Police: Parent Causes ‘Soft Lockdown’ At Piedmont Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. — Piedmont Elementary School went into a soft lockdown Tuesday.

The lockdown happened around 12:15 p.m.

Duluth police told FOX 21 that a parent was causing a disturbance at the school.

Police requested a soft lockdown as a precaution.

The parent was trespassed from school property.

Nobody was injured.

Below is the full e-mail alert to parents:

Dear Piedmont Parents/Guardians:

I am writing to advise you that a soft lockdown occurred at Piedmont Elementary today at approximately 12:15p.m. The soft lockdown is a precaution to ensure the safety of our students and staff due to a situation in the community near our school. The soft lockdown was recommended by the Duluth Police Department.

Students remained calm and were kept with their assigned building adult/teacher and remained in their classroom areas working as they normally would during the day. Under Duluth Public Schools lockdown protocols, we took the following actions: locked and closed doors and all site staff adults and student remained in their assigned areas until the soft lockdown was lifted. A follow-up discussion was conducted by me and/or the teacher with all students as a check-in. This priority is a precaution to keep our students and staff safe and in known locations to building administration.

The soft lockdown remained in effect until we were advised by a Duluth Police Department Officer that it was acceptable and safe to return to normal, building wide schedules. All staff handled the situation in a highly professional manner and our students behaved appropriately.  I am exceptionally proud of the safety and Panther Pride that was exhibited today.

I am confident that our actions today demonstrate that the safety of our students and staff remain one of our highest priorities.  Communication is also part of this process as a Piedmont Community between home and school.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at 218-336-8950 x.3806 or at beth.shermoen@isd709.org, should you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support of Piedmont Elementary, our staff and me as your building leader.

In Partnership,

Beth Shermoen

Principal