UPDATE: Bomb Threats Force Evacuation of Braintree High School

UPDATE: 12:45 p.m.: In a statement, Police Chief Russell Jenkins said that one note was in a third floor bathroom and the other was found on a bench outside a third floor classroom.

"Both notes had a similar writing style," Jenkins said.

"Canines specially trained to sniff out explosives were called in from area departments and a search of the school was conducted looking for anything suspicious. At the time of this writing, nothing suspicious has been located."

*****     *****     *****

Students were dismissed from Braintree High School just before noon Thursday morning after two bomb threats were discovered at the school.

The threats, written on a note and left in a bathroom and left on a bench, were not viewed as credible, but the evacuation was done to ensure safety of students and staff, school officials said.

"We take this action to ensure our students safety and to provide adequate time to effectively search the building," Headmaster James Lee wrote in an electronic message to families. "We do not view the threat as credible, but take this action out of safety."

Superintendent Dr. Peter Kurzberg said that it appeared the notes were left by the same person, but officials have not identified that person. The notes indicated that the school would explode at noon Thursday.

Students who drove or walked to school will be released at 11:45 a.m., Lee said, adding that those students who ride the bus will receive a bus ride home, but the buses will not arrive to the school until 12:30 p.m.

"Students are currently in the football stadium and will remain there until released," Lee said.

Afternoon and evening activities for Thursday are canceled, Dr. Kurzberg said. The intention, he added, is to have a normal day on Friday.