Threats made at two WNY schools

SALAMANCA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Police have responded to threats in at least two western New York school districts. While none of the threats were considered credible, school officials have stepped up security.

As heartbreak from the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary reaches deeper into the world's conscience, another grade school in Newtown was under lockdown because of anonymous threats. Parents were told to keep their children home from Head O'Meadow Elementary.

Similar threats are being reported against schools across the country from Florida to California, and even here in WNY. The threats may possibly be inspired by the Newtown tragedy, while others believe it is a response to the so-called Mayan doomsday this Friday.

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Graffiti was discovered in a girls bathroom at the Salamanca Junior Senior High, which led to what one official called "viral hysteria."

Salamanca School Superintendent Robert Breidenstein said the nature of the threat was benign and non-specific and said students are "as safe as [they] can imaginably be."

In a statement, the district said: "Additional security protocols are being implemented to insure the safety of all students including: requesting photo identification of visitors, increased security presence on campus and requiring entry only through the main entrances."

Holley Middle/High School in Orleans County has had two threats, one last week in the form of graffiti in a bathroom regarding a bomb. The threats prompted the school to issue a statement saying the incident is being investigated, and the person responsible will be prosecuted.

"Law enforcement was contacted and the building was evacuated temporarily. Once police declared the building safe, students and staff returned to classes," the district said in a statement.

Holley schools will also be under a "lockout" this Friday, stemming from a threat this week regarding December 21, with police posted at the main entrances and all exterior doors locked. Also, the varsity basketball home game is being switched to Alexander as an away game.

School officials and police told News 4 they take threats against schools, students, and teachers seriously. Threats are felonies in the State of New York and schools will prosecute those involved.

Officials from both districts say they already have a good idea of who made the threats.