Shorecrest cleared to open Thursday on normal schedule after search by five K9 units

Shorecrest High School
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The stories about the threat to Shorecrest were rumors and misinformation. 

There was no weapon.

There was no shooting planned. 

Kellogg was not involved.

However, there were students who brought 200 rounds of ammunition to the school, which was found by staff on Monday. The school was then locked down and searched. Kellogg was put in lock out for a few minutes simply because it is next door to Shorecrest.

Statement from Shoreline Public Schools:

We are writing to let you know that Shorecrest will be open tomorrow, Thursday, December 12 and will operate on a normal schedule. 

Law enforcement has assured us that there is no credible or substantiated threat to our students and staff; however, there will be an extra police presence on campus tomorrow to help students, staff and families feel comfortable in returning to school.

Below are the details of the alleged threat and investigation that we are able to share.

Tuesday evening, we received multiple tips that a gun was seen on campus on Friday, December 6, 2019 and that there was a shooting planned for Friday, December 13. 

Details of the tip claimed that the weapon was hidden in the South Woods (wooded area south of the school). 

Wednesday, a team of five ammunition and explosive detection dogs conducted a comprehensive search of the South Woods and the Shorecrest campus.

This was in addition to a search conducted by two detection dogs on Monday. They did not find any weapons or ammunition. 

School administrators and law enforcement also conducted dozens of interviews with students who had claimed to have heard about a weapon on campus.

After thorough interviews and investigation, it was determined the claims were the result of rumors and misinformation relating to the lockdown that occurred on Monday. 

Again, there has been no evidence that a weapon was on campus or that a threat to the school existed.

Monday’s lockdown was the result of the discovery of 200 rounds of ammunition by staff. Students involved were identified and contacted by police. They are subject to legal and disciplinary consequences.

There are two processes currently taking place with regard to these students — law enforcement’s criminal investigation, which may lead to criminal charges, and the school disciplinary process.

In terms of school discipline, we are not permitted by law to share disciplinary action. What we can share is that no student will be permitted on the Shorecrest campus or to return to Shorecrest campus if there is any safety concern. 

We take a very deliberate set of actions in conjunction with law enforcement, including a complete threat assessment process, to help guide our decision-making. 

What has happened this week was a very serious matter that impacted our entire community. We are taking it extremely seriously and have taken advantage of all the legal, and school disciplinary, actions available to us.

We know that these types of experiences can have a mental and emotional toll. 

We will have our counseling teams on hand to support students who need someone to talk to or to help process their feelings. Please encourage your child to seek this support out if you feel they would benefit from it. 

We know that you, as parents and guardians, have helped your children through many difficult or scary issues throughout their lives. It is still hard to do every time. 

Here is a link to our webpage with tips about talking to children about school threats from the National Association of School Psychologists that you can use in having your own conversations with your child about their feelings. 

You can also contact your school’s office to request any additional support your child may need.