UPDATE: 'Bomb threat' leads to Madison Middle School evacuation

Molly March 28, 2023 (11:53 am)

No one is allowed to pick up their kids, even for appointments at this time.

Taya Jones March 28, 2023 (12:09 pm)

Thankyou for this comment. I was wondering.
Dawson March 28, 2023 (12:10 pm)

Kind of difficult to account for everyone in a situation like this until you’re able to do it orderly.
Tim March 28, 2023 (12:14 pm)

Not dismissing kids during this type of event is standard practice. Imagine the chaos if a thousand families showed up to get their kids all at once. If they were going to do that, they would be implementing a lot of steps to be sure kids were dismissed safely. I’m sure right now the focus is on knowing who is where and keeping them calm and safe.
Madison Parent March 28, 2023 (3:12 pm)

Thank you to the students who kept calm and provided updates. Parents please don’t get angry and yell at administrators when kids are around. The school windows are open, and kids are exiting the school so the kids also hear you. This may have been a hard day for some of them, and they shouldn’t have to deal with parents yelling at their teachers and counselors. The kids are safe thank goodness.

Jackie March 28, 2023 (12:02 pm)

They just let a UPS man in with packages into the school. A police man let him in. The side door near the gym. I found this strange during a bomb search. Do they know where those packages came from. Concerned parent near the school.

Jessica March 28, 2023 (1:02 pm)

Are(were) all the kids on the field? Or dispersed in different areas?
- Anonymous March 28, 2023 (1:13 pm)
  
  i am a student at madison. we were all in line in the field.
- Mark Rawlins March 28, 2023 (3:29 pm)
  
  I wondered the same thing. Easy target for a shooter for sure if they’re all packed into one area
  - Anonymous March 28, 2023 (8:05 pm)
    
    Even though it wasn’t a shooter?
  - Calm March 28, 2023 (8:44 pm)
    
    The threat was for a bomb, not a shooting. Usually, they aren’t carried out, fake bomb threats just tell about a bomb and threaten to detonate a bomb. The ones that are real most of the time have demands, (cash, weapons, etc). Even then it still makes sense to evacuate the area, and sure they’re could be a shooter. But let’s think about this as if you were the one behind a threat of a bomb threat and shooting. If you were to call a school with a bomb threat the police would be called as soon as the call was hung up, and hiding an AR-15 or any other firearms around the school as the kids line up outside, hanging around the area which is filled with local homes would be sketchy enough and by the time they would be called there already 10 minutes away from the school which as police would be a 5-minute drive. In 7 minutes (assuming time to round up gear and other stuff) they would already be at the school. Even then assuming the worst-case scenario isn’t always the best, there’s always a “what-if?” to think of. And you have to understand that no school in the country is ready for a bomb threat than a shooting scenario.
- no one March 31, 2023 (11:05 am)
  
  All students were in the field, but in different areas depending on their advisory/grade.

Oliver March 28, 2023 (12:03 pm)

I am a student at Madison Middle School when I hear on the loud speaker for everyone to evacuate. Stating that it’s not a drill. The Seattle police are searching the whole school due to a bomb threat directed to us.

Willow March 28, 2023 (12:03 pm)

I’m a 6th grader at Maddison we are fine we are outside and they are clearing the building and we think it was just a prank call

Cailin March 28, 2023 (12:28 pm)

I’m a student at Madison Middle school. At around 11:17 over the intercom a staff member announced that it was not a drill and that all students and staff must leave immediately. We left the building and went down to the field where we stood in our advisory lines organized by teacher last name and then student last name. They are searching the school for a bomb threat directed by another school and we must sit outside until it is safe. They searched the gym first so students are now allowed to use the gym bathrooms while the police search the rest of the school.

Ben March 28, 2023 (12:15 pm)

I’m a student here we evacuated about 20 minutes ago kinda crazy police are checking the building currently most of the building has been checked

Sebastien March 28, 2023 (12:20 pm)

I’m a student at Madison middle school and in about an hour ago we were told to evacuate the school they’ve cleared most of the school including the gym.

Bevidear March 28, 2023 (12:24 pm)

Thank you, students, for providing updates and also for taking care of each other. I hear you’re doing a great job of keeping each other calm and distracted.

M Theilen March 28, 2023 (12:26 pm)

So they’ve gathered everyone into a fishbowl and it’s on the news!! Seems like our kids and teachers are an easy target. I’m not okay with this plan.

