Good Evening, HCPS Family:
It is with great relief, respect and pride that I report a very safe and uneventful day in all of our district's schools. As most know, like many other school divisions have experienced in the region, we were notified yesterday of a potential threat to our secondary schools originating from a social media challenge to "riot" during third period today. At some point, the challenge expanded to include the potential for a school shooting.
We immediately began investigating and while we found no credible threat, we began putting prevention measures in place to ensure our students and staff would be safe at school today. In partnership with the Hopewell Sheriff's Office and the Hopewell City Police Department, we had a significant law enforcement presence in our middle and high schools all day today. I personally spent the day at HHS and was able to visit with several students and staff.
The purpose of this message is to offer my greatest respect and appreciation to so many people who joined us today to keep our children and our staff safe. To the faculty and administration of both schools, I am forever indebted to you for pushing through your anxiety and fears and showing up for our babies. I am so proud of all of you. To our partners from law enforcement, especially Sheriff Kephart and Chief Afzal, it is a joy to serve with both of you. You have always taken such good care of us, and we appreciate you all so very much for your unwavering support and response to our every need. To Mr. Whittington and our School Security Officers, we are thankful for your leadership and coordination of so many moving parts during a situation such as this. We couldn't do this work without you. And finally, to our brave and courageous students...whether you stayed home today or chose to attend school in-person, I am so sorry you have to deal with this and appreciate your patience. We live in a very different world today, and I grieve for each of you that may have found "school" a scary and anxiety producing experience. It is not supposed to be this way, dear ones.
Please rest assured that on behalf of all the adults privileged to serve you in our schools, we will always put your safety first, and promise to do everything in our power to protect you at all costs. We love you, hope you have a good weekend and look forward to seeing you back on Monday.
Dr. Hackney
Superintendent of Schools