Published in the April 11, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Wakefield Memorial High School was evacuated this morning after a bomb threat was received.
Parents of WMHS students received a text message at 8:48 a.m. informing them that students had been evacuated to the outside of the building following the threat. Students were reportedly outside for only about 10 to 15 minutes while the Field House was checked.
At 9:06 a.m., School Superintendent Dr. Kim Smith reported the following in an e-mail: “The high school has evacuated due to a bomb threat this morning. All students are safe and accounted for. The Fire Department has cleared the Field House so that students can move inside out of the rain. With the support of Police and Fire, we are in the process of clearing the building for students to return to class.”
According to Boston media outlets, schools in at least 22 other Massachusetts communities also received bomb threats this morning, including Ayer, Brighton, Brookline, Charlestown, Hopkinton, Hudson, Leominster, Marlborough, Medway, Somerville Stoneham, Tewksbury and Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.
Some of the threats were made via robocalls the news reports said.
At 9:37 a.m., parents received the “all-clear” in a text message and e-mail from Dr. Smith.
“Wakefield Memorial High School was evacuated this morning due a bomb threat similar in nature to the threats received in other communities today,” the superintendent wrote. “Established evacuation protocols were followed and students were moved to the Field House after Wakefield Fire and Police determined it to be a safe area. All students were safe and accounted for at all times.
“After a complete sweep of the building involving assigned staff, Fire and Police personnel, it has been determined that students and staff are safe to return to regular school activities. Students have been cleared to return to class and the day is scheduled to resume as usual with lunch being served at its normal time. The Wakefield Public Schools would like to extend its gratitude to the Wakefield Fire and Police Departments in working together to ensure the safety of our students and staff during today’s situation.”
Today’s incident marked the second time this year that Wakefield Memorial High School has been subjected to evacuation due to a bomb threat. On the morning of Feb. 2, the school received a similar threat via robocall that resulted in a similar response from local public safety officials.
