2 Taunton Schools Closed Tuesday After Threatening Note Found

Two schools in Taunton, Massachusetts were closed Tuesday after a threatening note was discovered the day before.

Police said a faculty member at Taunton High School found the note at the end of the day Monday, forcing authorities to cancel school and after-school activities there and at Parker Middle School. Police said both schools will reopen on Wednesday.

"It was determined that the anonymous and threatening note warrants further investigation, prompting the cancellation of school tomorrow," Superintendent Julie Hackett said in an email to the Taunton school community. "As always, we are grateful for the swift response and the professionalism of the Taunton Police Department, as they work with us to keep our schools safe."

Hackett said in her email that high school administrators immediately notified the Taunton Police Department after the note was found, and they are investigating. Authorities have not shared what was said in the note, only that it was anonymous and threatening.

"Thank you for your patience and understanding. It is never easy to make the decision to cancel school. We know it is an inconvenience for our students, parents, caregivers, and staff," Hackett said. "Please know that the safety and security of our school community remain our top priority."

Taunton police Lt. Eric Nichols said one of the key reasons school was canceled was that the threat specifically referenced Tuesday's date.

"The note had today’s date on it and that was very specific regarding our decision to cancel school today," Nichols said.

He would not say where the note was found. "We take all threats seriously."

Freshman Riley Patton held back tears on Tuesday morning as she tried to understand more about the note.

"Especially coming from something that happened so close like Connecticut and all these other things. It could happen to us. You never know," Patton said.

The discovery of the threatening note in Taunton comes just days after a school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas killed 10 people. The recent incidents have parents and students in Taunton on edge.

"That’s kind of scary because my niece and little sister go there. I’m glad that nothing happened today. No one was harmed... but it’s still scary," said former Taunton High School student Jeannette Juba.

"It's a scary thing you know...but they seem to be staying on top of it," parent Joel Gibbons said. "They're proactive and that's a good thing you know."

All other schools in the Taunton Public School district were open on Tuesday.

All Taunton High School and Parker Middle School students will be required to make up the school day. Hackett said in her email that they will be sending further information to students and staff on how they plan to make up the day they lost.

The incident remains under investigation.