'Potentially threatening messages' on social media prompt charter school closure

NEWARK -- People's Preparatory Charter School closed its doors Tuesday after a finding "potentially threatening messages" on social media against its students, school officials said.  "We acted out of an abundance of caution to keep...

'Potentially threatening messages' on social media prompt charter school closure

NEWARK -- People's Preparatory Charter School closed its doors Tuesday after a finding "potentially threatening messages" on social media against its students, school officials said. 

"We acted out of an abundance of caution to keep our students at home today," the school said in a statement. "We seek to avoid any disruption in student learning, but we feel this will help ensure that our students are safe and that there are fewer interruptions going forward."

School officials said they are working with police and the Newark School District to investigate the incident. 

The charter school shares a building with Bard Early College High School, a public school run by the district. District officials said classes and activities at Bard were not canceled or interrupted. 

"Law enforcement officials were immediately contacted to investigate the incident and have assured our security personnel that the building is safe," the district said in a statement.

"The threat did not identify any Bard High School or Newark Public School students, and we are not aware of any actions that have been carried out related to the threat. The Newark Police Department will continue to have a presence on campus while this matter is being further investigated."

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook

 

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