Dover Area School District Official Press Release: March 12, 2026

On Thursday, March 12, 2026, a suspicious backpack was discovered at Dover Area Middle School, in a location beyond officials' reach. Out of an abundance of caution, students and staff were evacuated to Dover Area High School. Northern York County Regional Police Department, in conjunction with county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, responded and cleared the building. The backpack contained a pair of shoes and was determined to pose no threat. Middle School students were dismissed at 12:30 P.M. The investigation is ongoing, and the building will again be cleared by the Northern York County Regional Police Department and other law enforcement agencies prior to student arrival. The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority, and, as such, there will be a heightened law enforcement presence in the weeks to come.