The school's building was built in 2008 to temporarily hold Linganore High School while Linganore's original building was being renovated.[3] In 2010, the school opened as Oakdale High School with only ninth and tenth grade.[4] In the 2011–2012 school year, an eleventh grade was added, and finally, the next year, Oakdale had in its attendance all four grades.[4] The first senior class from Oakdale graduated in June 2013.
2022 Bomb threat incident
On the morning of August 18, 2022, a student in the building sent several images via AirDrop, claiming there was an explosive placed in a locker. Shortly after the threats were reported to the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, the school was placed under a "hold" status, keeping students and teachers in place until released by officers. After investigation, officers found the threats not credible. School resource officers held multiple interviews throughout the school day and were able to identify a male juvenile as a suspect in the incident. Via a referral to juvenile court, the student was charged with "Threats of Mass Violence" and "Disruption of School Activities."[5]
In late January and early February 2024, Oakdale High School experienced a series of student altercations that drew attention both within the school and on social media. The incident, referred to informally among students as “Fight Week,” began on Friday, January 26, when a physical altercation—referred to as the “silent fight”—occurred during the fourth lunch shift. This was followed by a series of verbal and physical confrontations over the next two weeks, totaling approximately seven incidents.[7]
Although rumors circulated claiming that there were three or more fights in a single day, school officials confirmed that no more than one fight occurred per day during the period. In response to the ongoing disruptions, administrators introduced a range of disciplinary measures, including mediation, detention, and suspension. The school also considered revoking student participation in extracurriculars and school athletics, describing these activities as “privileges” contingent on behavior.
Social media played a significant role in escalating the situation. On Snapchat, some students posted clips and created a “streak” challenge, encouraging others to continue the pattern of fights across consecutive days. This behavior contributed to the normalization and spread of the incidents. At the same time, misinformation and speculation circulated within the community, particularly on Facebook, where some parents voiced concerns over school safety and communication, often without access to complete or accurate information.
Screenshot of Snapchat post depicting fights, posted under the name of "Hubert" during Fight Week.
The student-led SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) club responded by encouraging their peers to use anonymous reporting systems and promoting nonviolence. By February 20, the school reported a full week without any altercations, a change attributed to heightened disciplinary responses, community dialogue, and support from student organizations.
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