Joppatowne High School students returned to class Thursday, following deadly shooting

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

Warren Grant, 15, was shot and killed inside a school bathroom last week. A 16-year-old student was arrested; he allegedly had the gun in his backpack.  

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

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.

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 stated.

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.