UPDATE:
The Dubuque Community School District is thankful for the continuous support of the Dubuque Police Department, which has been actively involved in investigating the social media threat to Jefferson Middle School that surfaced late last night. During the investigation, we also learned that at least one message referenced the Alta Vista Campus.
Based on the police investigation that has continued during the overnight hours, the threats are believed to be copycat messages of a threat to another area school last night. All leads point to the messages being non-credible, with no danger to students or staff.
Following today’s two-hour delay, the remainder of the school day will be held as scheduled. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be additional police presence at Jefferson Middle School and the Alta Vista Campus throughout the day.
Thank you for your flexibility today and for your continued dedication to the safety of our students.
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
The Dubuque Community School District will operate on a two-hour delay TODAY, Monday, Jan. 14, at ALL DISTRICT SCHOOLS to allow for additional time to investigate a social media threat to Jefferson Middle School.
All district-run morning preschool is canceled.
Late last night, multiple students reported threats made on social media specific to Jefferson Middle School today. The Dubuque Police Department immediately began investigating and has been doing so through the night.
As a district, we take any potential threat to our schools seriously. In this case, we believe it is the most appropriate action to delay this morning to allow the police additional time to investigate.
We will continue to investigate this situation with the Dubuque Police Department until it is resolved. If and when the source of the threat is determined, the district will pursue further action on the individual responsible to the fullest extent possible.