Parkville Elementary Schooler Writes Threatening Statements: Principal

PARKVILLE, MD — An elementary schooler accused of writing threatening statements in a notebook was removed from class Monday morning in Baltimore County, officials said.

The incident happened at Harford Hills Elementary School in Parkville.

Principal Lisa Balmages said the notebook passages included threats of self-harm and a list of names of students and staff members they wanted to harm.

Administrators immediately removed the student from the classroom and contacted the school resource officer and the Baltimore County Public Schools Department of School Safety for assistance.

"We take threats very seriously," Balmages said in a letter to families. "BCPS has comprehensive processes in place to address these incidents and ensure student safety. This includes behavioral threat assessments, wellness checks and a close partnership with the Baltimore County Police Department who follow up as appropriate."

Investigators determined that the threat was not credible. The student is receiving appropriate services and will also face "serious consequences," Balmages said.

"We remain committed to providing a safe and orderly environment that is conducive to learning," the principal said. "Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Please contact the main office if you have any questions or concerns."

A similar but unrelated situation happened last week at Sparrows Point Middle School, where officials said an 11-year-old "made a threat about shooting other students."

Balmages offered counseling services to concerned students. She also listed these resources for families to reference during conversations with their children:

• Creating Supportive Environments when Scary Things Happen
• Talking to Children When Scary Things Happen and (Spanish)
• Talking to Teens When Violence Happens

The school also had an increased police presence out of an abundance of caution.

"It is important for all of us – students and parents alike – to inform school staff or police any time you or your child sees, hears, or reads anything that is suspicious or that may pose a threat to the school or its students," Balmages said. "We all have a role to play in ensuring that our school remains a safe and secure learning environment for our children."