Cambridge Schools Get Extra Security After Second Email Threat

CAMBRIDGE (CBS) -- For the second time this week and the third time in a month, the safety of students has been threatened at Cambridge Middle Schools.

An email went out late Wednesday threatening gun violence at Putnam Avenue Upper School, Vassal Lane Upper School, and Amigos School, prompting police to increase security at all schools citywide.

"One of the terrible challenges of 2015 is one really never knows," Superintendent Jeff Young said, when asked about choosing to keep kids in school. "It was a very difficult decision, a burdensome one. Do you give in, and what do you invite by giving in? We determined we could safely keep school open."

On Tuesday students endured a similar situation. Cambridge Middle Schools were threatened with a bomb, though that did not turn out to be a credible threat. Police believe the same person sent this new threat Wednesday night.

Police added security, brought in K-9 units, and scoured the grounds throughout the morning. Most parents say the police presence helps them feel more at ease.

"I'm happy they aren't wearing full SWAT gear, I think it would scare the kids without any added benefit," parent Kathryn Cabrera said.

She, like many, struggles with how to talk to her kids about the current climate of violence, but she tries to inform them without scaring them.

"I said 'Mom and Dad think you're safe so we're sending you, if you hear anything, that's what's going on,' but it's hard to know how much to say," Cabrera said.

Most parents have a hard time not letting their kids see they're scared, too.

"Actually, dropping them off this morning I'm much more upset than I thought I would be," said Cabrera. "It made sense in practice to ignore the threat and come in, but I have to tell you, I'm incredibly stressed right now."

The superintendent will meet with police at the end of the school day to determine how long the additional police presence is needed.

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