Massachusetts

Parents Want More Answers as 2 Taunton Schools Set to Reopen Wednesday After Threatening Note

Authorities have not said much about the anonymous and threatening note found inside Taunton High School on Monday

Two schools in Taunton, Massachusetts will reopen Wednesday after being closed Tuesday due to a threatening note that was discovered the day before.

Authorities are not saying much about the anonymous note that was found by an employee inside Taunton High School at the end of the day Monday, forcing officials to cancel school and after-school activities at the high school and nearby Parker Middle School as a precaution.

"The threat had today's date on it. That was part of the decision. And additionally, we needed that investigative time to determine whether the threat was credible or not," Taunton Police Lt. Eric Nichols said.

Beyond that, Lt. Nichols is only saying they don't want to jeopardize the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

The lack of specifics provided by authorities have parents concerned about their children's safety. They want more answers.

"I got a phone call saying they're closing the school for unforeseen circumstances. Okay, so what does that mean?" asked Christine Miceli.

Parents like Carry Souza want to know if any students' names were mentioned.

"If there was a date on it with children's names, those children and families should be notified ASAP," she said.

Parents say district leaders have not sent out more details. 

Superintendent Julie Hackett did not return any of NBC10 Boston's requests for comment, either.

While both schools are set to reopen Wednesday, some parents like Elizabeth Vieira aren't letting their children go, opting instead to take a wait-and-see approach.

"I would never forgive myself if something happened and I wasn’t there," she said. 

Freshman Riley Patten is returning to class Wednesday but says she will be on guard.

"Could it be someone you know, could it be someone you don’t know?" Patten said. "I am still confused because what if he or she wants to do it tomorrow."

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 Tuesday's school day.

The investigation is ongoing.

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