According to Virginia Beach Public Schools, officials are looking into rumored threats at Princess Anne, Landstown and Ocean Lakes.
They interviewed several students, including the student the rumor was about, at Princess Anne.
The student was also questioned by police and will not be in school until police complete their investigation and determine if charges will follow.
Principals sent out alerts to parents this afternoon.
According to an alert from Landstown High School, they did pursue trespassing charges against a former student who was arrested for failure to follow proper check-in procedures.
Police searched the school as a precaution.
Officials also say they've received reports about comments made on social media sites.
School officials say there will be an increased police presence on Friday as a precaution.
NewsChannel 3 is working to gather more information about this. Stay with us for updates.
Message to Parents at Landstown High School
Message to Parents from Princess Anne High School
Good afternoon. This is James Pohl, principal of Princess Anne High School. I am calling to make you aware of an incident that took place today at school in regards to a rumored threat. Please know we immediately took action when the rumor was reported. We interviewed several students as well as the student the rumor was about. This particular student was subsequently questioned by police as well.. The student will not be in school until police complete their investigation and determine if charges are warranted. I am very thankful to be a part of a school where the students are comfortable informing school officials of any safety concern. Please remind your children that making any threat against the school, students or the staff is a serious offense which will result in disciplinary action and possible criminal charges.
PA is a great school and the safety of my students and staff is a top priority.
Here is the message sent to parents from Ocean Lakes:
Good evening, Parents,
I need to advise you that our school is buzzing with vague rumors that something bad is going to happen on Friday. School administration has been busy trying to get to the root of these rumors because every negative statement has to be investigated no matter how far-fetched it might be. Let me assure you that there has been no direct threat against our school. At this point, we’re dealing with rumor control fueled largely by groundless speculation on social media.
With the recent tragic events in Connecticut, there is anxiety in schools around the country which may contribute to a climate of fear and rumor. Please encourage your children to exercise maturity and good judgment. First and foremost, if they know of any possible threat to students or staff, they should report it immediately to police or school administration. But also remind them that they should not participate in pointless gossip designed to spread fear.
Any student who makes threats – even as a prank- will be subject to disciplinary action and possible criminal charges. Ocean Lakes High School has always been a safe, positive learning environment. We all must work together to ensure that this stays the case.
As always, thank you for your support.
