King Philip Middle School was placed in a ‘Secure the School’ and ‘Secure the Classroom’ protocol on Wednesday morning while a threat was investigated.

By Ronni Newton

A swatting incident impacted the morning routine at King Philip Middle School in West Hartford on Wednesday morning, but officials said there was never a threat to student safety.

West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus shared with We-Ha.com a letter that was emailed to King Philip parents and caregivers by the school’s administrative team on Wednesday morning, informing them that “a report involving a possible threat to the school” had been received at approximately 9:08 a.m. on Wednesday. “While upsetting and disruptive, there was not any threat to student safety at any point,” Vicinus said.

“West Hartford Police responded immediately, and we initiated a Secure the School protocol to ensure the safety of all students and staff,” the letter states. “We then moved into a Secure the Classroom protocol at about 9:30 a.m. Though we have received information about similar swatting threats across the state, out of an abundance of caution, police thoroughly investigated the concern, and we were able to lift the Secure the Classroom protocol at 10:20 a.m.”

West Hartford Police Capt. Aaron Vafiades confirmed to We-Ha.com that the incident was reported through the anonymous alert system, and was a “hoax threat.” According to Vafiades, similar incidents occurred throughout the state this week.

The incident at King Philip did not impact the Grade 8 trip to High Meadow, and all buses were able to depart for that event, according to school administrators. Sixth graders had a trip to Quassy Amusement Park, and all but one of those buses was able to depart from the school on time, with the remaining bus released following a thorough check.

“Unfortunately, the safety sweep delayed 7th-grade students boarding the bus for their field trip,” the letter said, adding that “[t]hroughout the incident, students, staff, and our school remained safe.”

The letter to the KP community expressed thanks to police and others for their response. “We are deeply grateful for the swift response of the West Hartford Police Department, our school security team, our teachers, and our students. Their calm cooperation allowed us to address the situation efficiently and effectively,” the letter said.

“We are appreciative of the swift response from the WHPD and their partnership,” said Vicinus.

No further details are available at this time, but school officials said that student safety remains the highest priority, “and we will continue to act with the greatest care and urgency whenever a safety concern arises.”

Students who were alarmed by the incident and are in need of any support are asked to reach out to an administrator or school counselor. “We are here to help and to ensure that all members of our community feel safe and supported at KP,” the letter stated.

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