Tom Gwin, principal of Winchester High School, posted a notice on the school's Web site informing parents and students about the new threat. While specifics were not known at press time, Gwin wrote that the threat referenced a "June 1" date and stated that the threat was probably "a copycat incident."

"As you know, the original graffiti threat was found in a boys room and referenced May 12. We believe we identified the student who wrote the threat. On May 12 we had an increased police presence in and around the school and the day went incident-free. Last Thursday, May 20, we discovered another threat that references June 1. While we believe that this is a 'copycat' incident we are formulating a plan for the day," the Web site stated.

The previous threat was reportedly found in a boys' restroom on May 3. The message stated, "I will kill you all on May 12." Rumors began circulating among the student body on May 5 and in response, Gwin sent a letter home with students on May 7 and to parents' homes via postal mail warning them about the threat and assuring them that extra police officers would be on hand throughout the day.

On May 12, there was an increased police presence at the schoool, according to police and school officials, and no incidents were reported. According to Superintendent Jim Marini, about half of the students at the high school initially stayed home on May 12 as a precaution but other students returned to school later on in the day.

Police Chief Joseph Perritano, Marini and Gwin were not available for comment at press time.

The principal's weekly update site is located at: http://www.winchester.k12.ma.us/HomePage/WHS.2000/weeklyupdates.html.