Unspecified threat led to early dismissal at Highlands Middle School last week

Highlands Middle School students were dismissed early Friday after a threat was made to the school, district leaders said Monday.

Details of the incident and the nature of the threat were not released by the district.

A statement from Superintendent Monique Mawhinney did not disclose who made the threat or how it was received.

She said students were dismissed early out of extreme caution.

“A structured dismissal took place to provide additional safety and security for our students,” she said.

According to the student handbook, threats made to other students or to the school at-large are considered a Level 4 misbehavior. Those are ones that disrupt the learning climate or could pose a hazard to the welfare of others.

The behaviors lead to punishments that could result in the immediate removal of the student from school and the possible intervention of law enforcement, according to the handbook. Students could also be permanently suspended from riding the bus or given out-of-school suspension.

“The district will always error on the side of caution to protect our students and staff,” Mawhinney said.

Level 4 behaviors include bomb threats, weapons, fighting, computer hacking and drugs, among others.

Mawhinney thanked administration, police, security and the Springdale K-9 unit for assisting the district during the threat assessment.

“It takes a team to work together during these challenging situations, and I am thankful for everyone who did what it took to keep our students safe,” she said.