FREDERICK COUNTY, MD - Concerns are still high after the tragedy in Connecticut last week, and Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) are dealing with rumors and threats on social media sites.
FCPS Superintendent, Dr. Terry Alban, says, "Once you start spreading rumors it increases the anxiety, it increases tension and causes fear that is unnecessary."
Officials say they're ready to put those rumors to rest.
Michael Doerrer, FCPS Director of Communications, says, "We have found that there has been no credible threat to the safety of our students or the safety of our schools, but, nonetheless, we feel it's important to track down every single rumor that we hear and investigate everything."
The rumors started spiraling out of control on Facebook and Twitter.
One student was even taken out of class from Middletown High School, but officials stress this student didn't pose a threat to the school's safety.
"What may have been more easily managed in the past becomes even more difficult now with social media and the opportunity for rumors and gossip to get out so many places so quickly," says Dr. Alban.
Officials in Frederick County say they're not alone. Other communities across the country are also dealing with issues like this one.
"Look I'm a parent myself," says Doerrer. "I understand the concerns the anxiety that's out there. I really do understand it. The best thing that parents can do if they have information, share it with us. Share it with school officials, the principal, the assistant principal."
But for now, officials want to reassure parents and students they are safe, and hope they'll get the rest they need over the holiday break.
"Be with family and friends to have some time to just relax and get over some of the immediate aftermath of this tragedy," says Dr. Alban. "When we come back in January, we'll be able to refocus and reenergize."
Schools reopen on January 2nd.
FCPS Superintendent, Dr. Terry Alban, says, "Once you start spreading rumors it increases the anxiety, it increases tension and causes fear that is unnecessary."
Officials say they're ready to put those rumors to rest.
Michael Doerrer, FCPS Director of Communications, says, "We have found that there has been no credible threat to the safety of our students or the safety of our schools, but, nonetheless, we feel it's important to track down every single rumor that we hear and investigate everything."
The rumors started spiraling out of control on Facebook and Twitter.
One student was even taken out of class from Middletown High School, but officials stress this student didn't pose a threat to the school's safety.
"What may have been more easily managed in the past becomes even more difficult now with social media and the opportunity for rumors and gossip to get out so many places so quickly," says Dr. Alban.
Officials in Frederick County say they're not alone. Other communities across the country are also dealing with issues like this one.
"Look I'm a parent myself," says Doerrer. "I understand the concerns the anxiety that's out there. I really do understand it. The best thing that parents can do if they have information, share it with us. Share it with school officials, the principal, the assistant principal."
But for now, officials want to reassure parents and students they are safe, and hope they'll get the rest they need over the holiday break.
"Be with family and friends to have some time to just relax and get over some of the immediate aftermath of this tragedy," says Dr. Alban. "When we come back in January, we'll be able to refocus and reenergize."
Schools reopen on January 2nd.
