COLUMBIA, MD — Two incidents put Wilde Lake Middle School on alert this week. Although they happened within a short time of each toher, Principal Anne Swartz said they were unrelated.

A former Wilde Lake Middle School student returned to the campus in the 10400 block of Cross Fox Lane on Monday, April 17, and "created a significant disruption," according to Swartz, who reported the building went into lockdown status as a result. Students and after-school staff followed the lockdown protocol to ensure their safety, while administrators remained with the former student until that person was escorted from the building, where Swartz said police intervened.

"Please note that this incident is not related to the community message regarding the social media post that was sent last evening," Swartz said in a note to families. The previous day, which was on Sunday, April 15, the principal issued a message about a social media post involving a picture of a weapon. Swartz said the image was "circulating around the Wilde Lake Middle School Community," and resulted in the Office of School Safety and the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) getting involved.

"HCPD visited the home of the person who made the posting and have concluded that there is no threat to the safety of our students and staff. Additionally, HCPD confirmed that there are no weapons in the home," Swartz said. "School safety is our utmost priority and the members of the administrative team and security staff will continue to be vigilant in maintaining the safety of Wilde Lake Middle School," Swartz said in a statement. "Please know that we take all reports and threats seriously and will continue to work cooperatively with public safety and other agencies to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Under no circumstances will the HCPSS tolerate anyone creating a climate of fear for our students, families, and staff."

The principal thanked students for bringing the social media post to the school's attention and encouraged the youths who attend Wilde Lake Middle School to continue speaking up about threats, talking to adults if they need support and accessing student services if needed.