When a notice hits social media or parents get a notification call or text alerts about a security event at one of the area’s public schools, it creates an uneasy mix level of anxiety for the community.
Such was the case Tuesday morning when a security alert was sent from North Surry High School, stating a tip came in about a potential weapon on campus. No such weapon was ever found, according to school officials.
The lockdown took effect shortly before 10 a.m., according to a notice sent to parents.
North Surry High School Principal Paige Badgett sent the notice let parents know what was happening at the school. “This morning at 9:47 a.m. North Surry High School received an anonymous tip that there was a potential weapon on campus.”
The notification said that Badgett placed the school on lockdown as soon as the warning was received to allow for an investigation by the Surry County Sheriff’s Office.
“Law enforcement acted quickly and swiftly to ensure the safety and well-being of all students,” the statement from North Surry High School read.
At 10:15 a.m. school officials said law enforcement moved the school from the lockdown status to shelter in place. Under shelter in place students will remain in their classrooms but instruction resumed.
“Law enforcement moved from classroom to classroom lifting the lockdown. No weapon was found,” Badgett later added.
The shelter-in-place status was lifted around 11:30 a.m.
Badgett said she wanted to assure parents that “our top priority is safety and well-being of all our students and staff, and we take all necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.”
“Student safety is the highest priority for North Surry High School. We work hard every day to ensure the safety of our Greyhounds,” she said.
Surry County Schools participates in the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System developed by Sandy Hook Promise. The system allows students and adults to securely submit anonymous safety concerns to the school district.
“Designed specifically for use by students, the system provides three reporting platforms: mobile app, website, and 24/7 phone hotline for users to submit tips. When credible tips are received, the crisis center will notify school-based representatives. In cases of an imminent threat, the crisis center will contact local 911 dispatch and involve law enforcement,” the school district’s website states.
There has been no confirmation this system was the method of reporting for today’s incident at North Surry High School.
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