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Student Safety Top Priority for Marshall Schools
Updated January 27 - The Marshall School District has concluded it's investigation into recent vandalism at the high school. Thank you to community members and the Marshall Police Department for working in cooperation with the school district to preserve safety for students and maintain the integrity of the community's school facilities.
An alert now email message was sent to school district parents to reinforce many of the safety strategies in place at Marshall Public Schools, and share ideas for community members to take an active role in keeping our schools safe. Click here for a full version of this message.
A follow-up briefing was held at the school district today with representatives from the Dane County Sheriff's Office, Marshall Police Department, and other agencies involved in investigating and assessing a recent online threat to the community and schools. The collective assessment of the situation continues to provide us confidence that there is not an imminent threat to safety on the school campus. Staff members continue to remain on alert for any potential dangers, and are prepared to act in the best interest of student safety should the need arise. If you obtain any information that may be concerning to the safety of the community or schools, please contact the local police department by phone immediately. The non-emergency police phone number is 608-655-3533.
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The school district has learned that the individual charged with making threats toward the community and schools was released from custody. He has been charged with making a bomb threat (scare), which is a felony. Conditions of his release include electronic monitoring, and he is not permitted to be on the grounds or in any building of the Marshall School District.
Please be aware that you may notice an increased police presence in the school district. As always, please report any suspicious or unusual activity as well as information that you might learn related to illegal activity to the local police department.
Be assured that the safety and welfare of our students and staff is paramount. At this time we continue to believe that presence in our secured schools, under staff and increased police supervision is a safe environment for our students. If circumstances necessitate implementing particular aspects of our emergency plan, we will do so without hesitation.
The posting of a threat against school, police, and our community is an opportunity to talk to our kids about social media and the statements that are posted as well as an opportunity to discuss the courage to report inappropriate conduct that might put others in harm’s way. Several of our students had knowledge of the posting, yet no one reported it to someone at school. It is always the right time to do the right thing, and our students should be encouraged to do so. Community support and cooperation in keeping the safety and welfare of our children first is appreciated.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office has expressed commendation to the individual that was courageous enough to alert authorities to Facebook threats made toward the schools, police department, and citizens of Marshall. Marshall School District echoes appreciation for this person’s attention to the safety of our community. The District would also like to express appreciation to law enforcement personnel for investigating and reacting very quickly with an arrest. While the district feels confident, based on the information received from local law enforcement, that safety within the schools was not compromised on Monday, January 23, it’s understandable that parents may have questions. The district is committed to providing information to the community as soon as information is confirmed as factual and is able to be released to the public. Parents are always welcome to contact district officials regarding any questions or concerns they may have. Any threats toward the schools or individuals within the schools, whether verbal, written or online will be taken seriously and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This is a good opportunity for parents/guardians to reinforce responsible social network use, the importance of reporting behavior that is concerning, and consequences for communicating in a way that can be perceived as threatening.
January 24 News Release from Dane County Sheriff's Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Elise Schaffer, PIO
Phone: (608) 284-6142
mail: Schaffer@danesheriff.com
Sheriff’s Detectives Make Arrest For Bomb Threats
Madison, WI. January 24, 2012 – Seth L. Schumacher, age 19 of Marshall, was arrested yesterday by Dane County Sheriff’s detectives on a felony bomb threat charge. The Sheriff’s Office began an investigation on Monday, January 23rd after being alerted to the threats by Marshall Police.
A concerned citizen contacted police after seeing the threats on Schumacher’s Facebook page. The citizen described the posts as disturbing. They included statements from Schumacher threatening to bomb the school and the police station in Marshall. Schumacher also made threats of going on a killing spree and shooting everyone in sight.
Sheriff’s Office investigators were able to verify the information via interviews and Facebook, and Schumacher was arrested and booked into the Dane County Jail.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to commend the person who had the thoughtfulness and courage to come forward with this information. As we know from previous tragedies, many times there are threats and warning signs that are ignored or not taken seriously. But thanks in part to this citizen’s willingness to take action, a possible tragedy may have been averted in our community.
