Western Local School District

Now that I've had time to evaluate this morning I wanted to apologize for not communicating better about what we were doing. I also should've moved the buses off-site. I didn't because by the time the buses got here we had already checked most of the unlocked, unsecured areas and both gyms (closest places to the parking lots) By unlocked and unsecured I mean every place besides classrooms. We immediately checked the gyms and cafeterias. The high school hallways were locked behind gates. As soon as the call came in we immediately started checking any place that wasn't locked. We have the ability to lock those room every night so moving forward all rooms will be locked including the gyms, etc. Before students came in we physically checked those rooms and reviewed surveillance video of every locker and checked to see if any doors were accessed.
We are meeting with the FBI tomorrow afternoon so we all are on the same page. It was my decision to have school today after we knew the building was secure. We had 2 deputies on site along with our people. It was also my decision to keep the buses here because I had personally checked those rooms in the high school and JH gym and other staff members checked the elementary while Mr. Fields was checking all cameras in hallways. I checked those places closest to the bus parking area first but I still should've moved the buses. Any criticism falls directly on me for that decision.
In retrospect I should've sent the buses off-site. I knew that we would have lots of parents coming to pick kids up so I was trying to allow parents to get their kids in the most efficient way possible. All county schools received threats this morning at the same time.
I know that a statement was made about schools becoming complacent as we get more of these and I understand that sentiment. That could easily happen. However, I assure you that we will take every threat seriously and follow the same protocol whether it's the 2nd or 50th threat. After this morning we have a very clear understanding of how to quickly and safely use technology and physical checks to ensure that your kids and our staff are safe.

We have followed our protocol and checked the building physically and my camera and we've had the sheriff's department here on site advising us and checking with us. We're going to allow staff and students in the building this time we will meet today just to prepare for the possibility of the same thing happening again.

We received a bomb threat this morning as it eastern. We're following our protocols and we have all students out of the building currently and we are holding the buses. We are sweeping the building, checking lockers, locker rooms, and all classrooms, and we will notify all parents whenever the building is clear and students were able to come in.

Reminder to all Juniors and Seniors going on the career field trip tomorrow to bring your form if you haven’t already. We will leave by 8:30.

Western Local Board of Education meeting 10/12 @ 6pm in the Richard Walls Boardroom.

Teresa McMillin - Bus 21 will not be driving.

David Cox - Bus 23 will take Green Ridge home.

Jimmy Cox - Bus 11 will be taking Red Bridge Road

We will be double routing for Debbie Scarbrough this afternoon. Penny will run her own route and then come back to get Debbie's kids as quickly as she can. Debbie's students will be dropped off approximately 40 minutes later than normal. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Junior High and High School Stronger Together Spirit Week! 10/5 - 10/9

Yes it is early, but mark your calendars for Friday, December 11th! This will be our Annual Western Schools Christmas Tailgate & Tree Lighting from 6PM-8PM! We are already planning for this event and will have some new additions to the evening that we will announce closer to the event!

We were able to get a sub, but she will be running a few minutes late. The first pick up will be around 720.

This message is for Brandis' bus. She had to call of this morning and we're not able to get a sub so we will have to double route. I will send a message as soon as the first bus leaves the school to pick up your kids. So sorry for the inconvenience.

Reminder about the Western Park meeting this evening. Please come out and show your support for a park in our community. The meeting will be held in our Western Career and Community Connections Center (back parking lot of school). The meeting will start at 7pm.

Tomorrow evening 9/29) we will have a community meeting that could literally change our entire community! We are having a meeting with the Park District to discuss a community park in Latham. We need you there because we need to know what YOU want our park to look like. The Park District wants to help us build a park that serves the needs of OUR community. Please be here at 7pm tomorrow. Don't assume someone else will show up. If the community doesn't show up it will look like a park isn't important to us and we know that's not true!!! I'm hoping to see a great turnout tomorrow evening at 7.

There will be NO JV Volleyball Game tonight at Peebles. The Varsity Volleyball game will start at 5:30PM

The School Smiles Dentist is coming to our School! All students who have signed up for the program and are eligible to be seen will be receive dental services on October 13th by the dental team. As a reminder, the dental team will set up in the school and see your child during the school day. School Smiles offers an Exam, Cleanings, X-Rays, Fluoride, as well as same day treatment if needed. This treatment can consist of Fillings, Sealants, or SDF. If you are interested in signing up your student to be seen please follow the link to the School Smiles Website at www.schoolsmiles.com/student-signup. For any questions, please call 855-497-6453

Class of 2027 Graduation Cap and Gown Ordering Information! All orders are due by December 1st!! You can use the QR code and order directly online or you can fill out the paper forms and Mrs. Wessel can mail them in for you with your money. If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Thank you!

Jr. High Volleyball TIME change!! South Gallia is only able to play 8th grade tonight due to illness. The 8th grade game will start at 5:30. There is no 7th grade game this evening. 9/17/2026

Sorry for the late message. I'm resending what Carolyn sent last week. Seniors! Just a reminder that picture day is coming up next week on September 16th! This will also be for the graduating senior head shots so ALL seniors will need their picture taken even if you don't plan to purchase them! We will start with CTC seniors at 7:30 AM in the high school gym. We will then follow with the high school seniors. CTC juniors will have their picture taken at the CTC on another date. All boys need to wear a dress shirt and Tie. We have plenty of extra for those who need them. All girls will need to wear a nice appropriate dress or top. If you would like to purchase the pictures, there are picture forms available in the high school office.

There are no changes from this morning. I'm going to try to do this every time so you'll know what bus number to look for.

Busing 9/14/26

Debbie Scarbrough - Bus 22 - Sub Jessica Williams - Bus 12

Tara Moore - Bus 1 - Steve Reno will be taking part of her route home due to road closure on Stat Route 41 - SEE ATTACHMENT

Marvin Mustard - Bus 10 - Brandis Theobald - Bus 18

Brandis Theobald - Bus 18 - Donna Knisley will take Grassy - Cassie will take Tater Knob