Police Canine Unit Searches PHS

A police canine unit searched Portland High School on Wednesday.

In a communication sent to high school parents by principal Christine Rockey, she explained, “As we continue to keep student safety a top priority, we had the police canine unit search our building this morning. This happens randomly and without school-wide notice in order to maintain the integrity of the search. We received various phone calls about what was happening at the school, but at no time during the search were our students in danger. During these times we utilize what is called a secure setting and not a lockdown setting. In a secure setting all we do is suspend student movement throughout the building.”

Rockey added, “Secure settings are used often for various reasons when we do not want students in the hallways. When this happens it will not be communicated out. It is important to keep in mind that if this was an emergency, the building would be placed on lockdown. During these times we need to keep phone lines open for emergency personnel and that we would send notification through our School Messenger. This message may be delayed based on the nature of the emergency. We will always notify parents as soon as we can. As always, we appreciate your commitment and support of PHS as we strive to educate our students.”

Today’s message was sent to parents through the School Messenger application just before 4:00 PM.