LEHIGH CO., Pa. – Allentown School District announced that two schools switched to a virtual learning day Monday due to a social media threat.
Melissa Reese with Allentown School District says Trexler Middle School and Innovative Arts Academy students are learning virtually Monday, and that no one has been harmed or affected because of the threat.
Late Sunday evening, the Allentown School District was alerted to a social media post and received reports through Safe2Say regarding a potential threat involving Trexler Middle School, according to an announcement from Dr. Robert Whartenby, ASD’s Chief Operations Officer.
Out of an abundance of caution while law enforcement investigated, Trexler Middle School transitioned to virtual learning Monday. All other District schools continued operating on their regular schedules.
ASD says following a thorough investigation, the Allentown Police Department (APD), in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), determined that while the social media post contained concerning content, it was not a credible threat to Trexler Middle School and was not directed toward Trexler, the Allentown School District, or any District students or staff. Law enforcement also confirmed that the individuals involved do not attend Trexler Middle School or any other District school.
District leadership says they remained in close communication with law enforcement throughout the investigation and also consulted with the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office regarding the incident and the District’s response. Based on the information confirmed through the investigation, there is no identified threat to Trexler Middle School or the broader Allentown learning community at this time.
Dr. Whartenby says Trexler Middle School will return to its regular, in-person schedule on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. All Allentown School District schools will continue to operate on their normal schedules.
“We want to thank the individuals who reported the post. Their willingness to speak up allowed law enforcement and District officials to respond quickly, investigate, and take appropriate precautions,” the announcement reads. “This incident also provides an important reminder for our entire learning community. The Allentown School District takes every potential threat seriously. Threatening content, whether verbal, written, electronic, or shared through social media, can create fear, disrupt learning, and require significant school and law-enforcement resources to investigate.”
If you see or receive a threatening or concerning message, authorities say to not share, forward, or repost it. Preserve the information and report it immediately through Safe2Say or directly to law enforcement. Anyone with a safety concern can make an anonymous report through Safe2Say by calling 1-844-SAF2SAY or visiting safe2saypa.org, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
