Threatening note found at Novi High School

NOVI — A shelter-in-place order was issued at Novi High School Oct. 6 after a threatening note was found at around 11:02 a.m.

A shelter-in-place order means that students remain in their classrooms at the time of the order, instead of traveling from classroom to classroom.

“This morning Novi High School staff became aware of a threatening note that was left in the building. The administration at NHS worked quickly with their team and partners at the Novi Police Department to do a thorough search of the school before resuming classes as usual,” said Ben Mainka, the superintendent of the Novi Community School District. “We are so grateful to our staff and students for the admirable way that they handled themselves during a stressful situation. We take all threats seriously, and they carry a significant consequence. All of us must continue to work together to impress upon our children to alert adults, and if they see something, to say something.”

The school “systematically” searched students, lockers and students’ belongings before lifting the shelter-in-place order. Mainka gave email updates to parents throughout the day. At 11:43 a.m. he said they were working to clear the building.

“We are working through the process, but we will not cut corners and will be thorough,” Mainka told parents in the email.

“Just know that we have many teams of amazing people as well as the incredible Novi Police Department who is helping us clear the building quickly,” the email further stated.

The incident was cleared and the shelter-in-place order removed at 1:05 p.m. Students resumed school with an abbreviated schedule. They were still given lunch and had a portion of their school day. Students were released at 2:24 p.m. — about 21 minutes early.

“For today, our students and staff performed brilliantly. We will not take chances with student safety and so we are thankful for the diligence of our entire team at NHS, the district, and the Novi Police Department,” Mainka said via email.

Novi Police Cmdr. Jason Meier said Oct. 18 that the department has a suspect in the case who is a juvenile. The case has been submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office for potential charges.