BUSD Offers Update on Bristow Middle School Threat

On Wednesday, the Brentwood Union School District released additional information regarding a school threat at Bristow Middle School on Tuesday.

The incident prompted the Brentwood Police Department to respond and investigate. They also wanted to provide additional resources to ensure extra safety on campus after the threat was deemed to not be credible.

Although the District could not provide more details as rumors are running rampant, Superintendent Dana Eaton did confirm Wednesday there was no firearm or knife on campus and that at least one student has been identified and discipline will possibly rise to the level of expulsion. Several other students will also face significant disciplinary actions based on the text thread that has been discovered.

According to sources, the threat was directed at several teachers at the school. Eaton would not confirm that occurred, but did say multiple people were threatened in the message thread.

Eaton said they cannot release more information at this time due to the Brentwood Police Department in still conducting their investigation into the incident and indenting those involved.

Brentwood Police have not yet released any information on the incident.

Here is the letter that went out

November 8, 2023

Dear Bristow Middle School Families,

Yesterday, we shared information with all school families regarding a possible threat to student safety.  As she shared in that communication, as soon as we were made aware of the threat, Brentwood police were contacted. The Brentwood Police Department concluded that there was no viable threat to our students or school safety. The student who made the threats was identified and will receive significant consequences for their actions. We will continue to investigate to determine if any other students were involved and to what level.

Our school district takes these threats very seriously and will not tolerate any threats against our schools.  I commend the young people who came forward to report concerns about what these students were saying.  Students heard concerning information and shared it with staff.  Administrators contacted the police, and action was taken immediately to keep our school safe.  Please continue to encourage your children to bring any safety concerns to the attention of school staff or law enforcement.

It is important for young people to know that there are consequences for actions.  As educators, we believe that discipline is a learning opportunity, however we support serious consequences for serious actions.  As a school district and community, we cannot take any threat lightly.

While our school is safe, we know that these situations can be upsetting. Counseling support will continue to be available to students and staff.  We will have extra counselors available on-site should anyone need support.  We will continue to communicate this to all staff and students. Staff will continue to reassure students of their safety and encourage them to please say something when they hear something or see something.

Thank you so much for your support of our school and safety.  As you know, Bristow Middle School students and staff should feel safe and secure knowing that we consistently hold their safety in the highest regard.

Anna Perales, Principal
Bristow Middle School