On Wednesday, Feb. 5, Mars Area School District received two (2) separate messages concerning school safety through the Safe2Say Something Crisis Hotline.
The more recent message included inappropriate statements made by a Mars Area Centennial School student. Upon receipt of the message, District officials immediately contacted Adams Township Police Department, which has intervened in this matter and taken appropriate actions. In addition, police officials have deemed the statements, which did not include a threat against the school, to be "non-credible." Regardless, out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased police presence at Mars Area Centennial School on Thursday, Feb. 6.
Earlier in the day, the District received a separate Safe2Say message alleging that a Mars Area High School student was in possession of a gun. Upon notification from the District, Adams Township Police investigated and determined the information to be “non-credible." At no time was a threat made against the school.
Mars Area School District would like to thank our local law enforcement personnel for their quick and diligent response in these matters. The District appreciates the support of our local police, as well as that of our students and parents, as we continue our efforts to ensure a safe and secure educational environment for our students, faculty and staff members.
As a reminder, the Safe2Say Something initiative, offered through the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, provides the means by which anyone can anonymously report safety concerns either via the program’s website, www.safe2saypa.org; the Safe2Say Something mobile app; or 24/7 Crisis Hotline at (844) 723-2729. Additionally, Mars Area School District continues to offer a Safety Hotline at (724) 625-2720 for District students to report concerns regarding school safety, bullying or any other issue. All information provided via Safe2Say or the Safety Hotline is kept strictly confidential and is reviewed and addressed immediately.
Sincerely,
Dr. Wesley W. Shipley
Superintendent