On Monday during second period, only 60.5% of students were recorded as present in class. 

Due to the hold in place as well as separate, unrelated conflicts after school on Friday, many parents were alarmed, causing them to keep their children at home. 

While Judson ISD has been proactive in the process of securing the campus and communicating diligently with the community, the population upset was still very apparent, as indicated by one of the highest recorded absences of this school year. 

“In my first period I have 26 students, and only 13 showed up. In my third, I have 34 students, and only 15 came to class,” Statistics teacher, Ms. Valenzuela said.

Freshman Saraya Caradine gave her insight on seeing her classes so empty. 

“There are usually about 30 people in our agriculture class, but today there were only two,” Caradine said. “At first I was a bit anxious and confused about the hold in place Friday, but seeing now that the staff has a mandatory meeting, and more cops are on campus today, it’s easing my mind,” Caradine said. 

Campus administrators, faculty, and police are doing everything they can to reinforce safety protocols and keep the school community informed.

“The district has supported us by offering not just district police, but district personnel as well. We’ve been doing rounds, perimeter checks on the outside, and checking the door locks every time we walk by,” Assistant Principal Joshua Martinez said. “We’re having our staff be more vigilant and visible as well. We do this all the time, however we understand [the need] to be more vigilant at this point.”  

Campus officials will continue to work in tandem with district leadership throughout the week, instituting more safety measures, while guiding the students and staff through this time.