Catholic School in Gambrills Cancels Classes Following Threat Misinformation

In a wave of concern that swept through a Gambrills Catholic school community, School of the Incarnation canceled Friday classes following a flurry of rumored threats that authorities have since determined were unfounded.

School administrators received over 50 texts and phone calls Thursday evening from worried community members sharing secondhand information about a potential threat. The volume of messages, combined with what officials described as “misinformation concerning a recent investigation and an unfounded rumor from earlier in the week,” prompted the school to close its doors Friday as a precautionary measure.

“Though there wasn’t a direct, credible threat issued to the school, we felt it was necessary to assess what we were hearing and make a decision to ensure the safety and well-being of our campus community,” school officials explained in an email to families on Friday.

Upon receiving the flood of messages, school administrators immediately consulted with the Archdiocese Department of Catholic Schools, which was already aware of a previously investigated non-credible rumor. Together, they made the decision to close the campus while they assessed whether the new wave of rumors represented any actual danger.

Law enforcement was promptly notified, and the subsequent investigation determined there was never any credible threat to the school or its community members. School officials expressed gratitude to the Anne Arundel Police Department for their quick response in helping clarify the situation.

The incident highlights the increasing challenges schools face in the age of rapid information sharing, where rumors can quickly spiral and cause significant disruption. Many educational institutions across the country have adopted “abundance of caution” policies when dealing with potential security concerns, particularly given the national conversation around school safety.

Justin Mulcahy, spokesperson for the Anne Arundel County Police Department, confirmed that the department’s Office of Homeland Security & Intelligence is investigating “the origins of the perceived, uncorroborated threats circulating on social media.” He emphasized that investigators have found no credible threat to the school, its students, or staff.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore also weighed in on the situation, with spokesperson Christian Kendzierski describing it as an “unfounded rumor that was fully investigated.” He reiterated that the school’s decision to close was purely precautionary, aimed at ensuring “the safety and peace of mind of our students and families.”

This incident at School of the Incarnation underscores a broader trend of heightened sensitivity around school safety concerns. Educational institutions nationwide have implemented more stringent security protocols and communication procedures in recent years, often erring on the side of caution when faced with potential threats.

The decision to close, while disruptive to the school schedule, aligns with what many security experts recommend in situations where the credibility of a threat remains unclear during initial assessment. School security professionals often advise that the first priority must be ensuring student and staff safety, even if that means canceling activities while investigations are conducted.

For School of the Incarnation, regular activities will resume Monday with the previously scheduled parent-teacher conferences, with students returning to class on Tuesday. The school thanked families for their “understanding and support as we prioritize the well-being of everyone in our school community.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance educational institutions must maintain between remaining vigilant about potential threats and preventing unnecessary panic in school communities. It also highlights the importance of clear communication channels between schools, parents, and local authorities when security concerns arise.