UPDATE: Bomb Threat Fails to Derail Instruction Time at Hudson Middle School

UPDATE (2:55 p.m., June 8, 2011): The Hudson School District has released the following statement about the incident:

Thank you to the students and staff who kept their focus on learning today. The day went smoothly and everyone cooperated with the additional searches and classroom changes.

• Both the Middle School and Hudson Prairie were searched and secured by Wednesday morning prior to students arriving at either school.
• Middle School backpacks were searched in the “house” common areas as students arrived. As an added precaution, backpacks will be searched again on either Thursday or Friday.
• As a whole the school day and learning continued as usual.
• Staff and Hudson Police Department provided appropriate increased supervision.
• School administration and law enforcement will continue their investigation into this incident.

Superintendent, Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten, commended the Middle School and Hudson Prairie Elementary administrators and staff for the professional way they handled the situation and for their continuing efforts to provide a safe environment for all.

----

KSTP is reporting that parents were warned of a bomb threat at Hudson Middle School: 

"According to authorities, there was a graffiti message threatening an attack Wednesday. Every student was forced to clean out their locker."

Read the report on KSTP

The following message was sent to parents on Tuesday afternoon:

"A graffiti message suggesting a bomb threat for Wednesday was found in the Middle School. Safety is our number one priority and we are taking action along with the Hudson Police Department to make sure students and staff are safe. All Middle School students were required to clean out their lockers on Tuesday. Only text books will be allowed and all locker doors must remain open for the rest of the school year. The building will be searched prior to school opening on Wednesday morning. All students will have their backpacks searched in their “house” common areas Wednesday morning. Staff will provide increased supervision of common areas throughout the day. School and any special activities will be scheduled as usual on Wednesday, but parents may choose to keep their student/s home and the absence will be excused for the day. An announcement was made to Middle School students about this potential threat. All Middle School staff have been informed of the potential threat and are aware of the actions being taken. Parents are encouraged to contact Middle School Administration if they have questions or additional information. Again, steps are being taken, with the support of local law enforcement, to keep Middle School students and staff safe."