Following an investigation into a generic and nondescript email threat received today, Dec. 13 by the Eagle Hill Middle School principal, local law enforcement officials have determined the threat is unfounded and the Fayetteville-Manlius middle school building is safe for occupancy by students and staff members.
Other than being sent to the principal’s school email address, there were no distinguishing features that mentioned the principal by name, the school district, the school building by name or a specific date. The message was sent using a virtual private network, or VPN, which masks a device’s IP address.
Out of an abundance of caution, the building’s emergency response plan was followed. Students and staff members were in a temporary shelter-in-place for approximately 30 minutes while a full sweep of the building was conducted by New York State and Town of Manlius police officials, and multiple state K-9 units.
Once the building was deemed safe and secure by law enforcement officials, the shelter-in-place concluded and students and staff members were able to resume routine school activity.
“I want to personally commend our students and staff members for assisting us with their fullest cooperation, and for the quick response and thorough work of law enforcement officials,” F-M Superintendent Craig J. Tice said. “The safety and security of our students and staff members is our highest priority.”
School officials are collaborating with the Town of Manlius Police Department and the district’s instructional technology department to assist law enforcement as they investigate this matter. Town of Manlius police (with the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation) will lead any further investigation. Because it is an active police investigation, the district is unable to forward or share any specific details related to the email correspondence.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to please talk with their Eagle Hill student about today’s events and reassure them that emergency protocols, such as sheltering-in-place, are sometimes put into use for everyone’s safety.
The district reminds everyone the importance of being vigilant and reporting anything concerning to a trusted adult or an administrator. The district’s Let’s Talk Anonymous Tips feature is always available as another option for sharing information.