Threat Puts Tolland High School In Brief Lockdown

TOLLAND, CT — Tolland High School was in lockdown mode for a brief period Monday morning following a threat, state police said.

A preliminary state police report showed that state police from the Troop C barracks personnel responded to Tolland High School at 9:17 a.m., on the heels of information received from the FBI about a student making a threat against the building via social media.

The school was placed in a lockdown, which was lifted at 10:40 a.m., state police said.

"The juvenile student involved has been identified, and there is no threat to the public at this time," state police said.

"The investigation remains active," authorities said.

Tolland Superintendent of Schools Walter Willett said in an email to families that other buildings in the district were secured for precautionary reasons during the investigation.

Here is the transcript of the communication:

Tolland Families,

I am writing to provide a final update regarding the lockdown today at Tolland High School and related secure buildings at BGP,TIS, and TMS. The lockdown was initiated as an action taken in an abundance of caution based on a report made to the State Police and FBI regarding a short social media post made by a student. All lockdown and secure building protocols were followed, and we thank our State Police and Public Safety partners for their assistance. Thanks to staff for following the protocols and procedures, and to the parents and guardians for their patience, understanding and cooperation. Thanks also to students for following directions and working with the educators to follow the protocols that keep us all safe and secure.

At this time, this is a State Police matter and investigation. For that reason, and student privacy considerations, this message will constitute my final update on the matter. The Tolland Public Schools are safe to continue normal operations, and there is no ongoing threat. All students and staff are safe.

I have a Superintendent Community Forum coming up October 24, 2024 (please see the Superintendent Bulletin), please come and share thoughts, ideas, and concerns. If any feel they would like to set up a time to meet personally and discuss any thoughts or concerns, please call 860-870-6850 extension 1 and we can schedule a time that works for your schedule.

Wishing you peace and health,

Superintendent Willett