Heightened security was in place Friday morning when students, fewer than on an average winter day, arrived at Tippencanoe High School following two separate incidents where threats were made at the school.

Tipp City police patrolled the parking lot and a two cruisers were parked near the front of the school as students arrived today. Security was not as tight as Thursday morning.

The latest threat was discovered Thursday, a day after a student found a toilet paper note in a boys restroom that read, “School Columbine Number 2. 2-14-13. Good Luck.”

Tipp City Police Sgt. Stephanie Black would not give specific details of Thursday’s threat, other than to say that it was found inside the high school and did not mention Columbine. “It’s a threatening piece of graffiti and we’re taking it seriously,” she said.

Thursday’s discovery did not prompt school officials to cancel extracurricular activities, Black said.

The discovery prompted Superintendent John Kronour to send a recorded message to parents Thursday afternoon stating that school would be in session today Friday and that police would be present.

Kronour and law enforcement officials said Wednesday’s note, with a reference to the Columbine school shootings and Thursday’s date, was taken very seriously.

About 200 students were absent from Tipp City Exempted Village Schools on Thursday. At the high school, 76 percent of students showed up, down from an average of 93 to 94 percent this time of year. At the Middle School, 21 percent of students were absent, a higher than usual number. Numbers were not available for the elementary schools, but absences were up, Kronour said.

Kronour said the incident “definitely had an impact on attendance” Thursday. Those who did not attend were excused. Kronour said his four children, two of whom are in high school, were in class Thursday.

Police continued Thursday to investigate the handwritten note, Sgt. Eric Burris said. The district sent a recorded message to parents Wednesday night alerting them about the situation.

Authorities continued to interview students to see if they knew who may have left Wednesday’s toilet paper note.

Two dogs from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base checked bags and other belongings before the students entered the high school Thursday.

Police officers were at the high school with assistance from the Miami County Sheriff’s Office at the elementary and middle schools, Burris said.

Students and parents were cooperative with no problems encountered, he said, adding, “The kids were great, really respectful.”

The sheriff’s K-9 officer and dog assisted in a search of high school lockers for narcotics while the school was in lock down. Nothing was found.

Kronour thanked all police agencies for their assistance. “I think they made the kids feel safe knowing that they were there,” he said.

The suspect could face possible charges of inducing panic and disorderly conduct. The police would also consider how much planning went into creating this panic.

Kronour added that if the suspect is a student, that student could also face suspension or expulsion, depending on the circumstances. Teachers and students have been told to report any suspicious activity to administrators.

“Our message is that safety is definitely of the up most importance and we are doing all that we can to make sure that all of the students are safe, not only today, but everyday,” Kronour said.

Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Dave Duchak said the sheriff’s office also had a deputy on hand at rural districts it works with at the start of school Thursday for peace of mind of staff and students.