Wake Christian Academy closed again on Friday after threat

The school later made the decision to cancel classes on Friday as well. After-school activities are canceled until Monday, Jan. 29.

"The decision to close today was made for the safety of our school community and to protect us physically," said Head of School Mike Woods. "However, we understand that there is more than a physical impact when events like this occur. Therefore, we will remain out of school on Friday, January 26, and all after-school activities are canceled until Monday, January 29."

Deputies found the threat was made by a student who made a disturbing phone call on Wednesday night and indicated possibly hurting themselves and others. The student is no longer enrolled in school.

Because the investigation continued into the late night hours on Wednesday, Woods said the school felt it was best to cancel classes on Thursday.

The sheriff's office is working with the school and those involved. This incident is still under investigation.

The school plans to resume its regular schedule on Monday. On Monday, the school also plans to have a meeting with different classes and grade levels to allow students to ask questions and share concerns. The school is also encouraging parents to speak with their children at home and help them more fully understand why classes were canceled.

"The safety of our children is paramount. All threats against our schools will be taken seriously and investigated. Parents, I encourage you to talk to your students about the possible consequences of making threats," said Sheriff Willie Rowe. "And students, it's important to report any threat to trusted adults and your school resource officers."

Students were allowed to return to classes at Wakefield High School after law enforcement and officials searched the campus following a bomb threat on Thursday morning.

Buildings at Wakefield High School were evacuated by students after the front office received a phone call with a threat around 8:25 a.m. Out of an abundance of caution, students went to the football field.

Law enforcement and security officials searched the campus and deemed it safe.

Students returned to class around 10 a.m.

School officials ask parents not to attempt to pick up their children.

"All students are safe," says the email to parents.

Rudy Perez, President of the National Association of School Resource Officers, said an increase in hoax calls are a national trend.

"You'll get it during test weeks, when kids want to get out of testing," Perez said.

"I guess it's a trend now," said Sgt. Hector Arajujo with the Wake County Sheriff's Office. "It slowed down in the beginning of the year."

Students making these calls face stiff penalties.

"There could be criminal charges depending on the severity of it," Arajujo said.

Perez said the consequences have to be enforced.

"Across the country we have to begin to prosecute correctly," Perez said. "When the reward of committing a crime continuously outweighs the punishment and they know nothing is going to happen, you're always going to have that challenge."