VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — "Individuals of interest" have been detained by Virginia Beach police at Bayside High School following reports of a potential threat Wednesday afternoon, police said.
School officials say they received a report about a student who allegedly had a weapon, prompting police's response to the high school.
Watch: Virginia Beach police sweep Bayside classrooms
Police said as of 2:19 p.m., their search of the school is completed with no shots fired and no firearm recovered.
There have been no reported injuries.
Police said they are working with Virginia Beach schools on a coordinated dismissal.
Video from the scene captured by WTKR News 3 reporter John Hood showed more than a half dozen VBPD vehicles by the school, the area roped off, and a crowd forming.
Bayside High School is on Haygood Road near Independence Boulevard.
Virginia Beach City Public Schools sent the following email to Bayside families at 2:50 p.m.:
Good afternoon, Bayside High School families,
This afternoon, we received a report of a student who allegedly had a weapon. To ensure the safety of students and staff, we immediately notified the school resource officer and placed the school on internal lockdown. Thanks to the partnership between the Virginia Beach Police Department, the school administration, and the security team, we secured the building.
As we dismiss students, we will be releasing them by hallway, allowing them to cross the property to find their transportation. Staff members will be present to assist with this process. Additionally, please be aware that buses will have a delay as we slowly and safely dismiss students.
We appreciate the patience of our parents and community as we followed protocols to release students to their families. I appreciate your support of Bayside High School.
Prior to that, families received the following email at 1:36 p.m. before police reported the incident:
Dear Bayside High School Families,
Bayside High School is currently on internal lockdown. The Virginia Beach Police Department and the Office of Security and Emergency Management are working together to resolve the issue. Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.Please do not visit the school until further notice to allow school officials to address the situation. Updates will be provided, and you will be notified when the internal lockdown is lifted. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Virginia Beach school officials did not say whether Thursday's class schedule would be impacted.
In preparation for another school day, Dr. Sarah Williams, a psychotherapist, emphasizes the significance of open communication between teens and their parents.
"It's normal for teens to be a little apprehensive, but it’s important to talk about it," Dr. Williams told News 3's Jay Greene.
Dr. Williams advises parents to foster an environment where teens feel comfortable expressing their feelings.
"Allowing to have that open dialogue, it may have to happen over a course of time, and allow the expression, and that could be written, that could be through text, because a lot of kids now they like to text,” she explains.
Recognizing that the development of emotional vocabulary occurs later in life, Dr. Williams highlights that it may take some time for children to articulate their feelings effectively.
"Children don't have the emotional vocabulary because that is a set. It is something that is developed later on in life," she points out.
Parents should stay vigilant for symptoms that might indicate a mental health crisis, such as learning difficulties or sudden aggression, Dr. Williams advises.
To help address any potential issues proactively, she suggests starting each day with a mindful routine.
"Allowing a moment to decompress, to be able to express emotions, and to encourage the use of that emotional vocabulary," she recommends.
By fostering open communication and mindful routines, Dr. Williams believes parents can better support their teens' mental health and well-being.
