Parents Voice Concerns Over School’s Response to Threats

Parents in Pickering are worried about how a recent series of threats at a local elementary school have been managed by the administration. They believe the school needs to enhance its communication and safety protocols.

William Dunbar Public School went into lockdown on Jan. 27, following a phone threat made against the school. The lockdown was later downgraded to a hold and secure after police assessed the situation, which was lifted at 2:20 p. m.

The Durham Regional Police Service stated in a public announcement on Monday that they do not consider there to be an immediate risk to students or staff; however, officers remained present at the school as a precaution on Tuesday.

The threat on Jan. 27 wasn’t the only incident reported at the school recently.

It’s one of four incidents at the school that police are currently investigating, confirmed Durham Regional Police Const. Nicholas Gluckstein to . Gluckstein did not disclose specific details about the threats, stating they are part of “active investigations.”

This police statement followed a rally outside the school on Monday morning, where numerous parents expressed their concerns regarding how the school’s administration is handling these situations.

‘I feel the trust is gone’: parent

Teresa Sittaro, who has two sons in grades seven and four, mentioned she has kept her children home since last week’s hold and secure incident because she feels it’s still unsafe for them to return.

“They’re very anxious, and I feel that the trust is gone,” Sittaro told .

Sittaro said she first learned about the lockdown from her older son on Jan. 27 when he was stopped by police from re-entering the school while out for lunch and ended up walking home instead.

It wasn’t until after her son got home that she received any communications from the school, she added.

Teresa Sittaro, a mother of two sons who attend William Dunbar Elementary in Pickering, says her children are still anxious to return to school after a hold and secure on Jan. 27. (Paul Smith/ )

Sittaro also found out from her younger son that he and his classmates had spent two hours hiding under their desks during this incident.

Sittaro and other parents informed on Monday that several classes as young as Grade 2 were left without supervision during this time, which Sittaro described as “clearly wrong.”

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) initially did not confirm that classes were left unsupervised.

On Friday, DDSB spokesperson Galen Eagle clarified that some classes were indeed unsupervised during the initial phase of lockdown occurring over lunch hour.

“Staff followed established lockdown protocols and remained in designated safe areas,” reads Eagle’s statement.

Once police arrived and downgraded it to hold and secure status, teachers returned to their classrooms again,” Eagle added.

‘Gap erodes trust,’ parent says

Sam Snyders, another concerned parent, noted that even though threats continue against the school, parents have been seeking clearer real-time responses from administrators with each incident.

“It seems like they’ve been shutting us out,” Snyders remarked.

Snyders expressed that parents want to be included in discussions focused on enhancing safety measures and communication moving forward.

Sam Snyders, a concerned parent, says he wants parents to have a seat at the table to discuss safety and communication issues with administrators of William Dunbar. (Paul Smith/ )

He described the school’s communication style as “generic” and “after-the-fact,” suggesting parents often learn more about threats through their children than from administrators themselves.

“That gap erodes trust,” he emphasized.

Emails suggest threats began in December

While police confirmed they are investigating four incidents overall , emails sent by principal Tina Mandal , which were shared anonymously with , indicate these threats may have started back in December.

The board confirmed these emails are authentic.

In an email dated Dec. 15 , it mentioned DRPS initiated an investigation after “concerning written comments” appeared on school property. Two more emails suggested police had increased their presence at school but felt it was “no longer necessary” by week’s end.

The final email dated Jan. 9 mentioned an item resembling “a single piece of ammunition” was discovered inside the building just before then.

“The item was secured by principal , and authorities were notified,” stated this correspondence sent out to parents.

Const. Gluckstein couldn’t verify whether any ammunition was actually found. When asked if investigations include events dating back from December , Gluckstein also couldn’t provide confirmation either.

The Board acknowledges ‘additional work is needed’

DDSB spokesperson Tashlin Hirani communicated with saying there’s limited information available while multiple investigations remain ongoing with authorities involved.

“That said we remain committed toward sharing verified information whenever possible along with timely updates for families as conditions evolve,” Hirani assured.

Hirani additionally provided copies sent out January 28 following last incident indicating Martine Robinson Superintendent education for Pickering family schools acknowledged variances experienced concerning protocol implementations due mainly towards evolving nature circumstances faced throughout those periods.”

“We recognize additional efforts must occur reinforcing our common understanding practices across all levels within schools,” Robinson commented.”

The board will review what happened during January twenty-seventh’s event involving administrators staff students upcoming weeks according Robinson intend provide further training resources strengthen existing guidelines.”

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