The day violence was threatened, every teacher was at work

To The Daily Sun,

Dear Laconia Community:

Now that the rush of the end of the school year has passed, I wanted to take this moment to offer a humble thank you to the community for its support as we at Laconia High School went through a difficult situation as the school year ended.

At LHS, it is our constant desire to create, maintain and improve our school's learning culture. Over the past few years, we have evidence that this is happening. Student performance, based on multiple measures of evaluation, has improved. Attendance and student disciplinary issues are also moving in a clear, data-supported positive direction. However, when a threat against the school is made, the data goes out the window and we must make decisions that ensure safety above all else.

Because of the strong community support we received during the final week of school, we were safe and maintained a strong learning environment throughout final exams. I could not be more thankful for the very real work provided by the Laconia Police Department. Their commitment to our students ensured strong supervision of the building. Throughout this difficult time, they were positive, confident and supportive of the plan that was developed to ensure our school community's safety throughout the week.

I would also like to both recognize and thank Superintendent Forsten and Assistant Superintendent Bietler for providing a constant presence and support each day during the final week of school, while also supporting the continued work of each school in the district.

I further want to recognize the administrative team and teachers at LHS. The day that violence was threatened against the school, every teacher and administrator was at work. Teachers worked to make sure our students were ready for testing while also supporting young people through the difficulties associated with the unusual circumstances.

I am truly privileged to work in a community that is so caring. I am humbled by the strong, consistent support that so many in this community safeguarded throughout the final week of school. I am thankful to the parents who supported us and offered to help in any way they could. Finally, I am thankful to our students, who came to school, focused on their academics and their future and completed their school year in a successful manner.

With confidence, we look forward to the 2014 – 2015 school year. We do so because Laconia High School and so many in our community are able and willing to stand up for what is right.

Jim McCollum, Principal

Laconia High School