Tolland School Officials 'Clarify' THS Lockdown In Sunday Memo

TOLLAND, CT — School officials in Tolland Sunday sent a letter to the school community in an effort to "clarify" that a lockdown last Wednesday at Tolland High School was not because of a direct threat to the public or those inside the building.

The letter was signed by Superintendent of Schools Walter Willett and THS principal Thomas Poland.

"The lockdown was not initiated due to any threat made by a high school student," the letter read.

The lockdown was seemingly caused by something said to someone then shared by someone.

"It was enacted out of an abundance of caution in response to a statement made by a student—based on something shared with them by other students—about a high school student," they wrote on Sunday.

Last Wednesday, a notice went out about a lockdown at THS. Willett said in the notice that the school had been placed in lockdown mode because of "a concerning statement" made by a THS student. The lockdown was accompanied by a response from state police and the fire department for "safety" reasons, Willett wrote.

Added Tolland Town Manager Brian Foley on social media, "This is more of an investigative lockdown, as opposed to immediate crisis."

Someone saying something to someone after hearing it from someone then turned into a social media and text chain frenzy over the situation and panicked and speculative comments were running rampant in the aftermath of the notice. One parent said cell phone texts were constant in the household throughout Wednesday evening into the weekend.

Willett and Poland then attempted to calm everyone down.

On Sunday, they wrote that they wanted "to provide additional information regarding the lockdown at Tolland High School on Wednesday, March 5."

They continued,

"The lockdown was not initiated due to any threat made by a high school student.

"It was enacted out of an abundance of caution in response to a statement made by a student—based on something shared with them by other students—about a high school student.

"As part of our safety protocols, the identified high school student, their belongings, and their locker were searched. The Connecticut State Police assessed the situation. The State Police cleared the school to end the lockdown.

"No weapons, harmful objects, or explosive devices were found.

"The State Police also engaged with the student’s family and confirmed that no weapons were registered to the household.

"The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We are committed to maintaining a secure environment through established protocols, infrastructure, training, and strong partnerships.

"We take all reports seriously and will always act in the best interest of student and staff safety. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 860-870-6850 ext. 1 or THS Principal Tom Poland at 860-870-6818 ext. 5."

The state police Troop C log Monday showed no arrests related to the incident.