‘My kids have a lot of anxiety’: Pickering parents say school’s response to threat ‘undermined parental confidence’

CP24’s Courtney Heels has the latest on the ongoing investigation that has left parents of students at William Dunbar Public School in Pickering concerned.

Parents in Pickering say they are concerned about how a string of recent threats at a local school have been handled by administrators, citing a lack of communication about the incidents to students and families.

William Dunbar Public School, near Dixie Road and Finch Avenue, was placed under lockdown on Jan. 27 following a threat to the school that was made over the phone, police confirmed.

“With respect to the recent hold and secure, the school acted immediately in response to a threatening phone call, working closely with Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS),” Durham District School Board (DDSB) said in a statement.

“As part of that response, the school initially implemented a lockdown upon receiving the threat. When Durham Regional Police Service arrived shortly afterward and secured the scene, the situation was reassessed in consultation with police, and the lockdown was downgraded to a hold and secure.”

But parents said they are concerned with how the incident was handled and some told CP24 that students as young as six were left unsupervised in the classroom as the situation was unfolding.

Others said they were not notified of the incident in a timely fashion.

In response, they held a rally outside the school on Monday morning.

“We are here today because we are concerned. We are concerned about children,” parent Sam Snyders told CP24.

“Every day we send our children off to school and we trust that they are safe. That they are being cared for and supported. But when that sense of safety is shaken not once, but multiple times, then as families, we have to speak out.”

Incidents ‘undermined parental confidence’

In a written statement, a number of parents and caregivers said the “delayed, inconsistent, and inaccurate information,” along with a lack of transparency and supervision, have “undermined parental confidence” in the ability of both the school and board to ensure student safety during emergencies.

“What we are asking for is a seat at the table when decisions are being made that revolve around our children’s safety and wellbeing,” Snyders said.

Another parent, Theresa Sittaro, said her son and the rest of his Grade 4 class were forced to stay under their desk for two hours.

“I still feel like there is not enough being done to feel like my kids are safe to send them back to school,” she said.

“I have not sent them back to school since the incident on the 27th. My kids have a lot of anxiety.”

Sittaro said this is the third recent incident reported at the school.

“I don’t trust we are receiving the communication on all three incidents,” she said.

“I’ve heard that a couple of Grade 2 classes were left unsupervised during that two hours, which is very scary.”

‘We know that many families are frustrated’

The school board said the investigation into the Jan. 27 incident was conducted by police, who have advised that there is no ongoing risk to public safety.

“Throughout the day, DDSB followed police guidance and communicated with families at multiple points,” its statement read.

“We have also acknowledged feedback from families and staff about how last week’s procedures were experienced. The situation evolved quickly, including during the lunch period, which resulted in variability across the school environment. We take that feedback seriously.”

The school board said it is working “closely with school administration and staff” to review what happened and reinforce emergency procedures. Additional support and training will be provided to ensure “clarity and consistency,” the board noted.

“We know that many families are frustrated by the level of detail that has been shared, and we understand why. When situations involve police-led investigations, there are limits to what the school and Board can communicate while that work is ongoing,” the statement continued.

“That said, we remain committed to sharing as much verified information as we can, as soon as we are able, and to communicate with families as this situation evolves.”

Police ‘committed to supporting safety’

On Monday afternoon, Durham Regional Police Service provided a update on the situation, saying they “understand the concern that incidents of this nature can create for students, staff, families, and the wider community.”

“DRPS shares these concerns and remains committed to supporting the safety and well-being of everyone connected to William Dunbar Public School,” police said in a written statement.

The force went on to say that investigators are “actively managing multiple ongoing investigations related to these incidents, including the assessment of the reported threat.”

“DRPS does not believe there is any immediate public safety risk to students, staff, or the school community,” the statement notes.

Increased police presence in area

As a precaution, DRPS said they will continue to maintain an increased presence in that area, with officers closely monitoring activities in and around the school.

Members of 19 Division’s School Liaison Unit will also be conducting additional visits to “provide support, engage with students and staff, and reinforce safety and reporting practices.”

“DRPS remains in close communication with school administration and our community partners as these investigations continue. The Service is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for all,” DRPS said.

Anyone with further information about these incidents is asked to contact the West Division Criminal Investigation Branch at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1906, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

With files from CP24’s Courtney Heels