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No backpacks at Ardrey Kell HS following school shooting threat

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Students at Ardrey Kell High School are being told they cannot bring backpacks to school Friday, after a threat was made earlier this week.

Other extra security measures will be put in place as well.

School officials said there will be more police officers and security personnel around the school, monitoring students.

There will not be a homeroom period. Students will be asked to show their IDs and agendas, which is a regular requirement, but students will not be allowed to bring gym bags or instruments to school, in addition to backpacks.

The measures come after students found the message "School shooting, February 17th, don't come to school" written on a bathroom wall.

Officials said they don't know who posted the threat and will continue to investigate all possible leads.

School officials said the added safety measures will be in place to reduce opportunities for anyone to bring a weapon on campus, as student safety remains a top priority.

Letter to parents from Ardrey Kell:

"Good evening, parents. 

This is David Switzer, principal at Ardrey Kell High School, calling to provide an update on the recent threats of violence at Ardrey Kell.

Throughout the week, we have had additional police officers and security personnel stationed around the school monitoring student movement.

I am happy to report that all school operations have proceeded as usual without incident. The Ardrey Kell administration and law enforcement officials have interviewed a significant amount of students who have been identified by students, staff and parents.

At this time, we do not know who posted the bathroom threat, so we have continued to investigate all possible leads. 

In preparation for tomorrow, I met with all faculty and staff members after school today to reinforce school procedures and policies.  

Friday will be an instructional day with 90-minute classes and no Homeroom period, which will limit the amount of transitions for students.  

Once students arrive to school, they will be asked to show their student ID and agenda, which is a regular requirement for all AK students, before entering the building. 

In addition, students will not be allowed to bring book bags, gym bags, or instruments to school tomorrow.  As suggested by numerous parents, this is an additional safety measure put in place to reduce the opportunities for bringing a weapon on campus. 

I appreciate all the support that you have shown our students and staff this week.  It has helped keep everyone focused on the task at hand – providing a quality education for our students. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please email or call me."  

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