POTSDAM — Potsdam Central partnered with local and regional law enforcement agencies to bring a K9 “detection dog” onto its campus today to conduct a drug sweep.

“At Potsdam High School we are committed to providing a safe, respectful environment that is conducive to learning. As such, illegal drugs have no place in our school,” PCS High School Principal Mark Bennett said in an email to district parents.

At 9 a.m. today, an announcement was made which placed the school in a “hold-in-place,” he said.

“Classroom instruction continued as planned; however, students and staff were not permitted in the hallways. Once the “Hold-in-Place” went into effect, police K-9 units began a systematic search of the school building, parking lots, lockers, and locker rooms. The K-9 units were accompanied by school administrators. At no point were students brought into contact with or searched by the dogs,” he said.

The school resumed a normal schedule once the search was completed and the K-9 units were out of the building at 9:16 a.m., Bennett said.

“Schools are a reflection of society, and, as such, drugs can find their way into any school — just as they can into any family or workplace. This drug sweep is one more step that we can take to keep drugs out of Potsdam High School to the greatest extent possible. Thank you for supporting our efforts to keep students safe,” said Bennett.

Bennett did not indicate in his email to parents if any drugs were found as part of the sweep.