By Dr. KURT STEINHAUS

The purpose of this message is to share what we know about the current situation at Los Alamos High School, summarize what is being done about student safety, and provide options for parents and students.

What do we know?

• Staff have discovered two different graffiti-type writings in bathrooms at the high school. The words are hard to read and make reference to “shooting up the school.”
• Information of this nature, whether credible or not, has to be taken seriously. To the best of our knowledge, students and staff are not in imminent danger.
• Earlier today (March 3, 2016), there were rumors among students that “something is going to happen tomorrow.” In analyzing similar situations from high schools across the country, the most useful information comes from students.

What is being done about the situation?

• On March 2 and 3, students were asked to share what they have heard – all information is currently being read and reviewed. 
• The police are continuing to provide assistance with data collection and analysis. Teachers and staff are following established safety protocols deemed currently necessary (e.g., classroom doors are locked, bathrooms are being checked every hour, and we are on a heightened level of security).
• If we receive actionable information, school will be cancelled.

What parents and students can do?

• “If you see or hear something, say something.”
• If you witness any unauthorized individuals on campus, immediately contact a teacher or the High School administration.
• Parents may want to talk with their children and make a decision about whether to attend school on Friday March 4, 2016. At this point, we believe it is safe to attend school.   

Student safety is our greatest concern.