Joppatowne High School to remain closed until Thursday, additional schools to close on Monday

JOPPA, MD—Following last week’s deadly shooting at Joppatowne High School, the school will remain closed for the first half of the coming week. Some additional Harford County schools will also be closed on Monday.

A statement on the Harford County Public Schools website reads as follows:

“The tragic events of Friday have taken an emotional toll on this community and there is a need for time and space to heal. Magnolia Middle, Magnolia Elementary, Joppatowne Elementary, and Riverside Elementary schools will be CLOSED Monday, September 9, 2024, to provide additional time for staff, siblings, neighbors and friends to process the tragedy that occurred Friday at Joppatowne High School. There will be no before or after care and no after school activities. Staff are to report to their school building on Monday.

“We will provide additional information tomorrow about meal distribution during the closure Monday as well as information about times and locations of counseling services, should your child need to speak with an HCPS school counselor, school psychologist, social worker, or other supporting central office staff member.

“Students will be welcomed back to school on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

“Joppatowne High School will be closed to students Monday, September 9, 2024, through Wednesday, September 11, 2024. There will be no after school or evening activities Monday through Wednesday.

“On Monday, staff will have the option to return to school beginning at 12:00 p.m. The school will be closed to students.

“On Tuesday, staff will report to the school at 8:00 a.m. The school will remain closed to students on Tuesday.

“On Wednesday, staff will be on campus from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The school will remain closed to students on Wednesday.

“It is our intention to have students return to school on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

“We know this is going to be a difficult time for our community. We will provide information tomorrow about meal distribution while Joppatowne High School is closed as well as counseling services that will be available to students and staff off-site. Those services will be available from HCPS school counselors, school psychologists, social workers, and additional central office staff.

“If your child needs to collect personal belongings before returning to school on Thursday, School Safety Liaisons will be available to escort them to their belongings beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Monday.”

A 15-year-old Joppatowne High School student, Warren Curtis Grant, of Edgewood, died after being shot during an altercation in a school bathroom on Friday. A fellow student, Jaylen Rushawn Prince, 16, of Edgewood, has been arrested and charged as an adult with murder, first- and second-degree assault, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony/crime of violence. He is currently being held in the Harford County Detention Center. He is awaiting his initial appearance before a judicial officer.