CODE RED CALLED AT SPENCER MIDDLE SCHOOL - Nothing Harmful Found

(03/13/2004)
Spencer Middle School called a "Code Red" yesterday morning after discovering threatening messages written on the walls.

Sources close to the school said the messages said death would come to those attending school yesterday. In a separate and likely unrelated incident, at least one bullet was found in the school.

Some of the messages were written on the rest rooms Thursday, causing the implementing of screening procedures when students arrived at school Friday.

Rumors made the situation worse, according to Roane County Superintendent of Schools Steve Goffreda.

Goffreda said the school system always leans on the side of caution and "We want everyone to have their mind at ease," besides making sure there is nothing harmful inside the school.

Students were put through metal detectors after authorities were summoned to the building.

"We found nothing to worry about," said Goffreda.

The Middle School is the old Spencer High School located in Spencer.