Police: Investigation underway after bomb threat called into Wauwatosa East High School
WAUWATOSA -- Wauwatosa police are investigating after a bomb threat was called into Wauwatosa East High School on Monday afternoon, December 14th.
Police say the bomb threat was phoned in around 2:30 p.m.
Police consulted with school district officials, and it was determined students would be released early (around 2:50 p.m.) on Monday. This early release occurred just a few minutes before the normal release time.
After-school activities were cancelled Monday.
"The teachers got an e-mail first and then there was an announcement made by the principal and he said `due to a concern with the building, we need you all to evacuate immediately. This is not a drill,'" Jackie Turner, a Wauwatosa East High School junior said.
Officials were on scene at the school, investigating the phone call. We're told nothing suspicious has been found.
Police say this threat doesn't appear to be credible. They are working to determine who is responsible for making the call.
There are no indications that classes will be cancelled Tuesday.
The following is a letter obtained by FOX6 News from Wauwatosa East High School Principal Nick Hughes to parents:
Dear District Parents/Guardians,
This afternoon school officials were made aware of a phoned in bomb threat called into Wauwatosa East High School. The Wauwatosa School District takes a very serious approach to any threats made to our school community and will take direct actions immediately.
In keeping with the District’s crisis communication plan, district administrators contacted the Wauwatosa Police Department and began investigating immediately. We also evacuated the building of staff and students for the day. All after school and night activities were canceled at the building. After this evacuation, a thorough search of the building was conducted by law enforcement officials.
Again this is nonspecific threat and we are following all necessary protocols to ensure the safety and well being of the Wauwatosa School Community. The Wauwatosa Police Department will continue to investigate this threat. In addition, the district will be taking additional security measures in response to this situation.
Please help us by talking to your child about the serious consequences and long-term effects this type of behavior would have on his/her life. Encourage him/her to advocate for a positive, safe school environment. Reinforce the need to have your child report health and safety concerns to appropriate staff or to you so that all our schools can remain safe, open and student-centered educational facilities. With your help and support, we can provide the type of educational environment, programming and co-curricular activities that our community expects.
The District strives to communicate with parents/guardians in a timely manner. At this time, we have no indication that this is a credible threat and school will be open on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. If new information arises, there will be further communication through our automated phone and email system.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or if your student has any information that might be helpful to the on-going investigation. Thank you for your help.
Bomb threat called into Wauwatosa East High School
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