By Jackson Schneider
JUNCTION CITY —The first day of school at Spring Valley Elementary was interrupted Wednesday morning by a bomb threat, which was quickly determined to be only a threat.
"Earlier this morning, prior to the start of school, we received an unsubstantiated message through social media," said USD 475 Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston.
Students and staff were evacuated off of school grounds while Junction City Police and allies searched the entirety of the school for any evidence of a threat.
Junction City Police Chief John Lamb credited a recent training exercise with the Geary County Sherriff's Office and USD 475 for preparing his team, as well as the district for an event like this. "If anything, it's an excellent dry run related to that," he said.
Students and staff were able to get plenty of water and safely hold activities outside off of school grounds while the police department, as well as Fort Riley K-9 team searched the grounds, before ultimately giving the all-clear just before 11a.m.
"The students are accustomed to drills. Whether it's a fire drill or any other alarms that take place, and so they know how to react. Our teachers know how to respond as well and so I think because it's somewhat muscle memory for us, how to conduct yourself during any type of emergency, we could see that today, even though we've been out of school."
At this time, no details have been released about the threat or who sent it to the school, but Chief Lamb stated now that the all-clear has been given, they will be able to investigate thoroughly into the threat.
"Our students and staff are safe," said Eggleston. "I thank everyone again, for responding accordingly."
No statement has currently been released directly from USD 475, but one is expected in the near future.