Mom of student March 28, 2023 (1:14 pm)

I agree.
- waikikigirl March 29, 2023 (1:14 pm)
  
  From the comments of the students, it looks to me that they handled this situation a whole lot better than their parents. And yes I realize its a very scary thing to hear but…GOOD JOB STUDENTS in staying calm and not making it any harder than it was for the faculty to keep you all safe!
Frog March 28, 2023 (1:40 pm)

One assumes the police were already on site, and paying attention to who was around, before they marched students outside. Otherwise, ya, I see a hole in their security arrangements.
Mason March 28, 2023 (1:49 pm)

You sound like a genius. As a student, I can vouch no one used a bomb threat to flush us out for a las vegas strip massacre style shooting. If there is a possibility of a bomb in a building, you get out of the building. Where would you suggest we go if you are so educated in your take.
- StopRecreationalOutrage March 28, 2023 (2:24 pm)
  
  I’m a parent, glad everyone is safe, thankful for the abundance of caution, and here for the student replies.
- Parent March 28, 2023 (2:29 pm)
  
  You weren’t alive years ago when a kid pulled a fire alarm and then shot other kids as they were gathering outside. That’s why I was there right at the beginning and didn’t leave until I took my child home and didn’t consider the threat over until I had my child. If you have children you will understand.
- Reality check March 28, 2023 (2:48 pm)
  
  There are those that would call in a bomb threat to flush out kids. Or in the case of not being able to get a bomb into school, place it where kids would evacuate. In order to really make sure everyone is safe you must assume the worst and hope it’s just “over reacting”. This is the sad reality of the country we live in.
- Lisa March 28, 2023 (4:38 pm)
  
  @Mason – I’m really sorry you and your peers have to deal with things like this and I’m sorry that you are even aware of the Las Vegas shooting. No one, especially young people, should have to be exposed to bomb threats or be concerned about mass shootings.
  - Unknown March 29, 2023 (11:57 am)
    
    Hi I am here to say that it is sad that society have come to this point. Kids are now worried that they wont come home the there families. That is really sad. I am really glad that everyone is safe. But I was really bad timing if some people don’t know there was a shooting in Nashville that killed two teachers and two 9 year old’s. I think that parents are worried this bomb threat was connected and if I was a parent I would think the same thing. I hope that the Seattle Police Department finds out who did this. Thank God everyone is okay.
Patience March 28, 2023 (2:07 pm)

If it were an active shooter situation, students would be hiding in the school in a lock down. For a bomb threat, it is generally advised that people leave the building.Students are lined up in the fire drill spots.If you have a better solution, consider attending a PTA meeting and raising your concerns.
- Madison Student March 29, 2023 (12:11 pm)
  
  Even if there was a shooter, the police were there already. They’re trained professionals so we were all fine, and if parents were allowed to pick kids up while there was a shooter it would be even more chaotic. I know it’s scary to have your student’s school the target of a bomb threat, even if it’s a fake one but honestly people need to calm down the day’s already ended and everyone is safe.
Hammer in Hand March 29, 2023 (6:55 am)

I would love to here your planHow would your plan be different and more safe

Pamela March 28, 2023 (12:29 pm)

Even the kids know West Seattle Blog will have the most current information.

A Worried Mom March 28, 2023 (12:30 pm)

Thank you students for your updates! I am so glad everyone is safe!

Taya Jones March 28, 2023 (12:32 pm)

I have been praying for Madison school for the last 2 weeks. I know I’m not the only praying parent. Prank call or not, We will cover our kids!

madisonparent March 28, 2023 (3:01 pm)

And what does that accomplish exactly? What results have you actually seen through inaction?
Lemon March 29, 2023 (8:15 am)

I respect everyone’s religion and you can pray but please do something else, as a Madison student praying may not work in every situation please be an active member in our community and ask people of power for more safety on weapons so that more people could be put at ease, prayings not always the way out of everything! Ty

7th grade mom March 28, 2023 (12:33 pm)

son just texted that the building is clear, and kids are going back into school.

Nichole March 28, 2023 (12:44 pm)

The “other school” should also be checked to be absolutely certain there is no threat or risk.

savannah March 28, 2023 (12:45 pm)

i am a student here and they said the whole building was searched and it is clear and we are going back to our schedule.

