Dear HPISD Parents & Staff,

Highland Park High School safely dismissed school at 11 a.m. today after a threatening note was found on campus. Students who did not have transportation home were moved to the multipurpose athletic complex across from Highlander Stadium, where they were picked up.

HPISD and HPHS leaders are working closely with the University Park Police Department to investigate the threat. Bomb-sniffing dogs are also being utilized to ensure that the campus is secure. Last month, three similar notes were found at HPHS. Parents and students are encouraged to contact UP police or HPHS administrators if they have any information about this incident.

"I want to thank the entire HPHS staff for staying calm and professional during the dismissal, while ensuring our students' safety," HPHS Principal Walter Kelly said. "I encourage parents to talk with their children about how these threats undermine the academic, extracurricular, and safety goals of our school."

The following HPHS events scheduled for tonight have been canceled or moved:

• Both JV Lady Scots soccer games are canceled.
• The JV and Varsity Lady Scots softball games have been moved to Mesquite High School's Girls Softball Complex and will be played at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.
• All evening activities and meetings scheduled at the high school are canceled.

HPISD informed parents, students and staff using its emergency text-messaging system, email, and the district website. More than 7,600 text messages were sent this morning. If you would like to sign up for the texting system, please follow these instructions.

We will continue to keep you informed.