WATERBORO, Maine — RSU 57's schools will be closed Friday as a precaution due to a threatening message written in a bathroom at Massabesic High School in Waterboro.
At around 9:30 a.m. Monday, administrators were informed that a threatening message about a school shooting was written in the school's bathroom, superintendent Dr. Stephen Marquis said.
"A student had taken photos of the threat and had sent them off to friends through social media and to a family member," Marquis said. "Thankfully that family member in turn contacted the school."
Some students added comments to the picture of the threatening message, emphasizing that you never know what the person next to you is capable of doing.
Marquis said the bathroom was immediately closed off, security on campus provided by York County Sheriff's Department was increased, and staff began investigating.
As a further precaution, school for some 1,000 students at the high school and its multiple campuses was cancelled for Friday. After school co-curricular activities have also been cancelled.
"Events like this really take away from the drastic improvements in student attendance that we're experiencing at Massabesic High School and the significant increase and participation in athletic and co-curricular offerings," Marquis said.
In addition to recurring school threats across the state being an interruption to learning, the threats also force staff, students and their parents to keep their heads on a swivel.
Anxiety for parents with school-aged children across the state is rising as parents receive more notices from school administrators informing them that their child's school is taking extra precautions against threats.
Sari Haskell's son is a student at Massabesic High School and is also enrolled in the vocational program at Sandford High School.
Haskell said Sanford received a school threat first, then she was informed about threats at Massabesic.
"Very scary. Nervous. It's crazy what the world has come to," Haskell said. "It's becoming more and more common. All these hoax and jokes, and the kids think it's funny. And some of them are cries for help. I just hope that they all get the help they need."
RSU 57 has a link to an anonymous reporting system on its website called "Say Something." Through the system, students can share information about any possible threats to safety with school administrators.
Marquis said students from other districts can share information on the webpage as well. He explained there is another safety tool the school uses called "Go Guardian" which alerts administrators when students input key words that are considered concerning in search engines on school devices.
In addition to the safety tools, Marquis said increased social and emotional learning counseling is in place. The district also has a culture and accountability coach who provides additional support to students.
Marquis said although the district is still investigating to determine who is responsible for the threatening message, he is appreciative of the way his staff worked together to ensure student safety.
The school scheduled a community forum for October 10 before the threat happened. The forum will give staff the opportunity to consult with parents about ways to improve the students' social and emotional well-being.