Molly March 28, 2023 (12:46 pm)

School is cleared and they are going back in as of 12:37pm

WCR March 28, 2023 (12:49 pm)

Those kids need to be released for the day! Bomb threat, oh hum, back to class. No. Absolutely not.

Mason March 28, 2023 (1:47 pm)

Hello, I am a student. The SPD has cleared the entire school as of now, and there is no reason not to continue classes. It is clearly a hoax and has been, and we are going to do what is safe and recommended by law enforcement professionals. Thank you for your concern and have a lovely day.
- StacyC March 28, 2023 (7:13 pm)
  
  THANK you.
Me Mama March 28, 2023 (2:03 pm)

Back in my day, this was thought to be a way to get out of school. I recall this happening on occasion. I don’t think they even sent police in to investigate. But that was Bellevue.
- Rara March 29, 2023 (7:48 am)
  
  Ha! Same! Fire alarms got pulled a lot just to get out of class. Glad everyone is safe and they kept everyone calm.

Heidi March 28, 2023 (12:51 pm)

I appreciate the students checking in. We love you, stay safe!

-Everyone’s Mom

Lily March 28, 2023 (12:56 pm)

I’m a student here at Madison, luckily the police found nothing in the school. We are all coming back inside now, and we’re all safe.

anonyme March 28, 2023 (1:01 pm)

I would hate to be either a kid or a parent today, having to constantly wonder if I or my child was going to be murdered at school. There’s something really wrong with this country/world.

Gabe itches March 28, 2023 (1:14 pm)

We hope all of you students and teachers are ok! Please be safe! -gabe itches nick/her

Concerned parent March 28, 2023 (1:15 pm)

What are the procedures for police and bomb squad to search determine the building is safe for the students and staff to re-enter? Madison is a large three-story building with many classrooms, gym and new wing. The students were back in the building in about ~60 minutes. What re-assurances do we have they didn’t miss something if this wasn’t a prank call?

Westwood March 28, 2023 (2:42 pm)

Do you question the pilot, as to their procedure to determine that it is safe to take off and land an airplane? How about letting professionals do their job without second guessing them. Want to know the procedures….I believe SPD is hiring.
- Mike March 28, 2023 (5:26 pm)
  
  I personally question NASA on everything they do too. It’s important they give a full detailed description of the rocket science behind the launch. If I don’t understand it, how can they be sure it’s safe and not wasting $Billions$ on materials, fuel, research, development and training.
Student March 28, 2023 (8:46 pm)

We were actually out there for like an hour and 30 mins so
Madison Student March 29, 2023 (10:09 am)

It them an hour and a half, and they did a great job. We are not dead, so stop complaining about what you think. -Madison Student

B March 28, 2023 (1:33 pm)

As a Madison student parent I am absolutely livid. The kids should have been released to parents and able to go home. And then all packed outside together? And thanks for the EMAIL an hour after the threat. I understand not letting parents know due to minimizing panic, but this is insane. My daughter told me she was unable to use her phone to contact anyone..Thank you kids for the updates and I’m so glad everyone is ok..

Molly March 28, 2023 (3:11 pm)

Hey B, my 6th grader was able to message me the moment they got outside. As someone who was around the outside of the school, Dr Gary’s focus was on the STUDENTS – as it should be.
- M March 28, 2023 (3:35 pm)
  
  they didn’t let us use our phone, the teachers came up to me and said to put my phone away. I had to sneak my phone to message my parents.
  - L March 28, 2023 (4:29 pm)
    
    Madison 6th grader here. You are correct on that they didn’t allow us to use our phones immediately. However, we were allowed to use them later. When the principal explained that there was a bomb threat, he also told us that we were allowed to use our phones to text our parents as long as we didn’t tell them anything that wasn’t truthful. I personally do think the situation was handled well in this aspect, since if we had texted them immediately after being evacuated, we would likely say something along the lines of, “We just got evacuated! I’m okay, but confused!. Because of this, parents would likely be more worried, considering the fact that the threat is unknown, and given the lack of clarification, the severity would also remain a mystery until later information is provided.
Student March 28, 2023 (3:15 pm)

They didn’t let us use our phones till they knew exactly what was up
ginger March 28, 2023 (4:53 pm)

actually, they recommended that we contact our parents. i’m a student at madison, and i remember dr gary telling us to text our parents “just the facts”. i told my parents that there was a bomb threat, and that we evacuated and were safe outside.
flimflam March 28, 2023 (4:54 pm)

