Jones Middle School students were kept inside Friday after a bear was spotted near the Buford-area campus, according to a letter sent to parents.

The bear was seen near a campus fence early Friday morning by a student and a parent. Students were immediately taken inside.

A school resource officer looked for the bear outside, but couldn’t find it, according to the letter sent by Principal Memorie Reesman.

The school restricted outdoor activities for the rest of the day. Sixth grade students were scheduled to participate in “outdoor science activities,” which were canceled.

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Authorities said it would help alleviate traffic in the area.

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Family and supporters gather at the unveiling of a state road sign dedicated to Aj’anaye Hill at U.S. 78 and Campbellton Street in Douglasville on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Hill died in a shooting at a Sweet 16 birthday party in 2023. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

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