The Mehlville School District is canceling all elementary and middle school after-school activities Thursday, as well as Y Club.

The decision is “out of an abundance of caution” according to the school district, due to an inmate who escaped custody while receiving medical treatment at Mercy Hospital South.

The district encourages parents to meet their children at the bus stop or pick up their child from school if they usually walk.

High school practices, games and clubs will meet as scheduled. No students will be allowed to wait alone unsupervised for a ride, the district stated in an email to parents and families.

All Mehlville schools were placed into a “SECURE” Thursday at the recommendation of the St. Louis County Police. A “SECURE” action is called when the threat or hazard is outside of the building. Exterior doors are locked, students and staff remain in the building and classes are able to continue uninterrupted inside the building.