Joppatowne High School bans bags after recent shooting
- Joppatowne High School has banned bookbags and large bags until new lockers are installed next week.
- This decision follows a tragic shooting that left a student dead, prompting a petition for increased security measures.
- The school aims to enhance safety and will enforce strict guidelines regarding bag storage upon student entry.
In response to a tragic shooting incident on September 6 that resulted in the death of 15-year-old Warren Curtis Grant, Joppatowne High School has implemented a ban on bookbags and any bags large enough to carry a laptop. This decision is part of a broader effort to enhance safety measures within the school environment. The ban will remain in effect until new lockers are installed, which is expected to occur next week. Following the shooting, a petition advocating for increased security measures garnered significant support from parents and students, highlighting the community's demand for change. The school administration has taken these concerns seriously, leading to the immediate implementation of stricter guidelines regarding personal belongings on campus. Once the new lockers are in place, students will be required to store their bags in them upon entering the school. Non-compliance with this new policy will result in searches and potential disciplinary actions, emphasizing the school's commitment to maintaining a secure environment for all students. As students return to classes, adjustments to schedules have been made, and additional personnel from Harford County Public Schools and the Harford County Sheriff's Office will be present to ensure safety. The presence of uniformed sheriffs and HCPS staff in orange vests will help facilitate a smooth transition back to school, with some staff members assigned as hall monitors and others assisting in various areas of the school.