Pubdate: Fri, 19 Oct 2001
Source: Island Packet (SC)
Copyright: 2001,The Island Packet
Contact:  http://www.islandpacket.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1514
Author: Bridget M Kuehn

LOCKDOWN PROMPTS CONCERNS

A routine drug and weapons search at Hilton Head High School on Thursday 
alarmed some parents who heard reports of a lockdown but were unable to get 
through to the school by telephone.

The high school was locked down for two hours Thursday morning while 
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office deputies searched the building for drugs 
and weapons with the help of three drug-sniffing dogs, said Principal Helen 
Ryan.

The search, which is conducted twice a year, was done at the request of 
Ryan, said Debbie Szpanka, a spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Office. No drugs 
were found.

Ryan said she decided to conduct the search because of suspicions of drug 
use on campus. She said there have been two incidents this year in which 
students were disciplined for drug-related infractions.

A few parents showed up at the school after their calls to the main office 
to inquire about reports of police on campus went unanswered.

Ryan said a misunderstanding led to some calls being unanswered during the 
search.

As part of the lockdown procedure, Ryan said she made an announcement 
advising teachers to keep classroom phone lines free and to prevent 
students from making calls. She said a few new employees in the main office 
misunderstood the message and did not answer incoming calls.

"That has now been corrected," said Mike Kristoff, chairman of the School 
Improvement Council. He spoke with Ryan after parents contacted him to find 
out what was happening.

Although no drugs were discovered, police arrested a student after a bow 
and arrow were found in the student's car, said School Resource Officer 
Cpl. E. "Kangaroo" Jansons.

The 17-year-old senior said he had used the bow to hunt the night before. 
He was charged with carrying a weapon on school property, a felony, and 
faces a fine of up to $1,000 and five years in prison.

It is the second time this year a student has been arrested for having a 
weapon on campus. Another senior was arrested in August for having a 
hunting rifle in his truck.
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