VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A student made a threat to Independence Middle School over the weekend, the school's principal announced.
In a message to families, Principal Kenneth Vaughan said after being investigated by Safe Schools and Virginia Beach Police, the threat has been deemed unsubstantiated and that no evidence was found to support it.
The student will be disciplined in accordance with Virginia Beach City Public Schools' code of conduct.
Vaughan said school administrators are aware that "some speculation about the incident is being circulated on social media," he asked parents to talk to their children about being "responsible digital citizens" and to think twice before they post, as "threats of any kind are not acceptable and will lead to real consequences."
School was held Monday.
News 3 learned of the threat to Independence Middle after Camden County School officials say the Camden County Sheriff's Office received a report that a group of students at Camden Middle School were planning to attack several other students. The threat came in Friday, and Camden Middle was closed Monday.
Principal Vaughan's message to families can be read in full below:
Good afternoon Independence Middle School families. This is Principal Kenneth Vaughan. I am calling to let you know that a student made a threat against our school yesterday.
The matter was investigated by Safe Schools and the Virginia Beach Police Department, and it has been determined that the threat is unsubstantiated. That said, the student will be disciplined in accordance with the school division's code of conduct.
Even though police found no evidence to support the threat, I wanted to make you aware because just hearing such language can understandably upset students. I ask that you use this as a way to remind your children that threats of any kind are not acceptable and will lead to real consequences.
Also, we know that some speculation about the incident is being circulated on social media. I would ask that you take the opportunity to talk to your children about being responsible digital citizens. Know what social media channels they are using and remind them to think before they post a message.
And, above all else, if you see something posted by your child or someone else that is cause for concern, please report it to the school and police.
Thank you for your understanding and support of Independence Middle School. I look forward to seeing your child in school Monday.
