Highlands officials mum on reason for 'shelter in place' order, insist students were safe

Highlands High School officials called for everyone in the building to “shelter in place” Friday afternoon as they investigated “a student situation.”

A statement attributed only to the high school administration did not say what that situation was.

When contacted, Superintendent Monique Mawhinney would not directly address a widespread rumor among social media users living in the district that there was a violent confrontation Friday between two students. Those online posts claimed to have specific information about the incident.

Harrison police did not return a call for comment.

The school district’s statement said only that high school officials called for people in the building to shelter in place “to ensure that we were able to promptly respond to and investigate a student situation.”

“Throughout this shelter-in-place, all members of the student body and staff were safe and accounted for.

“Please know that if there is ever a situation where student safety or well-being are in question or of concern, immediate communication would be made via one-call and email.

“This was not a situation of that nature.”

The district also sent out a voicemail to parents in which a high school principal read the same statement. No further information was provided.