Groton — West Side STEM Magnet Middle School was evacuated Monday afternoon after a potential threat was identified around dismissal time, Superintendent Michael Graner said. Everyone got home safely, he said.

Graner said the school district followed police protocol and evacuated the building. Since it was about 15 minutes prior to dismissal, the principal, with cooperation from students and staff, got the students organized by their homerooms outside the building. They were then dismissed in a safe and orderly way to the buses that had just arrived, he said. 

"The staff did a great job. The students were extremely cooperative so everyone got home safely," Graner said. "We are all clear for tomorrow."

Police are investigating, Graner said. He said police followed their protocol and confirmed the building was clear for staff to re-enter around 4 p.m.