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.