UPDATE: School officials have given more information, which has been added to this article.

 

NILES — Niles High School Principal Molly Brawley sent out a letter to parents Thursday addressing the discovery of a “vague” threat on a graphing calculator that stated “June 8, 2018 Beware.” Since reporting the threat, the Niles Police Department has deemed that it is not credible.

In her letter to parents, Brawley said that the school acted immediately by working with law enforcement, the school resource officer and NCS Director of Student Services Tracey Hertsel.

“All threats are taken seriously and the police will continue to investigate the source,” Brawley stated in the letter. “As you may know, we have a rigorous safety protocol in place at Niles High School to keep your students safe. We are also taking extra precautionary steps to ensure the security of students and staff Friday, June 8.”

Niles Community Schools Superintendent Dan Applegate said school officials do not know when the message had been programmed into the calculator. Even though it has been discredited by police, he said the district is still taking the appropriate measures to investigate and keep students safe.

“Student safety is a top priority at Niles Community Schools,” Applegate said. “All appropriate protocols were followed, and Niles High School staff responded immediately upon finding the message. The district will enact appropriate disciplinary action, if necessary.”

To do so, Brawley said the school plans to staff extra officers on campus. Additionally, she said teachers, staff and administration will remain vigilant. She said Hertsel will also be onsite to coordinate efforts.

Brawley thanked the students and parents who helped to provide information so that the school could quickly address the issue.

Brawley reminded all students to report anything suspicious that they may see. Students can talk with staff or utilize OK2SAY, an anonymous tip line that can be used via phone or computer by calling 8-555-OK2SAY (855-656-2729), texting TIPS 652729 or online at Michigan.gov/ok2say.