Safety precautions were implemented at Manchester High School after a social media threat was addressed towards the school on Thursday, Sep 23. The threat, an image of a man holding up a gun with the caption “Manchester’s next,” was repeatedly shared on social media. The picture was later revealed to be fake and police have reported that there was no credible threat as revealed in an email sent out by principal Christy Ellis the night before.

Some of the precautions implemented included locking all doors, increasing police presence, and having students report to the main entrance of the school to enter the building. Despite the precautions, some students expressed a sense of unease throughout the day.

Freshman Whitney Shelton said “if they’re going to have us crammed into a room when there’s a shooter, it just doesn’t seem very safe.”

“My parents told me about the threat from the email,” said freshman Emmi Bishop. “ I was very nervous because I didn’t know what was going to be happening at school. I just stayed home to be safe.”

Despite the uneasiness, the school day progressed safely with no incident. In a follow up email sent out that evening, Mrs. Ellis reported the “very normal and routine day” at school. 

“No major problems,”  Mrs. Ellis said. “I am very grateful for all of the expressions of support we received from parents and community members. Our students, on the whole, handled themselves very well today, and I am very proud.”