Afterschool Activities Canceled at 3 Maryland High Schools

Police investigating rumor that prompted precautionary measure

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Howard County Public Schools System canceled all afternoon and evening activities at Atholton, Guilford Park and Hammond high schools on Wednesday due to a rumor that prompted an investigation by the county police. School officials said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution while the threat was looked into, though police do not believe there was an active threat to the schools.

Why it matters

School safety and security are paramount concerns, and any potential threats or disruptions to normal school operations must be taken seriously. The cancellation of afterschool activities impacts students, families, and school staff, so understanding the reasons behind such decisions is important for the community.

The details

According to the Howard County Police Department, they were notified by the school system about a rumor involving the possibility of a fight between students. School resource officers are investigating the situation, but police said they do not believe there was an actual active threat to any of the three high schools. As a precautionary measure, the school system decided to cancel all afternoon and evening activities at Atholton, Guilford Park and Hammond high schools on Wednesday.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Howard County Public Schools System

The school district that oversees the three high schools where afterschool activities were canceled.

Howard County Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the rumor that prompted the cancellation of afterschool activities.

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What they’re saying

“The decision to cancel afterschool activities at those schools was made out of an abundance of caution while the threat was investigated.”

— Howard County Public Schools System (98online.com)

“We do not believe there is or was an active threat to any of the schools.”

— Howard County Police Department (98online.com)

What’s next

The Howard County Police Department is continuing to investigate the rumor that prompted the cancellation of afterschool activities. School officials have said they will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of school districts and law enforcement working closely together to address any potential threats or safety concerns, even if they turn out to be unfounded rumors. Maintaining open communication and taking precautionary measures when necessary is crucial for protecting students and staff.