NORWICH – In a continuous effort to keep school safety a main priority and keep the school drug-free, administrators, staff and students underwent the first of what could be many lock-downs this week.

Joining forces with Southern Tier K-9 units including up to five highly-trained dogs, Norwich High School officials administered a full lock-down drill. Students were required to remain in classrooms while the units walked the halls and began to search for drugs, drug paraphernalia or other harmful substances that do not belong on school property.

The drill, that high school Principal Tom Knapp had said would be the first of the year, was a surprise to students and was said to have been successful.