Principal reassures students, community about threat rumors

December 20, 2012

Rampant rumors among students about a potential threat to the safety of Middletown High School students and staff on Dec. 20 prompted MHS Principal Denise Fargo-Devine to reassure students and the community that there was no cause for alarm.

Fargo-Devine made an announcement over the school’s public address system at approximately 12:50 p.m. and a similar statement was released via FCPS_FindOutFirst at the same time stating that the school’s administration had alerted local law enforcement, which had responded to the potential threat, which originated via social media.

At no time was there an immediate danger in the building, Fargo-Devine said, and there was never any weapon on school grounds.

Below is the entire text from the message posted to FCPS_FindOutFirst.

Dear MHS Community:

Today I received information from students and staff about a student posing a potential threat to our school and also posting inappropriate material on social media. I immediately contacted local law enforcement, and the Sheriff’s Office swiftly responded to investigate the matter. They are addressing the matter appropriately. Because this is an ongoing investigation I am not at liberty to share many details. I can tell you that there was never any weapon on school grounds and that at no time was there an immediate danger in our building.

I want our school community to know that our school is safe and remains safe. I thank those who came forward to share information; they did exactly what they were supposed to do. I also appreciate our close partnership with law enforcement and the community; together we showed that the plans and procedures we have in place to keep our school safe work.

I join FCPS in thanking parents and the community for support throughout this difficult week. I appreciate the high visibility law enforcement is providing at our schools to show their support for our students, family and staff.

You may have heard other specific rumors about our school or other schools. Please know that FCPS and law enforcement agencies take all rumors very seriously. We follow up aggressively and quickly on any and all information that touches on the safety of our students.

Administrators, teachers, counselors, all employees and parents are working hard to keep the dialogue around school safety accurate and meaningful. Please do your part to help put any rumors to rest. If you have a concern that we can investigate, I or an assistant principal or other MHS staff member wants to speak with you. As always, you can also call the Safe Schools Tip Hotline listed in your Calendar Handbook: 1-877-636-6332.

Here is a link to a news release issued last night by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office concerning our ongoing cooperation:
http://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/frederick/upload/0/919.pdf

Thank you for the support you provide in helping us continue our mission to help every student learn in a caring and engaging environment.

Denise Fargo-Devine
Principal, Middletown High School