February 26, 2018 Dear Families, As you know, the North Branch Police Dept. (NBPD) made an arrest over the weekend of a former North Branch Area High School student who allegedly made threats of violence against the school. North Branch Area Public Schools’ staff were in constant contact with the police department, and other affected organizations, throughout the weekend. We are deeply grateful for the NBPD’s thorough response and communication. This is an active investigation so all questions specific to the incident must be directed to the NBPD. Here is what is known at this time. Saturday evening the NBPD was made aware this student had made verbal threats against North Branch Area High School. The threat alluded to a possible shooting at the high school though no specific day or time was indicated. Officers arrested the individual a short time later and that person remains in custody as of this letter. At the time of the arrest the individual was not in possession of a firearm, nor was there any indication the student had immediate access to firearms. It is our understanding from court proceedings held this morning in Chisago County that the individual will be held in secure custody until 3 p.m. on March 2 at which time conditions of release will be addressed by Chisago County officials. There are no other known threats to NBAPS at this time. Communications from the NBPD have clearly stated that there is no known accomplice to these threats. For those of you who decided to keep your children home from school today, please know it is still necessary for you to call your school’s attendance line and make them aware of why you kept them home today for the absence to remain excused. Tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 27, NBAPS will continue its normal schedules and we encourage you to send your children to school. You may wish to talk to your student(s) about this incident and we encourage that. If you are looking for assistance in talking with your children about this incident, the Department of Education has tips for talking with kids about traumatic events: education.state.mn.us/MDE/dse/safe/bprev/MDE071470 In light of this situation, we feel it is important to share how North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS) addresses the issue of safety and security in our school district. NBAPS has a very active crisis management committee comprised of district leadership, law enforcement personnel, social workers, nurses, and mental health professionals. That committee meets monthly and constantly reviews crises within our school district and those that happen elsewhere in an effort to make sure the district’s crisis procedures are as effective as possible. All district staff are continually instructed on crisis procedures, anti-bullying efforts, and any and all changes to practice or procedure. Over the last few years NBAPS has made great improvements to school entrances and all schools now have secure entryways, panic buttons for office staff in case of emergency that provide a direct link to the NBPD, and require visitors to present identification before entering our schools. NBAPS conducts five lockdown drills annually at each school, in consult and conjunction with the North Branch Police Department. Law enforcement officers also serve as “intruders” during some lockdowns to train staff to better identify those in our schools without permission.

Dr. Deb Henton, Superintendent  North Branch Area Public Schools 38705 Grand Ave., PO Box 370  North Branch, Minnesota 55056-0370 651-674-1000 / phone  651-674-1010 / fax  isd138.org

District staff meet with representatives of the NBPD and the North Branch Fire Dept. annually to review the year and address any concerns for the upcoming year. During the summer when school is not in session, we open our buildings to area law enforcement to conduct “active shooter” drills so they can be better prepared in the event of an emergency. The NBAPS school board is consistently made aware of any incidents that occur within the school district and of all communication with families and staff. In addition, through our Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) initiative and anti-bullying efforts, we also instruct students on the importance of being vigilant, and talking to an adult if they see or hear any threats against the school district. The school district maintains an anonymous reporting system so reports can be made without fear of reprisal. Anonymous reporting forms can be found at the school district’s website (isd138.org/page/2887). NBAPS invites independent contractors into our buildings annually to evaluate our practices and our staff to ensure that procedures are followed to the letter. As part of our recently passed referendum, many security cameras in our school district will be replaced, upgraded, and added to areas with a lack of coverage. NBAPS will also be constructing a counseling center at the middle school and updating the high school’s in order to better address the proliferation of mental health issues among children in recent years. It is up to all of us to do our part to keep our kids safe at school. NBAPS will continue to make school safety our first priority and will evaluate this incident and all future incidents to make sure we are doing our part to provide the safest possible environment for education. We ask that you, as parents and guardians, continue to speak with your children about speaking up when they see or hear something that threatens the school district. We understand your concerns about school safety and security and want to assure you that the safety of your children and our staff is our first priority! I have included the NBPD’s latest press release at the end of this letter for your information. Sincerely,

Deb Henton, Ed.D.

Dr. Deb Henton, Superintendent  North Branch Area Public Schools 38705 Grand Ave., PO Box 370  North Branch, Minnesota 55056-0370 651-674-1000 / phone  651-674-1010 / fax  isd138.org