Most Marjory Stoneman Douglas students stay home on anniversary of shooting

PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) - Fewer than 10 percent of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High students showed up for school on the anniversary of the shooting that left 17 dead. 

The Broward County school district said 291 of the school's approximately 3,200 students attended school Thursday. The school was on a half-day schedule so students wouldn't be on campus at 2:20 p.m. when the shooting began last Valentine's Day.

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Several students told The Associated Press that they skipped school because the day would be too emotional. Others were doing service projects such as cleaning up beaches. 

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A wreath-laying ceremony and vigil was planned shortly before 6 p.m.