Information about Jan. 29 lockdown at Johnstown HS
At 9:52 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, a Johnstown High School student contacted Principal Scott Hale with credible information about a shooting threat against the school. Principal Hale immediately initiated a lockdown at JHS at 9:54 a.m., and Superintendent Patricia Kilburn ordered the other schools in the district to initiate lock out procedures.
Local law enforcement officers arrived at Johnstown High School at 10 a.m. and immediately set to work clearing and securing all hallways and common areas.
At 11:10 a.m., law enforcement officials lifted the lock outs at all Johnstown schools except Warren Street Elementary School. The lockdown at JHS remained in effect.
At 11:15 a.m., law enforcement officers began escorting JHS students to Warren Street Elementary School. During the time they were at Warren Street, high school students were supervised by adults and had access to restrooms and school meals.
Starting at 11:15 a.m., law enforcement officers worked systematically to clear and secure the entire Johnstown High School building. At 12:58 p.m., law enforcement officials deemed that the school and students were safe.
At 1:08 p.m., law enforcement officers escorted high school students back to JHS, where they continued with the remainder of their school day. Warren Street Elementary School and JHS operated under a lock out until their regular dismissal times, while law enforcement officers remained on site. This step was taken to ensure safe dismissal procedures and allow staff to continue to supervise and monitor students.
“We are thankful for the swift response and support of our local law enforcement,” Kilburn said. “I am also grateful to our faculty for their efforts to care for our students, and we are all proud of our students for their commendable behavior throughout the day.”
Law enforcement officers will continue their investigation, but have determined the school is safe to reopen to students Wednesday.
Kilburn said that counseling services will be available to all students at the schools on Wednesday and in the days ahead.
“Situations like the one we experienced today can be upsetting,” Kilburn said. “I am grateful to our families and the Johnstown community for their patience and cooperation.”