It all happened days before the fatal shootings at Marysville-Pilchuk High School, but the bloody events to the north on Friday certainly did nothing to ease the fears of parents of Auburn Riverside High students.

First some student as yet unknown wrote a message on a bathroom stall at the high school, threatening the safety of staff and students. The student also mentioned a date — Oct. 30, 2014.

Over the following days, social media made things worse, spreading rumors about the graffiti via phone and other electronic devices.

And as simmer ramped to boil in ARHS’ halls, classrooms and common areas, Principal David Halford sent a letter to parents explaining the “immature act by one of ARHS’ students,” what the school and authorities were doing about it, and what they were going to do.

“It is unacceptable,” Halford wrote of the threatening message.

Noting that safety is his number one concern, Halford revealed that ever since he found out about the message, he had been in talks with Auburn Police and the Auburn School District.

‘Writing on a bathroom wall doesn’t lend credibility to the note nor does the school have information to substantiate the threat,” Halford wrote. “We can never be 100 percent sure, but we do feel this person is looking for reactions. The ARHS Administrative Team and Staff are taking this threat very seriously and following all district guidelines.”

To ensure the safety of students and staff, Halford wrote, the school has beefed up security around the building and extra security measures will be in place on Oct. 30 2014, the date in the message.

What’s more, Halford wrote, ARHS is taking an active approach by continuing its investigation of who wrote the graffiti in the bathroom stall and why.

“As principal and parent of an ARHS student, I understand the concern for your son or daughter’s safety. At this time, I am confident in stating that they are safe here at school today and in the future. If you feel the need to keep them home, I understand as well. Please be sure to excuse them through the attendance office.

“…It is always sad when the decision of one student can affect the entire culture and community of the nearly 1,700 students that attend,” Halford concluded.

Anyone with information should call Halford at 253-804-5154 or the Auburn Police Department at 253-931-3080.