A message written in an Algonquin bathroom stall, referring to a school shooting today, has the school and police on alert.
A message from the Superintendent went out late last night but refers to an earlier “One Call” notice. It refers to graffiti found yesterday afternoon that prompted the school to notify police. There will be an “increased presence” of police on campus today.
According to tweets, the One Call cancelled this morning’s senior breakfast and postponed graduation rehearsal to Friday after school.
In addition to informing, last night’s follow up message seems an attempt to reassure that the situation is in hand. But it also gave permission to make “a family decision” about whether or not to send students to school today:
Good evening. This is a follow-up to an earlier One Call sent to the Algonquin school community. On May 30, 2018, at approximately 2:00 PM, the Algonquin administration became aware of a written message found in a stall in a bathroom. The Administration notified the Northborough School Resource Officer, Detective Michael Bissett, who was on duty in the school at the time. An investigation was immediately initiated. The handwriting contained a date and a reference to a school shooting. There is no information contained in the message that targeted any individuals or a specific school.
We continue our collaboration with the Northborough Police. Based on the status of the investigation at this time, we are able to confirm that the date referenced is tomorrow and the location of the message indicates that the increased presence of Northborough and Southborough Police are appropriate on the Algonquin campus.
The police will remain at Algonquin throughout the day. The choice to send your child to school remains a family decision. Our safe school readiness practices encourage students, staff and community members to report any matters of concern. All reports are investigated and appropriate actions are implemented.
Respectfully,
Christine M. Johnson
Superintendent of Schools
