On Monday, Oct. 6, students of BPHS were contained in the lobby following a rumour of a weapons threat in the school. Students were told to pass through a security check where both they and their bag were searched by school and security personnel.

The school received information of the threat on Sunday, Oct. 5 and police were notified immediately. Bethel Park police officer Jim Modrak investigated the threat and determined it not to be credible.

District Spokesperson Vicki Flotta said: “We want to reassure parents they checked the rumor out, and again, found it to not be credible. The goal is for the high school to be back to normal as soon as possible.”

However because of rumours spreading through the student body, Officer Modrak requested that additional officers be stationed at the school to help reassure all students and faculty of their safety. Despite the positive intent, this measure caused much uncertainty and panic among the students.

All students were instructed to line up and proceed through a search checkpoint at the main doors to the academic wing. This caused students to grow more restless and worried. Many of the now frightened students contacted their parents asking them to come to the school and retrieve them.

As students slowly made their way through the checkpoint, a long line of parents formed outside the school. Joining these parents outside the school were representatives of local news organizations.

Despite the district’s best efforts to keep it a normal day, many students were pulled from the school by their parents. Parents actively voiced their disappointment with the manner in which the school handled the situation.

Many felt that they should have been given more information from the school. Many made comments on social media such as the comment featured on WPXI made by Mr. Derek Stolpa: “Still no info to parents on lockdown at Bethel Park HS. Line of parents at the door from student inside.”