Threat clears Wantagh middle and high schools

Wantagh High School and Wantagh Middle School were evacuated Thursday morning after a threat was found written on the wall of a school bathroom, according to district officials.

The threatening message was found written in a high school boy's bathroom early in the day, prompting the evacuation. Police were immediately contacted and conducted an investigation.

"Graffiti on a first floor boys room indicated there may be a threat regarding a public safety device in the school," Detective Vincent Garcia said. "The school district immediately decided to evacuate the school."

Nassau County Police's Emergency Services Unit, K9 Unit, Emergency Management office and 7th Precinct officers responded. Beltagh Avenue at Wantagh Avenue was closed while police conducted a floor-by-floor search of the two buildings.

High school students were sent to Forest Lake Elementary School and the middle school students were moved to St. Francis De' Chantel Church.

The time the message was written or the identity of the person responsible are unknown. Superintendent Maureen Goldberg said that students would not be resuming the New York State Math exams when they returned to the middle school Thursday. The regularly scheduled part three will take place on Friday, with the kids finishing part two on Monday, district officials confirmed.

"The Nassau County police have conducted and completed a thorough search and we have been advised that both buildings may reopen." Goldberg said in a statement. "Students will be returning to their respective schools shortly and dismissal will be at the usual time. All after school and evening activities will continue as usual."

Detectives request anyone with information regarding the above crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

John Scalesi and Andrew Hackmack contributed to this story.