At around 9 a.m. Friday, an online threat was identified and a lockdown was issued for Balwin School at 70 Street and 132 Avenue.
Edmonton Public Schools said an online threat was made against the elementary and junior high school.
“A lockdown means the kids remain hidden from view in their classrooms with doors locked,” Edmonton Public Schools spokesperson Carrie Rosa explained. “No one comes into the school. No one comes out. Our school also contacted police who responded to this online threat.”
READ MORE: What’s the difference between a school lockdown and a ‘hold and secure’?
About one hour later, the lockdown was lifted but the school remained “on alert,” meaning classes continued as normal but students were not allowed out of the school.
By about 10:30 a.m., the alert was lifted and the school returned to normal.
“Kids did exactly what they are supposed to do and what they learn to do,” Rosa said. “They do drills for this particular kind of incident and the kids remained quiet and hidden from view so we are really proud of what they did.”
A suspect was taken into custody and police continue to investigate.