TYLER — One-third of students at Three Lakes Middle School did not show up for classes on Tuesday, following a perceived threat made the previous day.
Concern began to spread among parents on social media after an incident between two students in class, which some took as a threat.
Tyler ISD released a statement about the incident on Tuesday morning.
"Late yesterday, a Three Lakes MS student made an inappropriate response to unacceptable taunts. The situation was taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, with both issues addressed through the Student Code of Conduct. Communication regarding overall school safety is posted at www.tylerisd.org."
The message did not go out until 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday because the incident was still under investigation, Director of communications Dawn Parnell said
By that time parents had already made the decision to keep their children home. Parnell said attendance, which is typically 95 percent for the school, was at 61.25 percent on Tuesday.
The district would not say if the student will be allowed back on campus, or what disciplinary action was taken.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.