Update 2:35 P.M.: Please see the follow up communication shared with GMS families and staff from Principal Mandy Alexander:

Thank you all for your patience during today’s hold at Grapevine Middle School. I know that there are questions and I appreciate your understanding that some information cannot be immediately shared publicly to ensure we uphold the integrity of the investigation.

This morning, one of our staff members discovered an unspent bullet on the floor when they were cleaning up after cafeteria duty. This was immediately reported to our administration and the campus was placed in a hold so we could begin an investigation. It was crucial that students and staff stay in place during the investigation to ensure the search could be completed thoroughly and without any risk of disrupting or tampering with potential evidence.

I am pleased to report that our investigation was concluded with no additional findings. While this investigation was a lengthy process, we will always remain committed to maintaining the safest environment for our students.

I am so proud of our students and staff for their cooperation today. The search was able to be conducted without interruption and lunches were able to be served to all students by 1:20 p.m.

Once again, thank you to our students, staff, and law enforcement for their cooperation, and to our families for your trust and support as we work together to keep our school safe.

Update 1:26 P.M.: Lunch has been served to all GMS students, the search has been concluded and the hold has been released. The campus will return to normal operations, including our regular dismissal and bus schedule. More communication about today’s event will be forthcoming.

If you are picking up your student for an early release, please be sure to enter through the main GMS entrance doors (facing Walgreens). Per standard operating procedures, students will only be released to parents/guardians or emergency contacts listed in Skyward with a valid ID.

Update 12:10 P.M.: Once the search has been concluded and the hold is lifted, we will notify GMS families and staff. At that time, normal operations will resume and the campus will be open to visitors.

Update 11:53 A.M.: Lunch is running smoothly. Thank you, Pony families, for your continued cooperation.

Update 11:37 A.M.: GMS students have begun the adjusted lunch process while the K-9 unit continues its search.

Update 11:20 A.M.: GMS is making arrangements for all students to have lunch while they remain in a hold with no visitors.

Update 11:06 A.M.: The K-9 unit has arrived at GMS, and you may notice an additional police presence. This is to assist with the investigation and we will keep you informed as we receive updates. We want to commend our students and staff for their cooperation as we continue to operate safely.

Update 10:47 A.M.: All remains the same at GMS. Please stay tuned to our messages for accurate, up-to-date information.

Update 10:30 A.M.: Thank you for your continued patience. Our GMS students and staff are safe. A detection K-9 unit is en route to the campus to assist with the investigation and conduct a search. Our students will remain in the classrooms. To maintain the integrity of the investigation, we are unable to share more details at this time.

Update 10:15 A.M.: GMS will remain in a hold as we complete the investigation. During this time, visitors will not be granted access to the school and students will not be released.

Update 10:00 A.M.: GMS remains in a hold, the environment is calm and all students and staff are continuing their work in the classrooms. We will continue to keep you informed.

Update 9:45 A.M.: GMS remains in a hold as the administration continues their investigation. Learning in classrooms is continuing, and students will remain in their second period. More updates will be communicated.

Original Post 9:35 A.M.: Grapevine Middle School has been placed in a hold as we conduct an investigation within the building. A hold is called when the hallways need to be kept clear, even during class changes. Students and staff will remain in their classrooms and continue to conduct business as usual until an all clear is announced. Teachers have gathered students and staff from hallways, closed classroom doors and taken roll to account for students. Visitors will not be granted access to the school.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. We will keep you updated once more information is available.

Grapevine Middle School

Pony Express Newsletter

Week of January 13th-17th