Threat That Postponed Bellefonte High School Assembly Found Not Credible

Bellefonte Area High School postponed a scheduled prom safety event and had a heightened law enforcement presence "out of an abundance of caution" on Wednesday after a rumored threat that was quickly determined to be not credible, according to a message sent to district families.

An assembly planned in the high school parking lot as part of the Prom Promise program was slated to include a mock accident with first responders and a Life Flight helicopter to illustrate what could happen in a serious crash.

In the early afternoon, Superintendent Tammie Burnaford wrote, administrators learned of the possibility of a threat to the planned assembly.

"Through extensive investigation with administration and law enforcement, the threat was found quickly to be NOT CREDIBLE," Burnaford wrote. "There was NO substantiation to any threat or perceived threat for the assembly or any students in the district.  All students and staff were and are safe."

Law enforcement learned that information originated from "a rumor or gossip that started among a few students, perhaps in another school, several days ago, and may not have been specific to the assembly at all," according to the message.

Extra law enforcement was present at the high school and other schools, "just as a reassurance," Burnaford added.

She warned that any student who knowingly spreads false information or disrupts the school day is subject to discipline and possible legal action.

"In today’s world, false rumors cause inconvenience, changes in schedules and downright fear in parents, students and staff," Burnaford wrote. "By contrast, it is imperative for all of our safety to share pertinent information with appropriate people, such as a parent, a teacher, a counselor, a principal or even the Safe to Say hotline for secondary student reports."

The Prom Promise assembly will be held later in the week.

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