Transcript Staff Writer

Extra security has been in place at Alcott Middle School this week after a threatening note was found.

Dr. Roger Brown, Norman Public Schools director of secondary education, said the information referred to a shooting that would happen during sixth period Wednesday at the school. Students reported finding the note late in the afternoon March 13, just before school was going to be let out.

"No names were listed, no students were listed," Brown said.

He said school administrators take each threat seriously and worked on a response letter that evening. It was sent home with students March 14. School was out the following week for spring break.

"We wanted to inform our parents of the situation," Brown said.

The letter that was sent home with students included Brown's name and office phone line for parents to call if they had any questions, he said.

Brown said he spoke with an assistant principal Wednesday afternoon and 151 students were reported absent because of the threat. A total of 625 children are enrolled at AMS.

"More students were absent today than normal," Brown said.

He said the Norman Police Department and NPS campus security will have an extra presence at Alcott this week.

"We believe we have a safe environment and have taken safety precautions," Brown said.

Brown encouraged parents and guardians who have information about the threat to call the Alcott administration.

Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com