Dumbarton Middle School and Rodgers Forge Elementary School in Towson entered lockout status Friday morning and were later cleared to return to normal operations, according to letters sent by the schools’ principals.
In a text message sent to Dumbarton Middle School families, Principal Amanda Shanks said several staff members received an anonymous email with a threatening message directed toward the school. The school activated lockout protocol and contacted the Baltimore County Police Department, which responded to the school to conduct a building search.
All students and staff were safe, Shanks said, and the middle school would remain in a lockout until cleared by police. During a lockout, regular instruction continues and students and staff can move about the building, but no one is allowed to enter or leave the building without the permission of an administrator.
“I want you to be assured that the safety of our students is our top priority. I also want to thank BCoPD for their quick response and partnership,” the text message from Shanks read.
Police concluded their search of the building and investigation of the email and have identified a person they believe is responsible for sending the message, according to an update sent by Shanks. If the individual is determined to be a student at the middle school or in BCPS, they will receive consequences through the Student Handbook and possibly additional legal action, Shanks said. The middle school was cleared to lift the lockout.
“Please remind your child(ren) that threats of violence against the school will not be tolerated, even if those threats are made in a joking manner. It takes all of us working together and making good choices to ensure our school remains a safe and secure learning environment for all,” the update read.
Rodgers Forge Elementary School went on lockout at about 9:45 a.m. due to its proximity to the middle school, according to a letter from Principal Michele Rowland. Police determined the threat was not credible, the letter said, and the school was cleared to lift the lockout at 10:24 a.m.
