Kingston Police to Present ‘Addressing Threatening Statements by Students’ for Silver Lake Parents

KINGSTON — Chief Brian Holmes is pleased to announce that the Kingston Police Department, in collaboration with the Silver Lake Regional School District, Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI, is hosting a presentation for parents this week titled “Addressing Threatening Statements by Students: Educating Parents/Guardians on Student Safety and Communication Concerns.”

WHEN: 

Thursday, Nov. 14, at 6 p.m.

WHERE: 

Silver Lake Regional High School Auditorium, 260 Pembroke St., Kingston, MA 02364

WHAT: 

The Kingston Police Department has witnessed a significant rise in threatening statements made by students this year and is seeking to raise awareness of the dangers of making these types of threats.

There were six school bomb/gun threat-related incidents in the 2023-24 school year and at least four in the first month of the 2024-25 school year. If this rate were to continue, there would be a 600% rise in threat-related incidents at the schools since last year.

Threatening comments, even intended as jokes, can cause genuine fear and affect students’ sense of security. Threats can lead to serious legal repercussions, whether made online or in person. Students may not realize that statements they make — even on social media or in casual conversation — could be interpreted as threats and result in disciplinary actions, school suspension, or even criminal charges.

The presentation will open with introductions from Silver Lake Regional High School Principal Michaela Gill. It will then be followed by a PowerPoint presentation led by speakers from the Kingston Police Department, Plymouth County DA’s Office, and the FBI. Chief Holmes will then moderate a panel discussion.

This presentation aims to help educate students on appropriate communication and the impact of their words. Teaching students the boundaries of responsible online and in-person communication builds habits that serve them well beyond their school years.

As a follow-up to the parent/guardian presentation on Nov. 14, middle and high school students will attend a school assembly for a similar presentation hosted by Kingston Police School Resource Officer Richard Allen.

While the Nov. 14 presentation is being held at Silver Lake Regional High School, it is open to adults from any community.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Kingston Police Detective Lt. Michael Skowyra at mskowyra@kdpmass.org. 

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