Tightened Security Measures In Place At Ardrey Kell HS Friday Following Shooting Threat

UPDATE: School officials say students will not be allowed to bring book bags, gym bags, or instruments on campus Friday as part of heightened security measures being put in place.

The announcement was made in a message sent out to parents Thursday afternoon. Officials have tightened security on campus all week after a shooting threat was found written on a bathroom stall.

You can read the full message here:

“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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CHARLOTTE N.C. — Security has been tightened at Ardrey Kell High School following a threat of a school shooting that was discovered on a bathroom stall.

The message in question was discovered in the handicap stall of one of the school’s men’s restrooms.

While school has not been cancelled for the specified date in the threat, parents are being asked to talk to students and encourage them to contact authorities if they have any information or suspect anything unusual.