Joppatowne High students return with new safety measures nearly a week after shooting

BALTIMORE -- Joppatowne High School implemented new safety measures as students returned to classes Thursday nearly a week after a deadly shooting rattled the community.

Students are prohibited from bringing backpacks and bookbags to school, for now. Any bag large enough to carry a laptop or books will be confiscated, and the student will be searched. There were also extra deputies and security on campus.

However, parents said they feel uneasy and want more security.

Warren Grant, 15, died after he was shot inside the school's bathroom on Friday, Sept. 6. A 16-year-old student was arrested for allegedly pulling a gun out of his backpack and using it to shoot Grant. The gun has not been recovered yet. 

The Harford County Sheriff's Office says they are investigating whether the suspect gave the firearm to someone else. 

"Every little kid that my granddaughter knows, they're really scared," said Denita Wells, whose granddaughter goes to Joppatowne High. "We've got to put on a brave face for her, but deep down, I'm scared."

Tenth and 12th graders returned to Joppatowne High School Thursday with an increased security presence on campus.

Principal Erica Richardson announced that new lockers will be installed next week. At that time students can resume bringing bags to school but will be required to store their belongings in lockers during the school day. 

"We want our students to be able to process and decompress throughout the day. We also want students who are ready to, to be able to continue with their instruction," Richardson said.

The school is offering flexible lesson plans and grief counselors to help students transition back.

"Returning to school is essential to reestablish consistency for our students as we process this tragedy," a school official said in a video message to parents.

Thursday and Friday will be early release days, with students dismissed three hours early. All students will return Friday, with regular hours resuming on Monday.

School officials emphasize these measures are temporary as the community works to restore a sense of normalcy and safety.

A Harford County parent started an online petition with about 4,000 signatures pushing the district to install metal detectors.

The district has not said whether they plan to do that.

But, parent Bonnie Groncki said she wants to see the district address policies in place to prevent another shooting on campus.

"It's nobody's fault here, but just so many things went wrong and nobody's really talked about that," Groncki said. "I'm waiting for the phone call that says there's a meeting so you can ask certain questions."

Students in all grades will return to class Friday, but will still be dismissed three hours early.

Normal classes for all students are expected to resume on Monday.