Catasauqua Area School District families received a message from Superintendent Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling around 11 a.m. Aug. 28 stating Catasauqua Middle School and Sheckler Elementary School had been put on lockdown. She reported a phone call threat against CMS was received.

According to the notification, Catasauqua High School remained on regular schedule but had an increased police presence.

Lutz-Doemling reconnected with families just before 12:30 p.m., informing them the schools had returned to normal operations.

The latest communication reported they received the “phone call threatening an act of violence” against CMS in the morning, and both CMS and the nearby Sheckler Elementary initiated lockdown protocol.

“Police were swift and immediate in their response,” Lutz-Doemling said, adding an increased law enforcement presence would remain on the school campuses for the rest of that day.

Additionally, counselors were available to offer support to the students if needed.

“We understand the anxiety a situation like this can cause for our families, students, staff and community,” Lutz-Doemling said. “Please know that our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff.”

She added they take all reports of potential threats seriously and encouraged everyone to report “anything that could constitute a threat to school safety.” She noted they continue to work closely with law enforcement to assist in these situations.

“We are making every effort to maintain an environment where students and staff feel safe,” Lutz-Doemling said.

Later in the day, Lutz-Doemling sent another communication, detailing the effort the district takes to ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff.

“To ensure the safety of our school community, we regularly practice emergency response drills designed to prepare both students and staff for unexpected situations,” she said. “These drills help us fine-tune our safety procedures and ensure we are ready to respond effectively in any scenario.”

Lutz-Doemling reported they conduct basic response drills during the year, aligned with guidelines set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. They conduct lockdown, shelter-in-place and evacuation drills. She noted CASD holds lockdown drills in both October and February of each year.

“We are committed to continually improving our safety protocols and collaborating closely with local law enforcement and first responders to ensure that our emergency procedures are effective and up to date,” Lutz-Doemling said.