I’m sure it was a bit frightening but after you’ve calmed down think about the logistics of all the parents descending on the school at once, half hysterical, to get their kids.
- B March 28, 2023 (5:49 pm)
  
  Right and that’s definitely not what I wanted to do..just literally knowing what was happening with my child’s day was all I wanted. A threat to their safety is something every parent should know about as possible. I’m disappointed in the fact that an email was sent. Not a phone call or text. A lot of people don’t even check their emails often. I can guarantee there were many parents that didn’t know this happened until they saw their child when they returned home, or when able to text. There has to be a better system. There’s too many kids to risk anything.And now the threat was a “child who got ahold of their parents phone”So this kid, threatened a bombing at a specific school by using their parents phone, and then it was “unfounded.” so no repercussions? Nobody is held liable? Yeah, I’m not buying it.
  - bill March 28, 2023 (8:38 pm)
    
    A bulk email goes out in a couple of seconds. Hundreds of phone calls, even with an automated system, how long would that take? As for no repercussions, a bomb threat is a serious crime. Let the professionals do their jobs. Some kid playing a prank is not going to cover their tracks well.
  - Person March 29, 2023 (3:02 pm)
    
    What do you want? The name and address of the kid? School? A personal letter detailing what kind of trouble they are in? Proof they are grounded?
Madison student March 29, 2023 (10:17 am)

Hi, I am a Madison Student. They could not release students because that would have been chaos. Dr. Gary did not let use use our phones until we got accurate information as to not send false info. All the staff were also evacuated, so sorry it took Dr. Gary so loooooooong to email you if he was trying to keep over 1,000 people safe. And it has only been 1 day since the incident, so of course the police don’t know for sure. Your child is safe, I am safe, everyone is safe, so stop whining about everything. Dr. Gary and his staff, along with the cops did everything they could, and are still working. The students aren’t whining or complaining, you are. The adult. Stop it and be grateful “B”.

Madison Mom March 28, 2023 (2:13 pm)

Kudos to the staff, teachers and police for their professional and timely action! As a mom who lives nearby and has a child at Madison I did go to the perimeter of the field to lay eyes on everything. Since kids now have cell phones of course the info was initially spotty and unknown but it was helpful and a relief to see everyone was being taken care of and were taking care of each other. Not easy to go back into the school but trusting the process and authorities – those kids were well taken care of today. I’m sorry anyone has to even do drills or consider other outcomes – but thankfully the outcome was a good one today in this situation.

NSernett March 28, 2023 (2:19 pm)

Hi, I’m a student and i am so glad i stayed home today!!!!

Lemon March 28, 2023 (2:23 pm)

i was one of the kids in there lol, it was scary XD everyone thought it was a fire until we saw the police :P

Student March 28, 2023 (7:49 pm)

How there was no fire alarm
- Lemon March 29, 2023 (8:06 am)
  
  Yeah I know people were still making up theory’s though bc no one knew what was going on
- Student As Well March 29, 2023 (10:25 am)
  
  We don’t have an alarm for “Possible Bomb In Building”

LJJ March 28, 2023 (2:59 pm)

I am one of the many parents that showed up to the school, out of concern for the safety of my kids. No bomb squad showed up. Just police. Parents were reunified with kids ONE BY ONE. I stood in line for an hour to get my students out of the building. When the principle was confronted by the 100+ parents that were standing outside of the school, waiting and upset about this procedure, he said that there wasn’t a better plan because “they hadn’t been in this situation before.” That’s not what I want to hear from someone who is running the school that I send my kids to every day. There has to be plans for every kind of situation. There has to be a reunification plan in place that is adapted to an emergency situation; one that is more expedited than the normal process of signing your kid out of school.

Big Pappa March 28, 2023 (4:01 pm)

On top of that ridiculousness, it turns out the intercoms don’t work in the classrooms. That’s why they couldn’t just call the kids down 10 times faster than the way they were doing it. Most kids couldn’t even understand the evacuation announcement when it happened. I found that bit of news to be very troubling.
Frog March 28, 2023 (4:07 pm)

Maybe they should have multiple processing lines, divided up by the first letter of the parents’ first names. One line for A-J, one for K, and one for L-Z.
- star 55 March 28, 2023 (6:25 pm)
  
  Because parents have allowed other parents to pick up their student this is not reasonable.this is only for parents who have return their form at the beginning of the year.
Molly March 28, 2023 (4:41 pm)

This sounds like a good chance to have the school work with West Seattle Be Prepared so that not only can they expedite the process for reunification, but can help to calm parents if a disaster occurs and they can’t make it back to the middle school (roads destroyed or something of the sort).
Relax March 28, 2023 (5:10 pm)

Saw an officer with the words “BOMB SQUAD” on the back of his bulletproof vest.

