(UPDATE, 12:25 pm) The GFPD says the school has been cleared, the lockdown has been lifted, and classes have resumed their normal activity.
The agency said that at about 11:51 a.m. they recieved report that a student told an adult they may have seen a suspicious person inside the school.
The school was placed in lock-down as SROs, detectives, and patrol officers rushed to the school.
The school was searched and, after a review of video footage, it was determined there was no unauthorized person inside the school.
The GFPD noted: "We applaud the student for doing what they've been taught to do...tell an adult when something doesn't look right."
(1st REPORT) The Great Falls Police Department says that people may notice a large police presence at Valley View Elementary School (900 Avenue A NW).
The agency said in a news release at 12:15 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, that officers are investigating a report of "suspicious activity" near the school.
The school has been placed in lockdown as a precaution.
The GFPD asks that parents do not come to the school, as your presence would distract officers from their efforts to resolve what's happening.
Great Falls Public Schools said: "Out of an abundance of caution, GFPD is supporting Valley View to identify a possible stranger on campus. All students and staff are safe, and GFPS will update you as we gain more information from GFPD. Please be aware that there is no access to the building at this time."
No other details have been released.
We will update you if we get more information.
GFPS safety procedures if there is an emergency:
- Evacuation: Defined as an internal emergency that requires students and staff to leave the building for their safety. Parents should follow emergency notifications.
- Lockdown: Defined as an internal and/or immediate threat. All staff and students are locked in rooms. No one IN or OUT!
- Shelter In Place: Defined as a safety precaution for an external threat that is not an immediate or internal threat.Class Hold: Defined as a safety precaution implemented during an incident where students need to be kept in the classroom.
- Release with Care: Defined as a possible threat in the schools’ neighborhoods during arrival and release time. Release with care procedures:
- To ensure safety, the building administrator may ask staff to escort students to/from buses or waiting cars.
- Staff may also be asked to accompany students home.
Student safety: walking to/from school
- Students should walk in groups or pairs
- Students should travel on a designated route, and parents should know the route their student is taking
- Students should check in with a responsible individual when they arrive at home
- Students should be taught to always be aware of their surroundings
- Students should avoid alleys on their designated route to/from school
- Students should walk on designated sidewalks and in well-lit areas
- Parents should notify the school when after-school procedures change
Click here to visit the Safety page on the GFPS website for more information.
