Controlled Entrance At Middle School After 'Violent Threat' Rumor

MELROSE, MA — Police and school officials conducted a controlled entrance at Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School Friday morning after rumors of a "violent threat" surfaced the night before. The threat referenced committing a violent act in the school, but did not threaten anyone specifically.

When school administrators heard about the rumor Thursday evening, they immediately notified police, according to a spokesperson for the police and school department.

Police put the controlled entry plan into effect in accordance with guidance from the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council School Threat Assessment and Response System. The controlled entry is when school officials and police make sure every student enters through the same entrance, their identities are verified, and backpacks are searched to assure no weapons are in the building.

On Friday, students were allowed in via the main entrance. The school day started at 8:15 a.m.

"We take threats very seriously, and we take nothing for granted," said Middle School Principal Jaime Parsons. "We are very pleased with how things went this morning. The safety of our students is our first priority, and I am very grateful for the response and resources brought in by law enforcement to ensure an orderly start to our school day."

Police said it was done under an abundance of caution. Chief Michael Lyle said he was "pleased with the behavior and cooperation of our students, faculty and staff today who all worked together to ensure a smooth start to the day."

The rumored threats are being investigated.

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Photo by Mike Carraggi, Patch