ST. THOMAS — A bomb threat received Friday morning at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School prompted a swift emergency response and an early dismissal of students, according to official statements from both St. Thomas Rescueand the V.I. Department of Education (VIDE).
The incident occurred at approximately 10:35 a.m. on May 9, when the school’s administration received a phone call suggesting that a student on campus may have a bomb. Authorities were immediately notified, and 911 was contacted without delay.
“All potential threats are taken seriously,” VIDE stated, “and emergency protocols were promptly activated to protect the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.”
Multiple emergency agencies responded to the call, including the V.I. Police Department, V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS), and the V.I. Port Authority. These agencies conducted a full sweep and assessment of the school campus.
As a precautionary measure, VIDE announced that students would be dismissed early at 1:00 p.m. Students were to receive lunch prior to dismissal, and arrangements were made to provide school bus transportation for those who use that service. Parents and guardians who were available were permitted to pick up their children before the scheduled dismissal time.
In a notice posted earlier in the day, St. Thomas Rescue emphasized that all emergency services were already on the scene and issued a clear request to families: “Parents are asked NOT to travel to the school, as this will hinder emergency personnel.”
The Department of Education stressed that the safety of students and school personnel remains the highest priority, and said that dismissal procedures would be carefully coordinated to maintain safety and order.
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