Newton High School went into soft lockdown today to investigate threat

Newton High School went into soft lockdown earlier this morning, which officials say is in response to an investigation of a potential threat raised by a concerned student and parent. Newton Police Department questioned a number of students and determined the threat was not credible. The lockdown was soon lifted.

According to communications sent to high school families around 12:45 p.m. today by Principal Michael Dale, the lockdown began at 9:37 a.m. The high school resumed its normal activities around 10:05 a.m., at which time the soft lockdown was lifted. Which means the investigation took 28 minutes.

When a soft lockdown is initiated in the high school, all student movement through the building is limited. Classroom instruction is continued to limit disruption to the school day. Dale thanked his staff and students for their response, cooperation and flexibility during this time period.

“Safety of our students is our No. 1 concern and priority, and all reported threats will be investigated thoroughly,” Dale said.