CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Oscar Smith High School was placed on lockdown Wednesday afternoon after a report of a student who allegedly had a gun on school property.
Principal Paul Joseph said the School Resource Officer was immediately notified and joined school administrators in investigating.
As a precaution, a level two lockdown was put into place to clear the hallways and allow instruction to continue during the investigation. A structured dismissal was used.
Joseph says at this time, there is no indication that a weapon was on campus.
He is reminding students that weapons of any kind are not allowed on school grounds, and having one will result in serious consequences. He says the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken as a result of this incident.
Joseph sent the following message to families after the incident:
Good afternoon, this is Mr. Paul Joseph, principal of Oscar Smith High School with an important message.
This afternoon we received a report regarding a student who was allegedly in possession of a handgun on school property.
Our School Resource Officer was immediately notified and partnered with school administrators in the investigation. As a precaution, the school implemented a level two lockdown to clear the hallways while allowing instruction to continue during the investigation. In addition, we will use a structured dismissal this afternoon. At this time, there is no indication that a weapon is on campus and this remains an active police matter.
I want to remind our students that weapons of any kind are not allowed on school grounds and having one will result in serious consequences. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken as a result of this incident.
Events such as this provide us with the opportunity for teachable moments. It is important that we work together to keep our schools safe. Parents, I urge you to take some time to speak with your child about school safety and what is and is not appropriate to bring to school. Please remind students that if they hear something or see something of concern, they should say something either to their parent, teacher, counselor, administrator, or another adult. I would like to applaud the student who reported this matter to a trusted adult.
With a continued home and school partnership, we can all ensure the safety of students and staff at Oscar Smith High School. Thank you.
The investigation remains an active police matter.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
