North County R-1 School District Responds to Social Media Threat Targeting Middle School

Desloge, Mo. (KFMO) - The North County R-1 School District is following up on a misidentification of a social media threat, thought to be targeting North County Middle School (NCMS). Thursday evening the district sent out a series of emails to parents detailing the situation and outlining precautionary measures.

The first email to parents, sent shortly after 7 p.m., stated that a screenshot of a threatening social media post was sent to the North County Middle School administration. The post mentioned (NCMS) and another school identified by the acronym (AMS). 

In a follow-up email, the district provided an update, revealing that the screenshot appears to be connected to an incident in Pennsylvania earlier in the day, involving threats against New Cumberland Middle School and Allen Middle School. A suspect related to the Pennsylvania threats has been taken into custody. Despite the connection to a distant district, North County R-1 is continuing to monitor the situation and will maintain increased law enforcement and administrative presence at NCMS on Friday.

Local law enforcement and school resource officers are actively investigating the situation. The district reassured parents that, as with all threats, they are taking this one seriously and will update the school community as more information becomes available. As a precautionary measure, NCMS advised students not to bring backpacks or duffel bags to school on Friday, September 13. A subsequent email clarified that essential items like school supplies and gym clothes can be brought in clear or plastic bags.

The district expressed gratitude for the community’s support and reiterated its commitment to student and staff safety. Parents with questions are encouraged to contact the administration at (573) 431-3300.