As Joppatowne High School students return to the building following last week’s shooting, they won’t be carrying bookbags. They’re no longer allowed — at least for now.

School Principal Melissa Williams, alongside social studies teacher Erica Richardson, who is also the county’s Teacher of the Year, said in a video that new lockers are being installed in the school. Lockers should be ready by next week, but until then, school staff say large bags that could carry books or a laptop are not allowed.

On Sept. 6, the district’s first week of school, 15-year-old Warren Curtis Grant of the Edgewood community was shot and killed in a restroom at Joppatowne High School. The 16-year-old student accused of shooting Grant is facing murder and assault charges.

Classes were canceled after the shooting. Sophomores and seniors returned to the school building on Thursday but will be dismissed three hours early. All students will return Friday, but will also be dismissed three hours early. Regular school hours will resume on Monday.

Grief counselors and additional support for students will be available on those days, said Richardson, and teachers’ lessons have been altered so students can leave to speak to counselors if needed. Additional staff from the sheriff’s office and the school system will be on-site to provide further assistance.

“New lockers will be installed next week to ensure that every student will have their own locker,” said Williams.

Not every student had a locker before. To prevent bookbags from being carried around, Williams said no bags will be permitted at all until the lockers are available. Purses are only acceptable if they are small. Students who bring bags that are too large will be “stopped, searched” and have their bag taken to the main office for a parent or guardian to pick up.

Once the lockers are available, students have to store their bags inside them immediately. Not doing so can result in being searched and disciplinary action, Richardson said.

The public has been calling for stricter safety measures following the shooting. WJZ reported that a petition called for school leaders to install metal detectors at entrances of Harford County schools and to mandate clear backpacks for students.

Superintendent Sean Bulson said in a statement that the school system has received “many suggestions” for additional school security and offers of support from the governor, the state superintendent and more.

“Much of our work since the incident has focused on how we might leverage that support to heighten security and create the safest possible environment in our schools,” he said.

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