiles.
Pictured are today's gift card winners from the random drawing during the kickoff assembly: Ashton Morris, Zoe Shinn, and Jacob Buchannon.
#KnightsPride
The WVEIS Parent Portal has replaced Livegrades. Follow the attached instructions to sign in for PARENT access. If you have any issues, call 304-758-8661.
Download directions: https://5il.co/2w5qb
This week is “Celebrate Freedom Week”! Our students will learn more about the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom and the important values our country was built on. #KnightsPride
We are excited to announce our first school dance of the year, hosted by NJHS and Student Council, this Friday! Tickets will be available for purchase during lunch this week, from September 9th to 13th. Please note that tickets must be purchased in advance for admittance to the dance. If you have any questions, please contact the school office. We look forward to a fun evening!
To end the unit on Types of Government, Mrs. Moore's 7th grade Geography classes created their interpretations of the different types of government using gummy bears.
TCMS Students and Staff: Tomorrow and every Friday moving forward this year will be designated as "Silver and Black Friday"! Please show your support and school spirit! #KnightsPride
Today, our students had the opportunity to hear from Tyler County Prosecuting Attorney, Luke Furbee, and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Kyle Elliott, during Knight Time. They discussed the important role students play in maintaining a safe and supportive environment in our school, and shared valuable insights about appropriate behavior with peers, including responsible cell phone use. They also explained the juvenile court process in a way that helped students better understand the legal system. We're grateful for their time and the strong relationship they have with our school!
We are excited to announce our first school dance of the year, hosted by NJHS and Student Council, next Friday! Tickets will be available for purchase during lunch from September 9th to 13th. Please note that tickets must be purchased in advance for admittance to the dance. If you have any questions, please contact the school. We look forward to a fun evening!
Congratulations to the TCMS National Junior Honor Society officers for the 2024-2025 school year. Pictured left to right: Kailyn Eastham-President, Patrick Jones-Vice President, Amber Ebert-Secretary, Gavin Previteria-Treasurer, and Community Service Representatives Shiloh Dillaman and Stevie Torman.
Handball intramurals are underway! We have 18 teams signed up and will be playing games in the mornings before 1st period and during lunch!
Today was a great day of safe, honest, and meaningful conversations! #JamiesLaw
The first middle school event is being held tonight in our newly renovated gym: TCMS Volleyball vs River. Welcome to The Castle!
Join us tomorrow for TCMS Meet the Team and meet our fall sports teams! #KnightsPride
TCMS Parents/Guardians: If you drop your student off at the school in the mornings, please be advised that students should not be dropped off at school before 7:30 a.m. Our staff report time is 7:30 a.m., and there will be no supervision available for students before that time. Additionally, the school doors will remain locked until 7:30 a.m. to ensure the safety of all students. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone. Please call the school if you have any questions.
Welcome Back, TCMS Knights!
We’re so excited to have our students back for another incredible year! Today, we’re kicking off our school year with Middle School Academy, where students will learn everything they need to know to have a successful and amazing year at TCMS. We are looking forward to another journey together! #KnightsPride
