Joppatowne High School Update Message from Principal Williams and Ms. Richardson, September 11, 2024

Hello Mariner family, this week, Joppatowne High School and Harford County Public Schools staff have been diligently preparing our building and staff to return to school. I know you have had conversations at home about the tragedy that occurred in our building on Friday. If needed, I hope you have taken advantage of the counseling services made available in our community.
On Tuesday, an updated entry plan, with a gradual entry for Thursday, September 12 and Friday, September 13, was sent to our community in an email from Ms. Williams. As a reminder, this is a change from our original plan.
On Thursday, September 12, we will welcome 10th and 12th grade students back to school. They will dismiss three hours early. On Friday, September 13, we will welcome all students back to school and will dismiss three hours early on Friday, too. Friday, September 13 will be an A Day.
Thursday and Friday will include opportunities for students to meet with grief counselors and additional support will be available as needed. While students will travel to their regularly scheduled classes, teachers have planned flexible lessons to allow for individual students' needs; 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.
We have received several inquiries asking what additional safety measures will be in place when students return. There will be additional personnel in and around the building- both from HCPS and from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.
Harford County Sheriff’s Office personnel will be easily identifiable in their uniforms, while additional HCPS staff who are here in a support role will wear orange vests so students and staff can easily spot who is supposed to be in the building, and who is here to help. Some of these additional staff members will serve as hall monitors, others will assist in the cafeteria, and in classrooms.
Additionally, new lockers are being delivered and will be installed by next week to ensure that every student has their own locker. Until the installation is complete, students will not be allowed to bring bookbags to school.
Ms. Williams, can I bring my purse?
If you can carry your books in it, it is too big and is going to be considered a bag. Any student who brings a bag large enough to carry a laptop or books to school will be stopped, searched, the bag will be taken and will be held in the office for parent or guardian pick-up.
After the lockers are installed, students will be expected to immediately store bags in lockers when they enter the building. Students who do not place bags in lockers immediately will be subject to search and disciplinary action.
We want to thank the amazing Joppatowne Community for the support they have shown for both our staff and Warren's family. Returning to school is essential to re-establishing consistency for our students as we all process this tragedy.
The Joppatowne High School staff are looking forward to welcoming students back into the building with these additional supports and safety enhancements.
We are all grieving, but by coming together as a community, we can grieve together and support one another.
As always, I am a call, an email, or a visit away if you have any questions, concerns or just want to talk.