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Southampton Middle School has returned to its regular instructional activities after having been given the all-clear in connection with a weapon search and corresponding lockdown Thursday morning, Feb. 23.

Will Melbye, coordinator of auxiliary services and transportation with Southampton County Public Schools, conveyed this update in a 10 a.m. letter to parents and guardians Thursday morning after sharing news of the lockdown earlier in the morning.

In the earlier letter, he noted that the middle school had been placed on lockdown after the school’s administrative team had received a report about a group of students discussing one of them having a weapon on campus.

“At this time, the school has been placed on lockdown as the administration team conducts the process of identification and inspection of the reported students,” he stated.

He noted that administration was being aided by the SCPS safety supervisor, the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office and the school division’s school resource officers. 

“A concurrent search of the school and the school grounds is being conducted,” he wrote.

In the 10 a.m. letter, he noted that the all-clear was given after a thorough search of the school, school grounds, the identified individuals and their belongings. 

“Campus and individual searches were conducted by the Southampton Middle School administration, the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State (Police),” he wrote. “K-9 units from both the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State (Police) participated in this investigation.”

He stated that the investigation concluded with no weapons being found.

“We are very grateful to the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State (Police) for their prompt responses and assistance in ensuring our students’, staff and campus safety,” he wrote. “Southampton County Public Schools takes pride in maintaining the safe school environment for all of our students and staff, every day. Southampton County Public Schools treats any report of this nature with extreme caution and seriousness.”

He told parents and guardians that if they have any questions or concerns, they should not hesitate to contact him, or any other central office administrator, at 757-653-2692.