PORTSMOUTH — A rumor that a troubled student has threatened to “shoot up” Portsmouth High School on Monday, March 5, was "unfounded," the school assured parents and students in e-mails sent out Sunday evening.

The rumor, which has been going around for several weeks, has been the topic of several posts by members of Concerned Portsmouth Parents, a Facebook page where parents share information about the challenges their children are facing.

One parent posted that several students said they were not attending school Monday due to a threat of a shooting made by a “mentally unstable” classmate.

But there’s no credible evidence to suggest there’s any truth to the rumor, according to an e-mail members of the Facebook group said was sent to parents by PHS Principal Joseph Amaral. (E-mails were also sent to students.)

The message to parents reads as follows:

“We received information that some students were concerned over school safety and whether one of their peers would bring a gun to school on Monday and shoot up the school. The allegations were thoroughly investigated by administrators as well as the Portsmouth Police Department.

“This appears to be a rumor that began before February vacation and continues to be heard by students for the first time as it continues to be reported. Each report has been taken very seriously, investigated and has been determined to be unfounded. We have not received any credible evidence to suggest the rumor can be substantiated.”

The message goes on to say that additional Portsmouth Police cruisers will circulate throughout the school property Monday in order to provide an additional level of security. 

“Please continue to encourage your children to share information with administration if they hear threats to our school,” the message concluded.