Students at Patton High School in Morganton, North Carolina, were sent home early on the first day of school after officials found a "suspicious object," according to Burke County Public Schools. 

The school system said police are investigating the package.

Students were first moved to a "secure location" on campus Monday morning before school officials decided to send them home for the day. 

"The safety of our students and staff is our No. 1 priority, and we are taking all precautions necessary and following law enforcement’s lead," the school system said on social media Monday morning. 

Parents can pick up their children at the school's football stadium.