Pewaukee H.S. homecoming, football game back on after threat cancels school
PEWAUKEE -- After spending the day on high alert, Pewaukee police have given the all clear for the homecoming football game and dance. This after a threatening letter is found at the high school, prompting classes to be cancelled throughout the district on Friday, October 2nd.
There shouldn't be anything wrong with having a day off of school, but this day off brings mixed emotions.
"I was glad they were cancelling school because I didn't want to get hurt," said Isaiah Wilson, 6th grade student at Horizon Elementary School.
Isaiah Wilson and Joe Brand
"I was disappointed because of homecoming, I would have been able to run on the field because I'm a football player," said Joe Brand, 5th grade student at Horizon Elementary School.
It was all cancelled: School, the homecoming parade, and Friday night's game after school. Officials say they found a handwritten message at Pewaukee High School, saying "there will be a school shooting on Friday, October 2nd."
"Lot of times I hear this and they think they should let the kids go to school, let it be the parents decision but obviously the police didn't feel comfortable," said Jim Brand, parent.
Instead, officers spent Friday conducting interviews, doing sweeps of the high school, and patrolling the area making sure everything is safe.
"We are just dotting the I's and crossing the T's to make sure everything is covered," said Village of Pewaukee Police Detective Craig Drummy.
Pewaukee High School
Saturday, the homecoming dance will still happen -- along with the football game that is scheduled for 1 p.m.
"You'll notice a police presence and with that people should feel more safer than a normal day," said Drummy.
The search for the person responsible is still underway. Police say they are confident they will find whoever is responsible.
"If it's a hoax, you can't do it to just get out of school. I want them to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law to steer away from people to do this again," said Brand.
"I would hope that person gets punished," said Wilson.
Police are still looking for help from the public -- anyone with information is asked to call the Pewaukee Police Department at 262-691-5678.
The Pewaukee School District has sent the following letter to all parents:
Dear Parents,
I am writing to offer you an update regarding our October 2nd school closing. These decisions are never easy but keeping students safe is Job #1. I want to extend my sincere thanks for your understanding. It is wonderful to work in such a supportive community.
I have a few items to relay at this time.
- We have just worked with the Pewaukee Village Police Department in conducting a thorough sweep of our schools and campus. I am happy to report that the sweep came through “clean” and no issues of concern were found on campus. Our Pewaukee Village Police Department has offered tremendous service in both the investigation and in the efforts to ensure campus security. Join me in extending gratitude for their fine efforts and collaboration.
- We have made the decision to hold our Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 3 at 1:00 p.m. as well as the Homecoming Dance on Saturday evening. As the threat was specific to October 2, we felt it best to move forward. Additional safety precautions are in place. As example, we will have metal detectors in use at both events as well as a stronger police and administrative presence. We encourage people attending the football game to arrive early and to leave backpacks, large purses and bags at home. I would also like to extend my gratitude to our staff as well as the administration and coaches at New Berlin Eisenhower who have been nothing but agile and professional in re-scheduling this football game. Principal Van Hulle is communicating with high school students and families about the procedures in place for the Homecoming Dance. We are working diligently to make both of these Homecoming activities positive and memorable for our students; they deserve this.
- I would like to again ask for your assistance. If you discover anything that can help in the investigation, please contact us immediately. Additionally, since this is a serious incident impacting our entire campus community, the Pewaukee Village Police have elected to use Crimestoppers. You can relay an anonymous tip for cash reward by contacting Crimestoppers at 1-888-441-5505 or at http://www.stopcrimewaukesha.com/
- We look forward to students returning to school on Monday, October 5. Please look for communication from your child’s principal concerning additional security procedures that will be in place. We anticipate that you will receive this email on Sunday, October 4.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. I can be reached at 262-691-2100 ext. 5046 or by email at sterjoa@pewaukeeschools.org.
Maintaining a safe campus for our students is important to all of us. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Sincerely,
Dr. JoAnn Sternke
Superintendent