Amidst 'End of the World' Rumors, School System Stays Alert
No threats have yet been deemed credible, according to a school system spokesman.
"End of the world" rumors related to a debunked Mayan calendar myth are spreading through social media, and school officials are working with police to keep track of those related to local school violence.
"There has been an increase in rumors and threats and we're investigating all of them," said Mychael Dickerson, a school system spokesman. "There hasn't been anything credible."
Baltimore County Public Schools increased police patrols of its campuses without school resource officers following a Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals—including 20 children. Dickerson said Thursday evening that the additional patrols are still in effect.
He also noted that school events are expected to run as scheduled.
The school system posted a statement on its website acknowleding the rumors and asking parents to remind their children of appropriate social media use.
"We want parents to have conversations with their kids," Dickerson said.
Howard, Harford and Anne Arundel school officials are also investigating social media rumors.
JD1
9:55 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
It's official, after dealing with a shooter on the first day of school, weeks of media presence and hype, the shootings in conn, more medie hype and now the added layer of doomsday threats my kids don't want to go to school any more. They are scared, confused, distracted, frustrated .......how do we change this folks? This is our new reality - armed teachers, 10 cops in every school, kids carrying shotguns and vodka to school and a public outcry to treat him like a baby because his mommy didn't hug him enough....WTF has happened to our world. If you ask me - 12/21/2012 came true - our kids can't get an education, go to a basketball game, go to a dance without fear - if that's not the end, I don't know what is ... Plan A ain't workin folks - time to rally the troops and figure out a Plan B quick.
Holton F. Brown
8:29 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Public outcry because mommy didn't hug him enuf? She was seeking a commital order.. and she had a house full of guns because she was afraid of economic failure... and he blew away 20 mkids with the same type of weapoon thast's used in afghanistan to kill the taliban ..that's what the public is outraged ovcer and NOBODY wants that nutbag treated like a baby!
vanessa
9:12 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Omg I love Facebook!!!!!.............NOT!
VWK
9:38 am on Friday, December 21, 2012
Holton - I think JD1 was referring to the Perry Hall shooter, Bobby Gladden. JD1 - please correct me if I'm wrong - and that was a great post. I agree with everything you said.