Fireworks on campus of Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology prompt lockdown, DCPS says

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Fireworks set off on the campus of Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology led to the campus being locked down on Wednesday morning, Duval County Public Schools said.

The district said “everyone remained safe” but “it did cause a major security concern at the school.”

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The school remained on a Code Yellow lockdown throughout the rest of the day Wednesday while school leaders worked with police to investigate the incident.

A Code Yellow lockdown means students and staff are “limited to essential movement only.”

Principal Jessica Mastromatto said in a follow-up message to parents that the student who set off the fireworks has been identified and is facing school discipline and possible criminal charges.

Action News Jax told you in November when students and staff at Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology had to evacuate the building for about 45 minutes due to smoke in the building.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Here is the initial message that was sent to parents by DCPS about Wednesday’s lockdown:

“Good Morning Frank H. Peterson families,

“This is Duval County Public Schools calling. First we want to let you know you that all students and staff are safe. Again, all students and staff are safe. However, there was an incident this morning where fireworks appeared to be set off on the campus. Thankfully, everyone remained safe during this incident. However, it did cause a major security concern at the school. As a result, the school will be on a Code Yellow out of an abundance of caution while school leadership works with police to investigate this incident. Again, the school will be on a precautionary Code Yellow as the school investigates. We will follow up with you when the situation is resolved. Thank you.”

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Here is a follow up message that was sent out by Principal Mastromatto:

“Hello Frank H. Peterson families,

“This is Principal Mastromatto, and I am calling with a good update to the news you received earlier. We have lifted the code yellow at our school. Again, we have lifted the code yellow and have resumed school as normal. The student responsible for setting off the fireworks has been identified thanks to the work of our staff and school police with great assistance from students. I can confirm that the student is facing school discipline as well as possible criminal charges. I am very disappointed by what happened and the disruption it caused our campus, but I am so thankful that everyone remained safe and that our staff and students responded exactly as they have been trained to do. I am also proud of our students in assisting with the investigation into this incident. By doing so, they showed they were taking ownership of the safety of our campus. Thank you as always for your patience and support as we take measures to keep our children safe. I hope you have a great remainder of your day!”

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.