Buchanan Middle School students were placed under lockdown Friday afternoon, after the principal Mark Kurland found a note in the fifth-grade boys’ bathroom with a threat to bomb the school.

The note read: “I am going to bomb the school.”

Per protocol, the school was placed under perimeter lockdown. The Buchanan Police Department searched the school for signs of a threat. After 20 minutes, it was determined that there was no danger and the building was cleared.

Superintendent Andrea van der Laan said the school followed protocol to assure the safety of students.

“We take those things seriously,” van der Laan said. “We followed procedure.”

The school issued a statement to middle school parents alerting them that the school had been under lock down after the note was found.  Parents were told police searched the school and there was no danger.

“We found the building to be safe and school continued as normal,” van der Laan stated. “As always whenever a perceived threat occurs, we will err on the side of caution and follow our Crisis Plan procedures. “

She asked those with information to contact the school and speak to Kurland.

The Berrien RESA superintendent was also notified and shared the information with other surrounding school districts.

Van der Laan said the district does not yet know who wrote the note. In response, Kurland will interview students to track down more information.

At this time, she said she is not sure what penalty a student would receive, though it could be anywhere from a suspension to an expulsion.

“I am sure he will have his ear to the ground,” van der Laan said.

Those with information should contact the school (269) 695-8406.