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Vandalism Incident at Marshall High School
There was an incident of high school vandalism last evening, January 24th. This incident was limited to paint on the outside of the building and sidewalks and is linked to a series of similar acts of vandalism. It was unrelated, however, to Monday’s arrest of an individual posting threats toward the school on Facebook, and did not pose a threat to student safety. School and law enforcement authorities are following up on leads regarding this incident. Anyone with information regarding this or other vandalism incidents is encouraged to contact the Marshall Police Department.
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Dane County Youth Survey
Marshall Middle and High School Students are scheduled to participate in the Dane County Youth Survey. Middle School Students will take the survey between January 23-27, and High School Students will take the survey between February 6-10. Dane County, in cooperation with the Youth Commission, United Way, Public Health, and school districts, has been surveying youth in grades 7-12 periodically since 1980. The survey identifies the opinions, concerns, attitudes, behaviors and experiences of young people to help provide educators, policy-makers and funding bodies data for grant writing, program development and public policy.
Copies of the survey are available for review at the district office, high school office and middle school office. The 2009 report and results are available at http://www.danecountyhumanservices.org/Family/Youth/youth_assessment_2009.aspx. Questions about the survey can be directed to TJ Hansen at 608-655-1588 x257 or Kristin Peterson at 608-655-1310 x504.
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2012-13 Open Enrollment Application Period - February 6-24, 2012.
Wisconsin's inter-district public school open enrollment program allows parents to apply for their children to attend school districts other than the one in which they reside. Parents must submit application forms to the non-resident district during the open enrollment period in February for the next school year.
Application Dates:
For the 2012-2013 school year, parents must apply no earlier than Monday, February 6, 2012 and no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2012. Due to Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction regulations, late applications will not be accepted for any reason.
How to Apply:
A. The recommended method of applying for open enrollment is through the on-line application process at http://dpi.wi.gov/sms/psctoc.html. The on-line application will be available from midnight February 6, 2012 until 4:00 p.m. on February 24, 2012.
OR
B. You may submit a paper application to the nonresident school district (the district where you are applying). The application must be received in the district prior to the deadline. A postmark does not meet this requirement.
If you have any questions or would like an application mailed to you, please contact Diane Breunig at (608) 655-3466 x1012.
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GOT CARDINAL SPIRIT?
NEW! Show your Cardinal Spirit with this ultra-soft, plush Cardinal Hat. Very durable and affordable at only $15. Offered by the Cardinal Club to help support Marshall Athletics.
Hats are back in stock after selling out twice! Please contact Amy Bergholz in the district office, 608-655-3466 x1011 or at 608-655-3338 after hours to pick up a hat in time for the holidays.
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Marshall's RTI Intitative Serves as Model for Wisconsin Schools
Marshall's RtI Initiative is prominently featured in the October issue of Wisconsin School News. As an early adopter of Response to Intervention (RtI) strategies, Marshall is now looked to as a leader across PK-12 in Wisconsin. The feature article, "Students in the Center. Through assessments, individualized learning and collaboration, schools are meeting diverse learning needs." shares Marshall's success story in meeting the diverse needs of students. As more districts across the state work to implement RtI framework, they are looking to schools such as Marshall for direction in improving outcomes for their students.
The cover of the magazine features Marshall High School teacher, Blair Means working with a student. Click on the article below to see even more staff and students from Marshall featured. Barb Sramek, District Administrator, recently addressed staff to recognize how unique Marshall is at the forefront of a movement to individualize instruction. She stated "I hope you understand how rare successful improvement efforts are and understand how unique this is in school districts in our state and elsewhere...I appreciate your work in keeping students in the center and for your continued efforts to meet the needs of all of the students who attend the Marshall Public Schools. You keep children first. Your work is important, and your work is being recognized and lifted up as a model for others."
Featured Article: Students In the Center. Through assessments, individualized learning and collaboration, schools are meeting diverse learning needs.
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