PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Portsmouth Regional Catholic School closed on Tuesday in response to comments that “raised concerns about safety,” according to the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.
According to Portsmouth police, there was a vague threat made on social media by a former school employee, which wasn’t specifically targeted at the school.
A statement from Superintendent for Richmond Catholic Schools Ray Honeycutt didn’t elaborate on the comments made, but said the school’s administration is working with local law enforcement in response to the incident. Honeycutt called and took out a protective order, police say.
The school, which is in the middle of Catholic Schools Week, will reopen on Wednesday with increased police patrols.
“We apologize for any inconvenience the closing of school brought today during Catholic Schools Week, a time when many events were planned for the school,” wrote Associate Superintendent of Operations Kelly M. Lazzara. “However, nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students and staff and ensuring a safe environment for them.”
The school’s Student Appreciation Day will be held tomorrow, Lazzara said.
“PCRS will move forward with our Catholic Schools Week by celebrating Student Appreciation Day tomorrow. We will not have mass, and students can wear their pj’s or comfy clothes to school. A light breakfast snack and lunch will be provided by our teachers and staff in appreciation of our wonderful students. The Talent Show will also take place at 1:00 PM tomorrow afternoon. Due to the additional patrols, safety patrol students are not needed in the morning and should not arrive early to school.”
No charges have been filed because the threat was so vague, police say.