UPDATE: Students To Be Held Accountable After ‘Joke’ Causes Concern

February 1, 2024

Pennsbury High School’s sign. File photo.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

UPDATED: 5:32 p.m., Thursday:

Pennsbury School District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith and Pennsbury High School Principal Reggie Meadows issued the below statement to parents:

“We are writing to update you on the possible threat that was made overnight on social media. We have identified the students who posted the comments. The students were interviewed and indicated that the posting was ‘a joke.’ The police confirmed the students had no plan or access to weapons of any kind. Regardless of intent, the students will be held accountable.

“Fortunately, this situation had a favorable conclusion; however, given the issues we face in schools today, we must take everything seriously. In this case, valuable police and school resources were dedicated to investigating ‘a joke’ rather than providing needed support to our school and community.

“Please support us by having conversations with your children and helping them understand the appropriate use of their cell phones and the power of what they say online.”

Original Story:

Pennsbury High School ramped up its security measures Thursday with an increased police presence on campus following a potential social media threat that emerged overnight.

School officials and local police increased their presence at the Falls Township campus in response to a Snapchat post that advised students “not to come to school,” which sparked some concern, according to a note from Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith and Principal Reggie Meadows.

Although the post lacked specific details, the school administration worked with the Falls Township Police Department to investigate the post.

Police were stationed at the school as the day began.

“We, along with local authorities, do not believe this is a credible threat,” Smith and Meadows said.

The school officials thanked the individual who reported the Snapchat post.

“We commend the individual reporting this concern and want to assure you that we take every threat seriously and they are fully investigated,” Smith and Meadows said.