Zebulon Middle sending students home early after Code Red lockdowns at 2 Wake schools
Code Red lockdowns were lifted Friday at two Wake County middle schools, but students at one school will be sent home early following a nerve-wracking morning waiting for police to declare their campus safe.
Both East Millbrook MIddle School in Raleigh and Zebulon Middle were placed on a Code Red lockdown due to what each school initially described as a “security concern.”
East Millbrook is continuing with a “regular day of teaching and learning,” but Zebulon Middle said it would dismiss students at 12:15 p.m.
“First know that all students are safe,” Zebulon Middle said in an 11:20 a.m. update to parents. “Beginning at 12:15 p.m. or possibly sooner, we will begin the dismissal process. Parents who are picking up their students should use the car pool lane as usual.
“Only approved pick-up designees can pick up children. Please bring your ID with you to pick up your student. Buses will run. School staff will stay with students at school until arrangements have been made for everyone to get home safely.”
It was the second time this week that Zebulon Middle was placed on a Code Red lockdown due to a threat posted on social media. Extra police are on both campuses although school and authorities say neither threat appears to have been credible.
A series of lockdowns across the district during the week led Wake County school leaders to ask Friday for the public’s help.
No active shooter
Before 8:30 a.m., Zebulon Middle went into a Code Red lockdown that Zebulon Police said in a Facebook post was due to a social media threat
Under a Code Red, no one is allowed to enter or exit the building.
Zebulon Police have provided regular online updates, telling parents that they were conducting a methodical search of the school to ensure the safety of the children. Students stayed inside their classroom with their teacher during the search.
“Officers continue to make their way through the school, room by room,” Zebulon Police posted. “There was never an active shooter at the school. There are no injuries.”
“The search is almost complete,” Zebulon Police posted at 11:29 a.m. “Students are being escorted to the restrooms, if needed. Moving to Modified Code Yellow.” In a Code Yellow, students are allowed to leave their classroom but must stay inside the building.
Parents and community members thanked Zebulon Police for the updates and for keeping the students and staff safe at the school.
“ZPD, you all rock for keeping the, parents, staff and community up to date with the situation at ZMS,” Kyle Carlson commented on Facebook.
A social media threat also led to Zebulon Middle being placed on a Code Red lockdown on Wednesday. The threats have led to increased police presence on campus this week.
Also on Wednesday, Rolesville High School was placed on a Code Red lockdown and students were dismissed early after a student was founded with a loaded gun.
‘No credible threat’
East Millbrook Middle went into a Code Red lockdown at 9:27 a.m. “due to a rumor of a threat,” according to the school.
“After a thorough investigation by the WCPSS Security and law enforcement, it was determined that there was no credible threat to our school,” East Millbrook told parents. “The Code Red was lifted at 10:55 a.m.”
East Millbrook said it would operate on an altered schedule on Friday “out of an abundance of caution.”
“There also will be additional law enforcement on campus for the rest of the school day,” the school said. “Please do not come to campus to pick up your student. We will continue with a regular day of teaching and learning.”
This story was originally published February 3, 2023 at 9:20 AM.
