Cheltenham School District Photo by James Short.
The Elkins Park campus building was evacuated on Tuesday, April 22, after a suspicious item was found in the restroom.
According to Cheltenham School District Superintendent Dr. Brian W. Scriven, an Empowerment Program in Cheltenham (EPIC) student left behind a suspicious package in the school bathroom.
Another student discovered the item, along with a series of notes, and immediately alerted school officials, who then contacted the police department, according to an email sent to families in the district.
The student responsible for bringing the package to school was taken into custody.
With help from the Montgomery County Bomb Squad, an investigation ensued.
“After a thorough inspection involving bomb-sniffing dogs and x-ray imaging, the package was determined to contain inert devices that posed no safety threat to students or staff. Students and staff were cleared to re-enter the building at 12:45 p.m.,” Dr. Scriven wrote.
“We understand incidents like this can cause concern, and we are grateful for the swift response of our students, staff, and local law enforcement. The safety and well-being of our school community remain a top priority,” Dr. Scriven wrote.
About EPIC
The Empowerment Program in Cheltenham (EPIC) is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and opportunities for identified students who are facing challenges in the traditional school setting.
The Empowerment Program in Cheltenham is designed to serve students who are experiencing school attendance and engagement challenges in school due to various issues and needs. The group setting allows for the group therapeutic dynamic and addresses more holistic issues.
