Forsythe Middle School taking precautions after Valentine's Day bomb threat

District spokeswoman Liz Margolis told AnnArbor.com Monday that the threat was found after school on Feb. 7.

The school was searched immediately and nothing was discovered.

“We do not expect any actions on this threat, nor do the police, but we are being extra vigilant,” said Forsythe Principal Janet Schwamb in a letter sent home to parents Friday.

Margolis said Forsythe has had a rash of bomb threats throughout the years. Typically, however, the threats are non-specific, she said.

Because this one cited a specific date, the district urged taking additional precautions and sent home two notices, she said.

“As with any disruption like this, we will prosecute if we find out who did this. And we tell families this and we tell kids this,” Margolis said.

The threat is impacting two schools. Ann Arbor Open canceled its joint orchestra practice at Forsythe on Tuesday and is hosting it at Ann Arbor Open instead.

“The district has taken this threat seriously and put all necessary safety measures in place,” said AA Open Principal Kit Flynn in an email to parents Monday.

“But given the nature of the threat, and the precautions the staff at Forsythe will need to follow, we have decided to cancel our planned rehearsal at Forsythe for tomorrow.

“While we are confident the district has taken all the necessary precautions, it seemed more logical not to add extra students to their morning procedure.”

In the letter Schwamb sent to Forsythe parents Friday, she said students will be required to enter the school through the main lobby on Tuesday where backpacks will be searched by district staff.

She said school bathrooms will be locked all week during class time. Some will be open during passing time with staff stationed outside the door.

If students need to use the restrooms during class, they will be able to do so by obtaining a pass from the main office, the letter says.

“On Monday evening and through the night until Tuesday morning, the Ann Arbor Police Department has arranged for a police dog to be in the building along with police and district staff to search the school as a precaution,” Schwamb said.

“This is indeed an unfortunate situation and we regret to have to take these steps, but the safety of the students is our top priority.”

Staff reporter Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.