NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) — A “suspicious item” found on Norwich Free Academy’s main campus Wednesday morning was deemed safe, according to police.

Officers responded to the school around 9 a.m. The school was put under “lockdown” protocol, while officers investigated the “suspicious item.”

Nearby buildings were evacuated and students were sent to the gymnasium.

“It was a little like scary at first because you didn’t know what was going on but I think the teachers and Dr. Quesnel had a really good handle on the situation and they helped ease our nerves,” said Madison Everett, a senior at Norwich Free Academy.

Other Norwich Public Schools were placed under the “secure school” protocol for the duration of the investigation.

The Connecticut State Police Emergency Service Unit responded to the scene and X-rayed the package, deeming it “benign and safe,” police said.

The high school posted on its Facebook page that the lockdown was lifted just before 11 a.m. Regular activities at the high schools resumed, and the “secure school” protocol was lifted for the other area schools.

Norwich Free Academy school remained in session as normal until the end of the day. Some parents and guardians chose to pick up their children early after the scare, officials said.

“Just to make sure that they’re okay. They’re not scared. They don’t feel that they don’t need to come back to school. It’s still a safe place to come,” parent Loretta LaVallee said.

Norwich police are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call Norwich police at (860) 886-5561 Ext. #6 or the department’s anonymous tip line at (860) 886-5561 EXT #4.

This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates.