Waltham Schools Investigating Middle School Threat

The Waltham Public Schools are investigating a “verbal threat” that occurred Friday at the John F. Kennedy Middle School, according to city officials.

The incident began on Friday, an early release day for district students and continued into Monday, Waltham Public Schools Superintendent Susan Nicholson told Waltham Patch.

The incident allegedly involved a list, but Nicholson could not comment on its origin or who specifically was on it.

 "Three names were on a list, but the words ‘kill’ were not on the list,” Nicholson said.

A student involved in the incident is not in school now, Nicholson said.

The threat came to light when a student told a teacher about the list, Nicholson said. The school obtained it and shared it with Waltham Police, she said.

"It’s an ongoing investigation," Nicholson said, noting the incident occurred specifically when students were being released on Friday.

At least four parents were called to the school on Friday, according to Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy. The parents are cooperating with the district in the investigation, she said.

Nicholson tried to assure the school community of its response to the incident.

“We are following appropriate protocols to support students," Nicholson said. 

A letter about the incident went home to parents on Monday, Nicholson said. A follow-up phone call was made as well. Nicholson said she would be able to provide Patch a copy of the letter on Tuesday.

See here for a late-breaking update on the story.