Amidst 'End of the World' Rumors, School System Stays Alert

"End of the world" rumors related to a debunked Mayan calendar myth are spreading through social media, and school officials are working with police to keep track of those related to local school violence.

"There has been an increase in rumors and threats and we're investigating all of them," said Mychael Dickerson, a school system spokesman. "There hasn't been anything credible."

Baltimore County Public Schools increased police patrols of its campuses without school resource officers following a Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals—including 20 children. Dickerson said Thursday evening that the additional patrols are still in effect.

He also noted that school events are expected to run as scheduled.

The school system posted a statement on its website acknowleding the rumors and asking parents to remind their children of appropriate social media use.

"We want parents to have conversations with their kids," Dickerson said.

Howard, Harford and Anne Arundel school officials are also investigating social media rumors.