Antonelli: Bomb Threat Hoaxes ‘Will Not Be Tolerated’

James Antonelli, the principal of Westford Academy, offered an update to students this morning about their safety in the wake of the May 6, threat at the school. The full statement, shared with students, is below: 

Good morning, please excuse the interruption.

This is Mr. Antonelli.

First and foremost I want to thank faculty and students for a controlled dismissal and evacuation of the building yesterday. 

The dismissal and evacuation was due to a message written on a bathroom wall.  Our standard operating procedure is for a controlled dismissal and evacuation of the building in a timely manner.  While all faculty and students have been trained in the techniques of A.L.I.C.E., responding to a bomb threat requires different evacuation protocols, in which we followed yesterday.

Please be assured the Westford Police and Fire Departments along with Westford Academy staff members did a thorough search of the building following the evacuation.  It was determined by public safety officials that the building was safe. 

Please be advised that this is an active investigation by the Westford Police Department.  Disturbing a school assembly is a criminal offense for which a person could be prosecuted.  If this was a hoax, please understand this will not be tolerated and the Westford Academy Administration will pursue the individual or individuals to the fullest extent possible.

If any students have any information regarding the events that transpired yesterday, please see an administrator or our school resource officer.

Thank you again for your cooperation.