Newtown and Connecticut State Police (CSP) have cleared a suspicious bag that was located outside the front area of Reed Intermediate School at about 5:45 this evening.

Interim Superintendent John Reed reassured in a letter sent to parents and staff regarding the incident, that the bag found by a school security guard was deemed harmless.

"In this day and age this is what you do when you see something suspicious," Dr Reed told The Bee Tuesday evening, after the scene was deemed safe by first responders. "Our security personnel did the right thing, followed appropriate protocol, and notified police when he noticed something."

The CSP bomb disposal unit responded to the school and examined the item in question, determined there was no threat, completed their work and left, Dr Reed said.

A CSP spokesperson said Newtown Police are handling any remaining investigation.

Two engines and volunteers from Newtown Hook & Ladder resonded and were stationed in the school parking lot while the situation unfolded. A Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps crew also responded to the scene, and stood by at the Parks & Recreation maintenance building.

School Facilities Director Gino Faiella was also reportedly on the scene assisting authorities.

Public Building & Site Commission Chairman Robert Mitchell said he learned of a bomb scare about 30 minutes before his monthly 7 pm meeting, scheduled to take place at the school, was about to commence.

He was told to expect the building to be off limits for "two-hours-plus."

Dr Reed was reportedly cleared to enter the building at about 8:30 pm.

"The good news is there is nothing to worry about," Dr Reed said. Newtown schools are in session tomorrow as scheduled, with Thursday and Friday off for the Thanksgiving holiday.