NRHS receives apparent threat
Published 5:46 pm Wednesday, December 5, 2018
An apparent threat against Nansemond River High School was received by a student on a bus Wednesday afternoon, according to a letter from Principal Daniel O’Leary that was released via the school division’s app.
A screenshot of a Snapchat post from an unknown user was AirDropped to a student on the bus, and one of the school’s assistant principals was advised of the situation. The picture said, “Don’t come to school tomorrow.”
AirDrop is an Apple service that allows the transferring of files between iOS devices — iPhones, MacBooks and iPads — that uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Suffolk Public Schools’ administrative office and Suffolk Police Department have been made aware of the threats, the letter stated. The police department has an active and ongoing investigation that began immediately after they were alerted, according to the letter.
“Extra resource officers will be in attendance tomorrow as a proactive and visual reminder that safety is always our top priority at Nansemond River High School,” O’Leary said in the letter. “I want to assure you that the Warrior administrative team, Suffolk Public Schools and Suffolk law enforcement take any and all safety related information very seriously.”
O’Leary made it clear that the school division and Suffolk police will not tolerate this behavior and they will deal with students that make threats to the fullest extent of the disciplinary policy and the law.
“With the recent events across our nation, it is imperative that all school stakeholders be vigilant. We strongly urge all students, staff and parents to continue to communicate information with school officials and local law enforcement,” the letter stated.
The letter encouraged parents to stay abreast of what their children are posting on social media and to monitor their behavior closely.
City spokeswoman Diana Klink stated she did not have additional information.