JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Oceanway Middle School was locked down on Friday, the last day of school, due to what turned out to be a student letting another child who does not attend the school into the building.
In initial communication to parents about the lockdown, school principal Elizabeth Stansel said staff was “following up on a tip of a rumored threat to the campus.”
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Later, Stansel sent a follow-up communication to families saying that a student “let another child, who is not a student, into the building.”
She said police are investigating the incident and “appropriate disciplinary action will be taken with the student who enabled this tresspass.”
Half-day dismissal was able to proceed as planned at the school.
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Here is the full text from Stansel’s communications to families:
“INITIAL COMMUNICATION
“Hello Oceanway Middle School Families, this is Duval County Public Schools calling. First, we want to assure you that all students and staff are safe. I want to inform you that we are on a lockdown. We are following up on a tip of a rumored threat to the campus. I will keep you informed as more information becomes available. Please do not come to campus at this time, and I will follow up as soon as more information is available. Thank you.
“FOLLOW UP COMMUNICATION
“Good afternoon Oceanway Middle School families, this is Principal Stansel calling with good news. Our lockdown has been lifted and the school is back to normal operating status. We did have a situation in which one of our students opened a door and let another child, who is not a student, into the building. We confirmed that the non-student has left the premises and police are investigating. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken with the student who enabled this trespass.
“Because we are back to normal status, our half-day dismissal at 1:15 will continue as planned. If you would like to pick up your student early, you may now come to the school office and follow normal check-out procedures.
“As you know, student and staff safety is our most important goal. We will always take steps to secure our campus when we become aware of potential threats. I appreciate your patience and cooperation, and I always welcome your feedback. Thanks again and have a great afternoon. Good-bye.”
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