Middle school evacuated for bomb threat Monday
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

A bomb threat found in a bathroom in the Greencastle- Antrim Middle School led to an evacuation of the building Monday.

According to Bob Crider, Director of Secondary Education, a student told a teacher about a written message in a boys' bathroom. The teacher alerted administration and the building was emptied about 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12.

The students were sent to the high school auditorium and were back in the middle school by 2:20 for dismissal.

Secondary administrators, maintenance staff and Greencastle police checked all areas of the middle school.

"Once we felt we could assure student safety, they were brought back," said Crider. "We had every reason to believe it was a hoax."

While students were told the evacuation was an emergency drill, on Tuesday morning they were told the true nature of the event. They were thanked for exiting in a quiet and orderly fashion, and in a respectful manner.

School administrators assured the students they were safe. The students were also informed that ongoing interruptions to the educational process could mean more schooling at the end of the year.

Crider said the investigation continues and the person responsible for the note, once identified, will face disciplinary action.