Monroe Middle School closed Thursday after bomb threat note found

Classes at Monroe Middle School are canceled for today -- Thursday, Dec. .1 -- after a student found a bomb threat note in a restroom.

The note was found Wednesday morning, said a letter sent by interim Monroe Public Schools Superintendent Andrew Shaw to school district families Wednesday afternoon. After a brief lockdown, the school was evacuated in accordance with the district's safety protocols. Parents were contacted through the School Messenger service to notify them of the evacuation and to ask the parents of students who do not take buses to school to report to Navarre Field. Buses were sent to both keep students warm until they could be picked up and to take students home. Buses from Lake Erie Transit and Monroe Transportation assisted MPS drivers.

"MMS staff and MPS staff worked together to care for our students," the letter said. "Our parent response was also phenomenal. We appreciate the cooperation of all of our families and friends who supported our efforts."

All after-school and evening activities at the middle school were canceled, the letter said.

Monroe police and firefighters responded along with personnel from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and the Michigan State Police. Emergency personnel and bomb dogs swept the school and found nothing, a followup letter from Shaw later Wednesday said.

"Law enforcement does not believe there is any credible threat to students and staff," the second letter said.

Shaw said the district appreciates the work of the first responders.

"We could not have asked for a better show of support from our partners in law enforcement," he said in both letters.

"Today was a traumatic experience for MMS students and staff," the second letter said in announcing the closure of the middle school for the day. "Thursday will be used for MMS staff to meet together, debrief, and prepare to support students when they return on Friday."

The building is closed, but students are able to pick up belongings they left behind on Wednesday.

"Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased law enforcement presence at Monroe Middle School for the remainder of the week," the second letter said.

"I am proud of the communication and actions of our students and staff in keeping our school community safe," Shaw's second letter said. "Please encourage your students to continue having dialogue at home and at school about any safety concerns that arise."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Monroe Middle School closed Dec. 1 after bomb threat note found