Suffolk, Va. – Lakeland High School was put on lockdown Tuesday afternoon after reports of a written bomb threat, according to Bethanne Bradshaw, spokesperson for Suffolk Public Schools.
The building was searched by State Police. The school was in Code Yellow for about an hour, officials say.
The written bomb threat was found on a bathroom wall shortly before lunch.
Police have completed their search, and the lockdown was lifted around 1:30 p.m.
A letter will be sent home with students today providing more information.
Stay with NewsChannel 3 for updates as they are released.
Here is a letter from Principal Dr. Thomas Whitney, sent home with students at dismissal today:
Dear Parents & Guardians:
As you know, we have always stressed an open line of communication between you and the school. I want to assure you that the safety of each and every child here is our major concern. In regard to this, I need to inform you of two incidents that occurred at Lakeland High School this week.
After school on Monday, April 22, 2013, a staff member found a written bomb threat inside a bathroom stall. The fire marshal conducted a sweep of the school and it was declared safe for school today. This morning the school was placed on lockdown for the Suffolk Police Department to sweep the school with the drug dogs, this was a regularly scheduled visit. Later in the day, a second written note was found inside a different bathroom.
The fire marshal, the Suffolk Police Department, and the State Police were notified and the school was placed on lockdown and an investigation ensued. After a thorough investigation, no evidence of a threat was found. To insure your child’s safety, extra unannounced measures will be taken to include metal detector searches of students, staff, and others entering the building. Please be advised that all procedures pertaining to this situation was followed according to policy.
Please discuss with your child the importance of telling a teacher, administrator, or staff member when they know of a situation that could threaten student safety. Thank you for your continued support to keep Lakeland a safe school and orderly environment.
