4 p.m. Wednesday
False rumors continue to affect school operations in Stafford County.
Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Randy Bridges issued a statement noting there will be an increased law enforcement presence at schools on Friday because of Armageddon rumors.
Bridges said the rumors are unfounded and have caused stress for many students and parents. On Tuesday, the school system issued a statement calling rumors of classes being canceled on Friday false.
More from Bridges’ statement:
I ask that each of you help stop the rumors spreading throughout our community by refusing to share these rumors with others. Please do not communicate any unsubstantiated rumor. However, should you become aware of an actual threat, please contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 540-658-4400.
Bridges also stated the county sheriff’s department and school security team fully investigate any potential threat to the school division.
9 p.m. Tuesday
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — The end of the world is no reason to miss school in Stafford County.
The county’s public schools Tuesday said schools are receiving calls from parents attempting to confirm rumors that classes has been canceled on Friday due to the predicted end of the world. Stafford County schools spokeswoman Valerie Cottongim said just because the ancient Mayans predicted the world will end on Friday, it’s business as usual for schools.
“The predicted end of the world is stressing out lots of kids, especially those in middle school and in high school,” said Cottongim.
The good news, according to NASA, is that life on earth will go on without a hitch.
In addition to rumored Armageddon, more substantial worries about flu outbreaks in county schools have also prompted questions from parents who have asked if schools will be closed because of cases of flu. Cottongim said these, again, are just rumors and that no schools will close early.
However, cases of flu have been rampant at the county’s head start program and at Margaret Brent Elementary School on Mountain View Road. Information about the outbreaks has been sent home to parents, and it included topics on how to prevent the flu.
Overall, Cottongim said it’s difficult to track absentees during this time of the school year because some children are out of classes because of sickness and others may have taken an early start to their winter break.
The last day of classes before winter break for Stafford County Public Schools is Friday. The vacation begins on Monday and lasts through Tuesday, January 1.
