Pius XI High School cancels classes after threatening graffiti found

A private Milwaukee high school canceled classes Monday after threatening graffiti was found on the school's front entrance.

When school administrators and the school's security staff arrived at Pius XI High School this morning, they found the graffiti and immediately called Milwaukee Police. They also called off classes for the day.

"Due to the disruptive nature of this incident, we determined that it is in the best interest of all tocancel school today. Arrangements are in progress to safely send students home. This investigation remains ongoing," the school's statement said.

Police have begun investigating who is responsible for the graffiti and remain on site working with the school's leadership. Students who entered the school this morning had their bags searched, according to a statement from Pius XI High School that was emailed to a reporter. The statement did not specify what the threatening graffiti said.

In a letter to parents, the school's principal, Ryan Krienke, said students who drive to school were free to leave and were to be dismissed shortly. Other students were directed to wait in the school's fieldhouse for parents to pick up. Parents who were unable to pick up their children were directed to send an email to said anyone who has to stay would have their bags searched and can remain in the school's union under supervision until a parent or family member can pick them up. He also said the school is in process of rerouting its North side and South side bus routes to return students home.

"The investigation is ongoing and you will be notified with further updates," Krienke's letter said.

Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or Follow him on X (Twitter) at