The bomb dog was there, too.

A March 28, 2023 (3:10 pm)

As a Madison parent, I think the school handled the situation very well.

Teacher March 28, 2023 (3:10 pm)

We live in a country where the number one reason our children die is because of preventable gun deaths. Parents should be concerned.

Z March 28, 2023 (3:57 pm)

Of course, we should all be very concerned about gun violence. I think the school did a good job today. The criticisms of the school don’t make sense to me. Yes, reunifying students with their parents after an emergency evacuation will take awhile as it should if it’s done properly. Why is that surprising or a bad thing?
- B March 28, 2023 (5:51 pm)
  
  BECAUSE NOT EVERYONE CHECKS THEIR EMAIL EVERY HOUR??! LIKE WHAT??!
  - kroberts March 29, 2023 (10:15 am)
    
    B
    
    It sounds like you have a few resentments about how the situation was handled; perhaps as someone suggested, contributing your ideas and suggestions would likely be better aired as an acting member of the PTA, writing to the district and representatives for your districts, than airing your grievances on the WSB.
    
    Your misplaced anger–that the kids were not released to the parents and allowed to go home does not seem reasonable; that would have been chaos, and I imagine parents would have contributed to the confusion; more people at Madison at that time would have contributed to the number of persons in one area, and I can’t imagine a controlled, safe way for that to have happened–kids just leaving. The staff, administration AND the principal sound like they handled the situation as calm and orderly as possible. I’m curious where you propose the students and staff gather to ensure accountability for all students. As well, your anger about not receiving a personal voice-mail about an unknown situation does not sound reasonable. As someone stated earlier, a mass email is supremely more efficient. It would take all day to call each family unless it were a robo-call, in which case mass numbers of parents would call and flood the school–leading to chaos. Also, can you imagine a staff member making all those calls–how long they would take to get through, as well as how long each conversation would be?
    
    It sounds like you are unhappy that you did not get personal attention. It sounds like all staff remained calm, organized and made the students their priority. It sounds like the students did the same. This is about keeping the staff and students safe, which is what happened; it’s not about making sure you are taken care of. Again, if you want to see changes, you need to be proactive and involved. Directing your anger towards staff and Dr. Gary is not productive and none of them deserve blame for keeping the students safe, calm and organized. It is also not their job to placate you. It’s fine to disagree, but I hope you direct your anger into a way that feels productive for you.
- Teacher March 29, 2023 (2:15 am)
  
  Sorry Jethro, but you are wrong. Gun deaths, kill children of all ages, not just older children, more than anything else. if you can’t tell me what the leading cause of death is for children then you have no argument. And your link is totally suspect.from the CDC”
  
  Gun-related violence is leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 19 in US: CDC
  
  The murder of six students and staff in a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, is the 131st mass shooting in America in 2023, compared to 113 mass shootings at the same time last year.”
Jethro Marx March 28, 2023 (9:57 pm)

I’m concerned, but your statistical claim is misleading; you are probably referring to the widely quoted study here:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmc2201761

The actual category is “children and adolescents,” which is anyone under 20. It is unfortunate that we misuse the findings in this study, because we muddy the waters. So many 18 and 19 year-old adults are dying from shooting each other or themselves that they swing the top cause of death for a twenty-year range.

A March 28, 2023 (3:25 pm)

Why would you release all the students? If you are worried, why don’t you just pick up your student?

M March 28, 2023 (3:35 pm)

They didn’t let the parents pick students up while in the field, they said it would cause a mad house.

Student March 28, 2023 (4:04 pm)

The announcement they said around 11:15 was scary but my teacher didn’t hear it because the speakers are broken and we almost didn’t know those need to be replaced for reasons like this

Lola March 28, 2023 (4:18 pm)

Years ago I was at Madison to walk my son in as he had just been to the dentist and they wanted him to take medicine for any pain. I had to walk him to the nurses office as you just can’t hand kids pills to take. While we were in the nurses office a fire alarm type noise went off and the Nurse turned to my son and said you know what to do. He went over and closed and locked the door he told me we need to get down and crouch on the floor. I said what is happening?? He said it was an active shooter drill they never know if they are real or not. I said how long do we have to stay in here. He said if it was fake they do an anouncement that it is all clear. A few mins. later they made the anouncement that we could come out. It scared the pants off of me. Glad to hear everyone is safe today from this.

