Tamaqua Area moved to a controlled, monitored dismissal after a threatening message at the high school office prompted a lockdown Tuesday afternoon.

Superintendent Ray Kinder late Tuesday afternoon sent a letter to all of the district’s families in the aftermath of a “disturbing call threatening the safety of our students” earlier.

District officials immediately contacted law enforcement and put the district on restricted movement for the protection of staff and students, he said in the letter.

Additional law enforcement arrived, as the matter was investigated, Kinder said, and the consensus was to keep students in classrooms while they evaluated potential risks.

“Areas outside our facilities were surveyed to ensure eventual safe passage for our students and staff,” he said, and a message was sent out to families as soon as “it could be crafted … I realize that never occurs as quickly as anyone would like it, but it occurs as soon as it can.”

Police blocked off the area around the complex, searched vehicles and areas around the school, while a state police helicopter circled above.

The overall assessment of the threat level was mitigated, Kinder said, but officials still moved to a controlled dismissal.

“This involved students being dismissed more slowly with both law enforcement and administrative presence,” Kinder said.

“While a difficult endeavor, overall the procedures went according to expectation. I am grateful for the cooperation of the students, staff and parents who allowed us to do what we needed to do for the safety of those involved,” he said.

“Without these efforts, this exercise would have been much more difficult,” Kinder said.

Law enforcement provided support with equipment, a formal presence and sweeps of the building after all of the students had left the high school, giving “an all clear” assessment, he said.

“All this is done to not only ensure safety, but also reassure our community that we take protecting our children seriously. We want them to feel safe when they come to school,” Kinder said.

He ensured families that the district would provide any updates, if appropriate, and that they will remain vigilant when it comes to the safety of the students.

“Thank you for your continued support and trust with your children,” Kinder concluded.