DeKalb Schools officials said they’re on high alert after a threat was received targeting five schools in the same area.

A email sent to parents from Southwest DeKalb High School indicated that the district “implemented additional security” after the threat, received via social media. The threat also named Cedar Grove and Columbia high schools, Chapel Hill Middle School and Rainbow Elementary School, district officials said.

"The district's public safety officers are currently investigating the threat and attempting to trace its origins," the email said. "Please know we will remain vigilant and work closely with local police to keep our students and staff members safe."

Metro Atlanta school districts have seen a spike in school threats since 17 were killed in a school shooting in Parkland, Fla. on Feb. 14.

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The AJC's Marlon A. Walker keeps you updated on the latest happenings in metro Atlanta K-12 news and DeKalb County Schools. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:

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In other news:

Students across the country are planning walkout protests over gun laws. Organizers said students are often victims of gun violence and want change. March 14 is the planned date for the first event.

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