WEST BATH — A Freeport Middle School teacher who made an offhanded remark in class about shooting students has entered a plea of not guilty to misdemeanor terrorizing.

David Mason waived a court appearance Tuesday by entering his plea through a letter submitted by his attorney.

Mason is accused of talking about using a gun in front of his seventh-grade class in February. One parent told The Portland Press Herald that the 58-year-old Mason was frustrated with the class and made a comment about taking them to the roof and shooting them.

Although it was meant as a joke, some parents thought it was inappropriate.

Mason’s lawyer called the remark “tongue-in-cheek” and said it was blown out of proportion.