This morning, a student overheard another student make a statement about a possible bomb threat. The student immediately reported this to a teacher, who immediately reported it to school administration. We called a shelter-in-place as we gathered information and then quickly transitioned to a campus evacuation. MBPD assisted with the investigation and conducted a search of campus with a K9 unit with special training to detect explosives. No explosives or traces of explosives were found, and the campus was cleared to return to normal operations.

We are sorry for the disruption that was created by the poor decision of the student who made the statement. We will be issuing disciplinary consequences consistent with Board Policy and California Education Code. As you know, we are prohibited from sharing information about individual students, so we are not able to provide additional information beyond that.

We are incredibly grateful to the student who heard the statement and took immediate action, as well as the staff member to whom the student felt safe reporting and who also took immediate action. The student’s reporting took strength and bravery, and the actions of that student and our staff member allowed us the opportunity to ensure that the campus and our students were safe. 

We know that this kind of situation can be frightening and unsettling for everyone. We will have additional counseling support from our partners with BCHD who will be available on site at MBMS tomorrow in the Wellness Center. Please let your student know that if they need someone to talk with, they are welcome to come to the office during the day today or anytime tomorrow. If your student is in need of additional support this afternoon, allcove is open for drop-in support at their Prospect Avenue location. 

MBMS will be continuing with normal operations for the remainder of the week. We want to again thank the students and staff who acted quickly by following our protocol of “See/Hear Something, Say Something” and ask everyone to continue to stay vigilant and share any concerns with a trusted adult. We also ask that everyone please remind students once again about the serious consequences that can result from making comments, even in jest, about weapons or dangerous objects. Thank you also to our staff and parents who were patient, understanding, and supportive throughout the day.

On Thursday, MBMS counselors and psychologists will be on hand to support students, and the school will offer additional mental health support for students through the district's partnership with Beach Cities Health District.

Over the summer, ICS4Schools will also be assessing campus sites, while ESMP will work with school management teams and Chameleon on best practices for physical security.

In the fall, the district will hold security awareness trainings, implement CSTAG recommendations, and will hold additional exercises and drills, including a district-wide Great Shake-Out drill on October 16.