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Southampton Middle School was placed on lockdown Thursday morning, Feb. 23, after the school’s administrative team received a report about a group of students discussing one of them having a weapon on campus.

Will Melbye, coordinator of auxiliary services and transportation with Southampton County Public Schools, conveyed this information in a letter to parents and guardians Thursday morning.

“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 is 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.

Melbye stated that once the investigation has been completed, a further release of information will be made by the school system.

“Southampton County Public Schools treats any report of this nature with extreme caution and seriousness,” he wrote. 

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.