Mandarin Middle School placed on lockdown as tip about gun on campus investigated; no gun found

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mandarin Middle School was on a lockdown on Thursday after school administrators got a report that a student may have had a gun on campus, Duval County Public Schools said.

DCPS said administrators later sent a follow up messages to parents saying that no firearm was located and the lockdown was lifted.

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Here are the communications that were sent to parents from Principal Julie Humphreys:

Initial communication

“Hello Mandarin Middle School families, this is Duval County Public Schools calling. First, we want to assure you that all students and staff are safe. Again, all student and staff are safe. However, the campus is currently on lockdown due to a report that a student may be in possession of a firearm. Police and other staff are investigating this report now. We remind you that when a school is on lockdown, no one is allowed to enter or leave the school, so please do not come to the school at this time. We will continue to keep you informed as additional information become available. Thank you, and again, please stand by for updates as information becomes available. Good-bye.”

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Follow-up communication

“Hello Mandarin Middle School families, this is principal Humphreys calling with good news. After a thorough search of the campus, no firearm was located and the lockdown at our school has been lifted. Again, after a thorough search, no firearm was located, and police have permitted us to return to normal operating status. I do appreciate your patience and support. While this information turned out to be false, we will always take the steps necessary to ensure the safety of our campus. Again, thank you for your support and we will have dismissal as normal later this afternoon. Thanks again, and good-bye.”

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