Aberdeen Middle School Threat Deemed Not Credible: Principal

A threat at Aberdeen Middle School was determined not to be credible, authorities say.

Aberdeen Middle School Principal Anthony Bess notified parents of the situation and encouraged them to communicate with their children and administrators with concerns.

“Earlier today, school was made aware of a threat made against a member of our school community,” Bess said in a message to parents Wednesday. “Law enforcement has investigated and determined that it is not a credible threat. This will not have any effect on our school day.“

Extra police were on campus Thursday morning due to concerns about a rumored shooting that investigators learned stemmed from a dispute between two students Tuesday in which one ”referenced the use of a firearm,” according to WBAL.

See: 12-Year-Old Charged in North Harford Middle School Bomb Threat

Three months ago, a 12-year-old boy was charged in a bomb threat hoax at North Harford Middle School.

That same week, a 12-year-old at Aberdeen Middle School was charged with threatening arson after a school bus driver reportedly found a letter she wrote threatening to commit the act.

According to reports from the Maryland Department of Education, incidences of bullying, harassment or intimidation are most common at the middle school level.

The most common age to experience bullying in Maryland is 12 years old, with 13-year-old instigators, according to Maryland State Department of Education data from the 2013-2014 school year, the most recent available.

More information on youth violence and prevention is available from the Centers for Disease Control.

Full Statement from Aberdeen Middle School Principal on Sept. 23:

Good evening. This is Dr. Tony Bess, principal of Aberdeen Middle School, with an important message.

Earlier today, the school was made aware of a threat made against a member of our school community.

As we take every threat very seriously, per protocol, the Aberdeen Police Department was immediately contacted.

Law enforcement has investigated and determined that it is not a credible threat. This will not have any effect on our school day.

I can be reached at school tomorrow if you have any questions.

I would like to remind parents to remain diligent in communicating with their students and with our administration team if you have any concerns. Again, this is Dr. Tony Bess, principal of Aberdeen Middle School, and I thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.