Anti-Semitic Incidents at Newton Middle School Under Investigation

Update: WHDH reported that anti-semitic graffiti was found in a bathroom on Thursday. F.A. Day Principal Brian Turner sent a letter to parents Friday addressing the incident, which the network said is being called a copycat of the previous two.

NEWTON, MA - School officials are investigating the mishandling of reported anti-Semitic incidents at F.A. Day Middle School in Newton.

Meanwhile Newton Police have launched a criminal investigation into the hate messages, which include anti-Semitic writing found etched on a bathroom stall in October and a swastika branded into the snow in January.

Lt. Bruce Apotheker, a spokesman for Newton Police, said the department received an anonymous letter last week alerting them to the incidents and immediately brought it to the attention of school officials. Last Thursday, F.A. Day Principal Brian Turner sent a notice out to parents acknowledging that he should have reported them sooner.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and urge anyone with more information to come forward.

The city, the school district and the Anti-Defamation League all received the same letter as police, WHDH reported.

Newton Mayor Setti Warren said in a statement that the incidents were very troubling and there would be an investigation into how they remained unreported for months.

"A police investigation regarding the incidents at FA Day Middle School is ongoing," Warren said in the statement. "Superintendent David Fleishman has also initiated an investigation of the incidents. The School Department will be reviewing its protocols upon receipt of the findings of these investigations."

The school district will hold a community meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday to address students' and parents' concerns regarding the incidents.

Newton Police ask anyone with more information to call 617-796-2107 or leave an anonymous tip at 617-796-2121.