In Michigan more than 30 schools have been closed early for the holidays, in lieu of the impending Mayan calendar predictions and the recent Newtown, Connecticut school shootings that have rocked the nation.
The Associated Press reported that schools in both Genesee and Lapper counties which are north of Detroit have closed down for winter break on Wednesday, two days earlier. Genesee County school officials said that the school shootings in Connecticut, "changed all of us."
Matt Wandrie who is superintendant for Lapeer Community Schools said to NBC News that end of the world rumors were running wild in many districts which added to the fears that were already raised after the Newtown school shooting.
"Given the recent events in Connecticut, there have been numerous rumors circulating in our district, and in neighboring districts, about potential threats of violence against students," Wandrie wrote on his website according to NBC News."Additionally, rumors connected to the Mayan calendar predicted end of the world on Friday have also surfaced."
Wandrie said that the doomsday predictions were a secondary concern but they determined that the rumors and threats were still a distraction for children.
"Although we in the county are reluctant to cancel school because the rumors are unsubstantiated, we feel it is the most appropriate decision given the gravity of recent events and our present circumstances," he wrote according to NBC News.
Officials in five districts that covered 33 schools decided to all cancel the last two days of school and all extracurricular activities and athletic events before the Christmas holiday break. Schools across the country are on alert this week after the terror of the Newtown attacks that left 26 people dead, including 20 young children.
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