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Ocala Students Back At School After Threats of Violence

About 1,000 West Port High School students missed class on Monday, Feb. 1 after threats of violence appeared on social media over the weekend.

The concerns of violence came after an incident Thursday, Jan. 28, when three West Port High School students began waving a Confederate flag and taunting other students, which led to a brief physical altercation between students.

On Tuesday, Feb. 2, 115 students were absent — a figure more in line with normal numbers, said Marion County School spokesman Kevin Christian.

“It was a normal opening on Tuesday when I spoke with the assistant principal,” Christian said, referring to Feb. 2. “In my office, nobody has mentioned anything about it since.”

West Port Principal Jayne Ellspermann said attendance has been excellent and there have been additional student enrollments.

“Things are going exceptionally well,” said Ellspermann.

“Attendance has resumed as normal,” said Ocala police Sgt. Robie Bonner, “It just kind of passed.”

Zoe is a reporter for WUFT News who may be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news @wuft.org