Miami

Schools Police Reassure Parents, Students After MAST Academy Threat

Miami-Dade public Schools and Schools Police reached out to parents and students of MAST Academy Wednesday after a threatening note was found at the school earlier this week.

Initially some parents were upset they found out about the threat through social media and news outlets, but now they say they feel more assured after receiving a robocall.

The automated message from the Chief of Miami-Dade County Public Schools Police went out to Mast Academy parents Wednesday evening, saying in part, "We want to assure you that MAST Academy continues to be a safe school for our students and staff."

In the call, Chief Moffett emphasized they are not taking the threat lightly.

"Miami-Dade Schools Police Department continues to investigate the recent threats made against the school and has reached out to local, state, and federal agencies," the call stated.

On Monday, school officials say a note was found unattended in a classroom. It read, "On April 17, 2015, I will walk into this school and shoot everyone I see."

According to one student, the day of the alleged threat, Friday, has now become the topic of conversation at school.

"Everybody like feels safe, but just as a precaution some are thinking of not coming," said MAST Academy student Kareem Joudi.

Kareem's mom is on the Parent Teacher Student Association Board at MAST and says she feels comfortable sending her son to school Friday.

"I think it's probably one of the safest places in Miami right now with all the focus and attention it's getting quite frankly," Maha Joudi said.

Police also stated in the message they have mobilized their canine dogs to conduct searches throughout the school.

They also assured parents that police are monitoring surveillance cameras.

"Obviously there's anxiety. This is different for MAST, Maha Joudi said. "MAST is a very academically focused magnet school. I feel like the quicker we get to the bottom of this it's better for everyone concerned."

Officials haven't yet found the person who wrote the note. The School Board said they are still investigating. There are important tests happening this week, so most students will probably still attend class on Friday.

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