WRENTHAM - A message written on a King Philip Regional High School boys' bathroom wall threatened that somebody would die if school were held today, but police and school officials said the threat was not credible and classes would not be canceled.

A heightened police presence was expected on campus today to reassure students and parents.

A student informed school officials Wednesday morning about the scrawled message, Principal Elaine Hanson said.

School officials contacted police, and several officers responded to investigate.

"We are not planning to cancel school," Hanson said. "Between the administration and the police, we didn't feel it was a credible threat." Besides the added police presence, Hanson said only three accesses to the school would be open instead of the usual 10. "They will have a presence to make sure people are comfortable," Hanson said.

There was no school lockdown Wednesday, as occurred in early March at King Philip Middle School in Norfolk, when a spent shell casing from a firearm was found in a hallway. In that incident, students were kept in classrooms while a swarm of area police searched the building.

"If we feel it is a credible threat, we would be in search mode," Hanson said. The school has a resource officer who is often present, she said.

Before the end of the school day Wednesday, a message was sent by e-mail to staff and parents, and students were notified about the situation over the public address system, Hanson said.

A letter was also sent home to parents from the principal explaining the situation.

"In light of recent events in Virginia, however, we have asked teachers and students to be vigilant in reporting any activities, conversations or messages that may be of concern," Hanson said in the letter.

"The high school administration continues to work with the local police departments to ensure the safety of students and staff within the school."

STEPHEN PETERSON can be reached at 508-236-0377 or at speterson@thesunchronicle.com.