JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A lockdown was lifted Thursday afternoon at Mandarin Middle School, according to a message sent to students’ families.
According to a message shared with News4JAX by Duval County Public Schools around 1:50 p.m., the school was placed on lockdown “due to a report that a student may be in possession of a firearm.”
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The message stated that all students and staff are safe.
It also reminded families that no one is allowed to enter or leave the school on Hood Road while the campus is on lockdown.
About 30 minutes later, the Duval County school district informed News4JAX that the lockdown was lifted and an update was provided to families.
In the second message, Mandarin Middle Principal Humphreys said that no firearm was found during a search of the campus and that police have allowed the school to return to normal operating status.
“While this information turned out to be false, we will always take the steps necessary to ensure the safety of our campus,” the principal said.
Below is the entire first message that was sent to Mandarin Middle families:
“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.”
Duval County Public Schools
And below is the full second message that was sent:
"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.”
Mandarin Middle School Principal Humphreys
