Cascade High School heightens security after threats, vandalism

EVERETT — Vandals spray painted Cascade High School’s concrete bruin mascot and left a threatening message early this week, prompting an alert to parents from the Everett School District.

District officials initially didn’t reveal the nature of the threats because it was part of a police investigation.

They changed their position Thursday morning because of so many false rumors circulating in the community, Everett School District spokeswoman Mary Waggoner said.

“The words did mention shooting five Cascade High School students on Friday,” Waggoner said.

The message did not include specific names, she said.

“It’s a unspecified threat, but it’s serious enough that police have assigned an investigator,” Waggoner said. “It’s a very active, very intense investigation.”

The vandalism was discovered before school on Tuesday. It occurred sometime after a Memorial Day event at the school on Monday.

In an email and telephone voice mail to families, Cascade High School principal Cathy Woods said students can expect to see heightened security at the school this week.

Parents concerned about safety can keep their students at home, but will need to send a note with them when they return so the absence will be excused, Waggoner said.

The mascot greets students in the campus courtyard.

District officials are asking anyone with any information about the threats and vandalism to call 911 or the school district’s tip line at 425-385-5050.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com

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