BELLINGHAM, Mass. (WHDH) — Every parent of a Bellingham Memorial Middle School student received an automated phone call Thursday letting them know that their child was absent from school — a mistake school officials are blaming on a glitch.
The Bellingham Police Department said it was inundated with phone calls from concerned parents. Correct attendance calls were slated to be made around 9:30 a.m.
Leigh Clark said she was puzzled by the news because she had dropped her son off for class shortly before receiving the call.
“He was here. He was early,” Clark said. “I know my kid. He doesn’t just sneak off.”
School officials apologized for the mishap in a statement, saying the “safety and care of your children is our first priority and we deeply apologize for any undo panic this may have caused your family.”
Lindsey Livington said the school handled the situation well, despite the brief moments of panic.
“They followed up pretty quickly,” Livingston said. “I think they handled it well.”
A technical team is working to prevent future glitches.
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