Pius XI High School cancels classes; threatening graffiti found
MILWAUKEE - Classes were canceled at Pius XI High School in Milwaukee on Monday, Nov. 4 after graffiti of a threatening nature was found at the front entrance of the building. Now, the school has indicated in-person learning will be canceled for the remainder of the week.
Officials said in order for staff, faculty, and families to best prepare for virtual learning, there will be no classes on Nov. 5. Virtual learning is planned to take place Nov. 6 - 8.
"Pius XI is working with law enforcement as well as with other security experts to develop and implement enhanced safety protocols. Parents and guardians will be made aware of the details regarding these enhanced safety measures as they become available," officials said.
Earlier Monday
The Milwaukee Police Department was called and has begun an investigation to determine the individual responsible for this act.
Threats scrawled at Pius XI High School
Parents who spoke with FOX6 News on Monday said this is not the first time the school has been targeted.
"I walk up to the door and I look down on the ground....and it says, "We are bringing a gun,'" said Emily Alonzo, student. "I've dealt with a lot of them and usually we move on with our normal day. But this time you can see it."
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Alonzo said the message shook her up. She called her parents who said this is the third incident that has happened on campus in the last six weeks.
Pius XI High School, Milwaukee
"It's very concerning, just because you don't know if it's true. You don't know if it's credible or it's not credible but just the lack of communication and not letting us know keeping us in the dark that's what's really concerning," said Penny Mercado, Emily's parent.
FOX6 News reached out to Pius, and while officials declined an on-camera interview, they provided the following statement:
"Upon arrival at school this morning, members of Pius XI Administration and our security staff found graffiti of a threatening nature on the front entrance of the building. The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) was called immediately and has begun an investigation to determine the individual responsible for this act. Members of MPD remain on site working with Pius XI Leadership. Students who entered the building this morning had their bags searched. Due to the disruptive nature of this incident, we determined that it is in the best interest of all to cancel school today. Arrangements are in progress to safely send students home. This investigation remains ongoing."
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Officials say surveillance video shows someone wearing a red mask, a gray sweater, black backpack and riding a bike.
"It kind of angers you because you want your children safe and when you send them off to school you think they're going to be safe," Mercado said.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or P3 Tips.
Greenfield High School threat; classes virtual on Tuesday, Nov. 5
Greenfield High School officials noted that classes on Tuesday, Nov. 5 will be virtual after a threat was found on a restroom wall.