EDITOR’S NOTE: The Pioneer reached out to Neah-Kah-Nie High School Principal Christy Hartford to share her message to the Pirate community with the larger Noth Tillamook County community that was also impacted by the lockdown situation on Friday October 23rd. See below for a link to the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office press release and for information about available mental health resources. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the local crisis line ervices are available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, and can be accessed by calling (503) 842-8201 or 1-800-962-2851.
Pirate community,
I recognize that an event like today’s, when we were placed in an active lockdown due to a possible threat, can be stressful and bring a wide range of emotions for students, staff, families, and our greater Pirate community. Not knowing exactly what is happening can be difficult, and uncertainty can make it challenging to know what to do. Mr. Keefauver and I were incredibly proud of how our students, staff, and families responded throughout the situation. Our students and staff rose to the occasion, demonstrated care for one another, and showed the importance of coming together as a community.
First and foremost, I want to reassure you that there is no active threat at Neah-Kah-Nie High School. The Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office has completed its investigation and determined that there is no active threat to our school.
Keeping our school community safe is a shared responsibility, and each of us plays an important role. Thank you for taking our safety procedures seriously, following directions, and looking out for one another throughout today’s events.
We also recognize that everyone processes situations like today’s differently. Some of you may feel relieved, while others may still feel anxious, unsettled, or have lingering questions. These reactions are normal following a stressful experience. As a community, we are navigating the effects of that stress together.
One of the ways we can begin to process a stressful experience is by taking care of ourselves and connecting with others.
Spending time with people you trust, moving your body, taking slow breaths, drinking water, writing, engaging in a creative activity, and getting adequate rest can all help. You may feel more tired than usual today, so please give yourself permission to slow down and rest when you can.
To our students: Please pay attention to how you are feeling and remember that our school staff are here to support you. Whatever you are feeling is understandable. If you need someone to talk to or would like help processing today’s events, I encourage you to reach out to a trusted adult at school. You do not have to navigate these feelings alone.
Thank you for your care, your cooperation, and your commitment to keeping our Pirate community safe. Days like today remind us how important it is to look out for one another, extend grace to one another, and support one another through difficult moments.
We are stronger and safer when we look out for one another.
All the best,
Christy Hartford, Principal, Neah-Kah-Nie High School
*TCSO Press Release about threat investigation –
