Dr. Brian W. Scriven, superintendent of the Cheltenham School District, announced this afternoon that an Elkins Park campus building was evacuated following an incident involving an Empowerment Program in Cheltenham (EPIC) student who placed a suspicious item in a restroom.

According to an email sent to district families, another student discovered the item, along with a series of notes, and promptly alerted school administration, who alerted police.

The Cheltenham Township Police Department then requested support from the Montgomery County Bomb Squad.

“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, adding that the student responsible for bringing the package to school was taken into custody.

“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.

EPIC launched on August 26, 2024. From the program’s mission statement:

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. Our mission is to empower the students to reach their full potential by offering personalized assistance, credit recovery opportunities, holistic services, and additional pathways to success.

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