Student Removed From James Caldwell High School for Making List of Names

School officials removed a student from James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell Monday after learning the boy kept a list of eight names in a notebook, school officials announced Tuesday.

The intent of the list was not clear and no threats have been made, according to a letter sent to parents by Principal Kevin Barnes. 

"The student in question is not in school, and will not be, pending the completed investigation and recommendations from various experts," Barnes stated in the letter. 

Barnes explained that school officials learned of the list Monday and notified the West Caldwell Police Department who initiated an investigation. 

The parents of the eight students have also been notified, he said. 

West Caldwell Police Chief Michael Bramhall confirmed the student is a boy but did not give the age or grade. 

Bramhall said he believed most of the eight students on the list are currently attending the high school. 

The investigation comes less than a week after a mass shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. which left 20 children dead. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of students across the country.

Bramhall said he praises the student who came forward with information about the list as well as another student who also confirmed seeing the list. 

"This list was observed by another student prior to Connecticut and I don't think much thought was given to it prior to Connecticut," he said. 

Another school in West Caldwell was locked down for about an hour Tuesday while police investigated reports of a possible gunshot.

Meanwhile, nearby Montclair High School was evacuated around 2 p.m. after reports of a bomb threat.