The following message was disseminated to Charlottesville High School staff and families just after 4:00 PM:
Dear CHS staff and families –
I wanted to follow up to give you an update about this afternoon’s events. At approximately 2:00, we received a call to notify us of a possible firearm at the school. We immediately asked students to remain in 5th period with classroom doors locked while the police arrived to investigate. After speaking with a student, reviewing video footage, and examining the perimeter of the school (including McIntire Park), police and school administrators issued an all clear around 2:40pm for students to resume their normal schedules. No weapons have been found.
We know that these situations are frightening. We will take every precaution and investigate all possibilities in our work to keep students and staff safe.
We appreciate the fast work of the Charlottesville Police Department in investigating and giving us guidance to resume normal operations this afternoon.
After speaking with police, we will follow a normal schedule and normal procedures tomorrow. Our counselors and mental health professionals will be available as needed.
Please take a moment to check in with your student. In addition to understanding their feelings, you can remind them of the basic safety rule, “If you see (or hear) something, say something.” The quicker that CHS administrators learn about rumors or threats, the faster we can work to resolve the situation.
I appreciate how our students and staff calmly followed safety routines today. I appreciate the support we received from Central Office and the Charlottesville Police Department.
Take care, and we’ll see you tomorrow.
Mr. Rashaad Pitt
Principal, CHS
