Home Update: Dedicated security plan in place to re-open Harrisonburg high schools on Tuesday
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Update: Dedicated security plan in place to re-open Harrisonburg high schools on Tuesday

Crystal Graham
snapshat on phone
(© nikkimeel – stock.adobe.com)

A “dedicated security plan” is in place for Harrisonburg and Rocktown high schools to allow both to safely re-open on Tuesday.

Both schools were closed on Monday due to an alleged SnapChat threat.

“We understand that recent social media threats have raised concerns,” read a joint statement sent to families from Harrisonburg Public Schools and the Harrisonburg Police Department.

“Please rest assured that we take every threat very seriously, and HPD is committed to investigating and holding accountable those responsible, while always protecting our school campuses. Our priority is the safety of our students and staff.

“In partnership with HPD, we have a dedicated security plan for tomorrow to provide an enhanced safe transition back to the classroom,” the statement said.

Mental health professionals will also be available to support students as needed, according to the update.

No details on the investigation were provided. Middle and elementary schools operated on a normal schedule on Monday.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.