Kyle Friend is contributing reporting from the scene, as is The Tattler's Owen Zhang.

UPDATE 11:30 a.m. —

The school sends out a statement: "While the campus is still under lockdown, students are being served lunch in their classrooms and are allowed to visit restrooms. The Ithaca Police Department's investigation into the situation is ongoing."

UPDATE 11:15 a.m. — It's been almost two hours since the lockdown at IHS, prompted by a found BB gun packaging, began.

Classes have ground to a halt and students are mostly talking in their classrooms. This is the first day of school for sophomores, juniors and seniors.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I think it's especially hard for the freshmen, who don't have any other impression of the school so far other than their tour yesterday," said Olivia Salomon, class of 2015. Ithaca police can be seen parked outside.

Students' pockets and bags being searched by staff members looking for BB gun during #IHSlockdown pic.twitter.com/NdEJYzOlwv — IHS Tattler (@IHSTattler1) September 5, 2014

UPDATE 10:30 a.m. — The BB gun has not been found yet. A preliminary search of lockers was not successful, IHS Principal Jarrett Powers said over the school's intercom.

The principal has vowed to search every bag in every classroom. Powers says that students will not eat in the cafeteria — and instead lunch will be brought to them on carts — if the BB gun is not found.

That's according to a student in the school; this information has not been confirmed by school officials. Officials have told reporters to not go beyond the school's parking lot.

Earlier — Ithaca, N.Y. — Ithaca High School is on lockdown Friday morning after BB gun packaging was found in a bathroom near Kulp Auditorium.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ithaca police cars are at the school. Officer Jamie Williamson confirmed Friday morning that police were en route to the school.

A principal announced the news through the school's intercom.

The principal said lockers would be searched as the lockdown continues, according to a student at the school.

Kate Patterson, a spokesperson for the school, said in a statement: "The Ithaca High School campus has been secured following the discovery of packaging of a BB gun on campus. IPD is investigating. Updates will be posted as more information becomes available."

Some administrators could be seen walking around part of the building. Nobody is allowed to enter or leave IHS.

This news is breaking. Stay with us for updates.

Follow The Ithaca Voice on Facebook | Twitter