Post updated at 1:04 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26:
West Middle School students have evacuated the building as a safety precaution “following a report of a written threat that could be considered a bomb threat left on a technology device yesterday,” according to the school district.
According to an email to school families, “Students reported to West staff today that they saw a student write a threatening note yesterday on an iPad. We consider this note a bomb threat. The note referenced the school day today.”
“Police are investigating. All students and staff are safe,” district spokesperson Julie Boyle said via email. “They have been bused to Free State High, where we will serve them lunch and provide support.”
The district has requested that West Middle School families not come to campus until receiving instructions for optional early pickup procedures, according to Boyle’s email.
“Everyone’s cooperation will assist us in keeping all students and staff accounted for and safe,” Boyle said.
Update, 1:04 p.m. Thursday:
Law enforcement, including the ATF Explosive Detection Unit, searched West Middle School, found nothing of concern and gave the all-clear to return to West Thursday afternoon, according to an update from Boyle.
“We understand that threats are upsetting,” Boyle wrote in an update to families. “We appreciate the West staff and students taking care of each other and calmly following instructions while the law enforcement experts made sure that the West campus is safe for our return.”
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