Briana March 28, 2023 (4:25 pm)

Thank you to the teachers , SPD and all the kiddos who kept a level head to a scary situation especially the day after a school shooting . I am so glad the kids are safe . This issue is not a school specific issue. Write congress!

Person March 29, 2023 (6:59 pm)

And say what? Stop juvenile delinquents from making prank calls?

J March 28, 2023 (4:43 pm)

The school handled it very well. If the students were at risk staying on campus, the police would have told them to leave the property. Schools have evacuation plans in case another location is necessary. Releasing students to their parents in the moment is not feasible. The attendance office ensures all the students are accounted for. When you need to pull your student out early from school, do you go directly to the teacher? Nope. It’s always funneled through the attendance office. As a teacher myself who has been in many lockdowns, the police always give directions based on the evidence. The school follows their lead and has one goal, keeping students safe.

1990sMadisonStudent March 28, 2023 (4:45 pm)

When I was a student at Madison from 94-97 there were at least 5 bomb threats in one year. The procedure was exactly the same, except no parents came to pick up their kids. We just went back to business as usual. Looking back that just seems so crazy now.

star 55 March 28, 2023 (4:54 pm)

The process for taking your child home is long and very detailed. If you returned your form from the beginning of the year saying who may pick up your child has to be verified. You must have pictured ID and wait for the form to verify you are in fact allowed to pick up the student. This must be done one at a time to protect every student. The form is then document who picked up the student. Some people are authorized on several forms to pick up students that are not their child. Please remember the staff is just as upset as you are regarding the threat or challenge. former Madison Staff member.

Parent March 28, 2023 (6:01 pm)

What you said is exactly what people who haven’t worked in schools do not understand. It’s not as easy and just saying “bye” and checking the child off a list. I also heard from my child that there were parents at the fences taking pictures/videos of students, which is also a problem for the school.
- ws resident March 28, 2023 (7:18 pm)
  
  House Bill 1240 will ban the manufacture and sale of guns defined as assault weapons in WA state. It has passed the House, and it got passed through the Sentae Law & Justice Committe. The bill will now go to the Senate floor for a full vote. Inslee said he will sign it if it passes. Please email and/or call your senator and pass this plea onto friends and relatives that live in WA state.My son said when he heard the announcement to ” evacuate the building” he thought it was because there was a shooter at the school. NO KID SHOULD HAVE TO FEEL THAT TYPE OF FEAR. I am really proud of all the Madison students and how they calmly reacted and followed directions.
  - Me mama March 29, 2023 (9:16 am)
    
    Amen. Wasn’t this everyone’s primary concern- that this would result in some type of shooting? Far too frequent these days. The ARs have no place in society
  - BruceNorris March 30, 2023 (12:53 pm)
    
    I didn’t hear or read about any firearms involved in this incident.
- Another Madison Mom March 28, 2023 (7:29 pm)
  
  After I heard from my 6th grader, I drove by and parked near the school. I just wanted my kid to know that I was nearby. I saw the parents lined up by the fence, but I didn’t see any pictures or video-taking. From my vantage point, the parents that were there were doing the same thing I was – staying close to support their kid and provide comfort.I’m not savvy with the school safety protocols, but it did seem well-managed and orderly. Dr. Gary was regululary providing the students with updates using the megaphone. While my child was understandably nervous at first, his fears were diminished over the course of the hour or so.I appreciate the staff that remained with, and comforted, the students during this stressfull situation. And I also really appreciate the parents that showed up to just be nearby. Knowing the parent community support is strong gives me some relief.It is scary sending kids to school these days. Parents, students, staff, and community members all want the same thing: safe schools. Let’s work together to make it happen.
  - Granny March 28, 2023 (8:12 pm)
    
    I agree with you. I just wanted my granddaughter to know I was there. She was pretty happy to see me standing by the fence….I waited in the line to pick her up, I thought the staff was great.. it couldn’t have been easy for them… not something I ever thought I would have to experience. Fortunately I was standing some great parents! West Seattle Strong.

