A lockdown alert from White Plains High School Thursday afternoon appears to have been the result of a telephone error, according to the superintendent.

Armed officers rushed to White Plains High School as students and parents were told the building was on lockdown. The large police response was triggered by an emergency alert sent out around 2 p.m.

Some parents said within seconds of receiving the alert, they stormed out of work and rushed there. They say they were especially worried because the school had just conducted a practice drill on Monday and knew they wouldn't have another one just a few days later.

Students say they were confused and scared as rumors started to go around. Junior Troanna Durbs of Ossining High School says she heard a rumor on social media that said White Plains High School had a lockdown due to weapons in the school.

However, Superintendent of Schools Joseph Ricca says the message was accidentally sent out. He says, "We believe that it was a malfunction in one of our telephones. The White Plains Police Department responded immediately, cleared the building ... no threat, everybody is safe."

Students were dismissed late after officials gave the all clear. Many of them say they were relieved when they learned it was a mistake.