UPDATE: Schools will remain closed a second day Friday as the threat investigation continues, but it will be a virtual instruction day for students, district officials said Thursday night.
Parkland schools are closed Thursday after authorities received a threatening message that targeted staff and students at Orefield Middle School, the superintendent said.
School administrators received a tip about the threat Wednesday night through the Safe2Say anonymous messaging system, according to a letter to Parkland families and staff from schools Superintendent Mark Madson.
The nature and manner of the threat were not disclosed.
Madson said South Whitehall Township police are investigating. He said the message threatened "the health, safety and welfare of students and staff at Orefield Middle School."
Because of the school's proximity to the district's school bus parking garage, administrators decided to suspend transportation for the day and close all schools.
Madson said the district would provide updates on when schools can safely reopen.
"I want to be clear that the person responsible for this threat will be punished to the fullest extent of the law," he said. "Threatening the safety of students and staff, even as a prank, is a federal crime. This situation creates tremendous undue stress for families, students, and staff, and we share your feelings of anger and sadness today.
"I can assure you that I remain in constant communication with the legal authorities who have been working all night long to resolve this event. Our sole purpose is focused on maintaining a safe and secure environment at school."