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10/30/2007: Suspicious person prompts lockdown at two Souderton Area School District Schools

A call was received at Souderton Area High School at approximately 1:40 pm today of a suspicious person in the neighborhood. 911 was called and Souderton Area police responded immediately. As is always the case, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. It was decided to use extreme caution until police located and interviewed the person of interest. Accordingly both the Souderton Area High School and E. M. Crouthamel Elementary went into lockdown.

Several times during the semi lockdown the high school students were addressed by principal Sam Varano. At approximately 3:00 pm Mr. Varano informed students that the investigation revealed there was no longer a concern. “You are safe,” he said. “You will see police around the building. We know it is safe out there.”

An information e-mail went out to the community explaining the situation, the delayed dismissal, and confirming that the campuses were safe and secure

The Souderton Police Department was the lead department in this situation with assistance from Lower Salford and Franconia. After the incident, it was determined that at no time was any Souderton student in danger.

“‘Safe schools’ continue to be a priority for us and we will continue working with law enforcement when confronting these situations,” commented R. Bradley Clemens, Assistant to the Superintendent/Director of Human Resources. “The High School Administration, EMC Principal-Deb Alder, and central office staff should be commended for working together to ensure the safety of our school community and our students.”