PORTSMOUTH — An empty shell casing was located in the gymnasium at Portsmouth Middle School Thursday morning, June 9, Principal João P. Arruda informed parents in an e-mail.

However, police and school staff members swept the building and deemed there was no threat to students or faculty, Arruda said. 

Contacted by phone, Arruda said the empty casing was found around 10 a.m. 

“We sheltered into place and we had communications with the police chief. We extended our classroom time in order that we could do a proper investigation and sweep the building with the authorities. Then we were able to resume within about an hour and a half later,” Arruda said.

It was later determined that a student had brought the casing in “just to show his friends,” Arruda said. The student had no firearm, he said.

The student’s parents were called in for a meeting with administration and the pupil is being disciplined, the principal said. He declined to reveal the student’s grade level.

At no time was there any threat to students or faculty, he added.

Here’s the full message Arruda sent to parents and guardians:

“Please be informed that this morning during a PE class an empty shell casing was located in the gymnasium. Out of an abundance of caution we initiated a shelter in place where we prolonged our classes in order to sweep the building in collaboration with the police department.  

“There has been no threat and all students and staff are safe and we will be updating everyone at the conclusion of the investigation.  

“Thank you for your cooperation with this matter.”