Rocket Families,

The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority at Rochester Schools. The purpose of this message is to serve as an update to the notification sent earlier today regarding the bomb threat at Rochester Intermediate School. 

Upon receipt of a bomb threat during school dismissal, the Rochester Police Department was immediately contacted. Students and staff who remained in the building were evacuated. Students were taken to the Rochester Fire Department where they remained with school administrators and staff while school personnel contacted families and arranged for safe pick-up. All students and staff are safe. 

It has been determined that no credible threat exists. The incident remains under ongoing investigation by the Rochester Police Department and additional authorities. The District will not comment any further as this case involves student privacy matters. 

I encourage all of our parents and families to monitor and have conversations with your children regarding their personal communication. Any type of threat toward a school, school personnel, and students is a serious matter and will be handled accordingly. 

At Rochester Schools, being a good citizen and maintaining a safe environment for all is a part of our discussions and instruction at every grade level, and it is important to continue the conversation at home. We encourage you to talk to your children about school safety, appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, expectations, and healthy practices. You may find resources and helpful tips here. 

All of us at Rochester Schools want to thank the Rochester Police Department, Rochester Fire Department, the Illinois Secretary of State Police, and other first responders for their immediate response and care to help keep our schools and community safe. 

Be the Difference,

Dan W. Cox, Superintendent