S March 28, 2023 (7:12 pm)

I think it’s both incredibly reassuring and sad that the kids commenting here handled this situation so well. And thank you to the administrators, staff, and teachers for keeping our kids safe in situations like this despite not getting the respect, resources, or compensation they deserve. I trust that the professionals who have had to prepare for situations like this have the best interest of the kids in mind, and if the parents (myself included) have to wonder for a little bit longer than necessary in order to ensure safety, I’m all for it!

Perspective Madison Parent March 28, 2023 (7:34 pm)

This string of comments is sure remarkable; our younger generation is speaking more clearly and levelheaded than us adults.

Madison Student March 29, 2023 (9:21 am)

Honestly, I don’t blame them. They have much reason to be upset, I would be too if I were in the same situation.

Student March 28, 2023 (7:35 pm)

I was in band when an administrator came in yelling and saying we had to evacuate. The loud speaker in that room doesn’t work, especially on top of all our playing. This is an issue I think needs to be fixed, and soon. If something major like this, or bigger, happens again we would be clueless.

LJJ March 28, 2023 (7:58 pm)

Thank you for saying something about this. You’re right, that is definitely something that needs to be fixed.

Pluckymomo March 28, 2023 (8:11 pm)

Thank you teachers for building strong relationships with your students so they can feel safe even in unpredictable situations. I appreciate your professionalism as you managed the situation.

SLJ March 28, 2023 (8:29 pm)

It sounds like Madison handled this well. It was. bomb threat, so of course the first priority is to get everyone out of the building. And they need to line up outside so they can be sure everyone is accounted for. Then the staff needs to find any remaining kids that might have been elsewhere in the building. Those are the top priorities. Then they can notify families. And of course it takes a long time to pick your child up. There are almost 1000 students there and they need to be sure everyone goes home with the right person. It would be much worse if they let kids leave without signing them out. In any emergency situation it will take a long time to be reunited with your child. I am happy with how Madison handled this and I appreciate the staff.

WJ March 29, 2023 (7:24 am)

Maybe all of you folks freaking out should educate yourselves about what incident response actually looks like for Seattle Public Schools. And, if you have concerns, address them while an incident is not actively happening. https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/safety-security/faq/Take note of the section that explains that it’s up to police/fire to give the ok to start releasing students. Not the principal!Students- nice job staying calm and being awesome while things were scary yesterday. Parents- learn from your kids. They handled this better than you.

Jeanne Nerritt March 29, 2023 (7:40 am)

I want to congratulate the students who have replied here on their level of maturity.

m March 29, 2023 (9:00 am)

Hey everybody, a little update is a Madison Middle. It is a day after the threat, everyone’s back in the school and safe. Thank you for all the worries coming from the parent, thanks for your hopes and prayers!

Gina March 29, 2023 (9:36 am)

For the students worried about adults taking pictures outside the fence, I was called by a parent that couldn’t get there immediately and took a photo to reassure that their kid was okay. I would guess that the other picture takers were doing the same, lowering the stress levels for those on their way.

Just a Student March 29, 2023 (11:02 am)

I know this happened yesterday, but I will add more context to the situation if needed.At around 11:18 or so yesterday, we were told to evacuate the school, with no information. Many were panicked, but the anxiousness left the air as soon as Dr. Gary explained what he could. There was a call to the police telling them there was a bomb in the school. The police had a feeling there was not a bomb in the school, but nonetheless, they had to evacuate the school. I am a student at Madison, and I’m only in 6th grade. I feel like this situation was handled well on the part of the school, and if you are complaining that your student/s should have been released early, I know that you are concerned, but by the end of the day, half the students in my World History class were absent. This is probably the most stressful thing I will encounter in my school life, and I hope that this will not happen to this school again.

Liv March 29, 2023 (2:37 pm)

I’m a student at Madison, and it’s the day after the threat and everyone is fine

Madison Mom March 29, 2023 (3:53 pm)

Thank you Liv and “just a student”! Let’s hope this doesn’t happen again. I was at the school yesterday and so reassured to see that the students like yourselves handled things so well. Well done!

Taylor March 29, 2023 (4:44 pm)

It was crazy. Glad we’re safe and sound! ( I’m a Madison Student)

BruceNorris March 30, 2023 (12:51 pm)

Thank you to the teachers and administrators at Madison Middle School and to the Seattle Police Department. I believe the situation was handled well. My 6th grader wasn’t stressed out or scared and told me students were pretty calm.