Livingston High School opened normally Wednesday, but back-to-school night was canceled after three days of online threats.
LIVINGSTON -- The string of social media threats being made against the township's high school are not coming from a student, school officials said. And, though police have said the threats are not credible, they have, so far, caused the high school to have a delayed opening and cancel back-to-school night.
"Law enforcement officers continue to investigate the threats posted on social media aimed at Livingston High School," Superintendent Christina Steffner and high school Principal Mark Stern said in a joint note to parents Tuesday.
"Please know these actions were not made by a current LHS student," they said.
Still, the threats have shaken the school community. Only about 85 percent of students went to school Tuesday, they said. And, continuing threats posted on social media - which have included posts saying a person would "shoot up" the school - prompted officials to cancel back-to-school night.
Cops investigating threats in Livingston
"We believe that under the current circumstances the program will not be as effective as intended and we look forward to the time when we can come together to focus on the classroom instruction as the evening deserves," Steffner and Stern said in the note.
File photo of Livingston High School. A spokeswoman for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office confirmed Tuesday that the office is working with the Livingston Police to investigate the threats.
School opened smoothly at its regular time Wednesday, district spokeswoman Marilyn Lehren said. An increased police presence continues at the school, which has been the target of three straight nights of online threats, she said.
School officials have also warned parents and students against spreading rumors about the threats over social media.
"Such behavior is reckless as it drains the attention and focus away from the issue at hand and creates a greater sense of vulnerability," the superintendent and principal said.
"We will continue to monitor the situation with the Livingston Police Department and make the necessary decisions as the situation unfolds," they said.
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.