Good evening Pennbrook Families and Staff,
I am writing to you this evening regarding the serious incident that took place today during the seventh grade lunch. This afternoon, Dr. Taylor sent a communication to families (see below) immediately following the situation alerting you that an incident occurred and that a “hold” was put in place. Since that time, the administration has been working with law enforcement and the families of the students involved to better understand what happened so that we can provide updated and accurate information.
As a school district, we aspire to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for our students and staff. A student sustained serious injuries as a result of another student’s actions. I have been in contact with this student’s family and will continue to work with them throughout the recovery process. The family has requested and deserves privacy as the student recovers.
I also recognize that the other students present were alarmed and scared by what they witnessed. This is completely understandable, and Dr. Taylor has been working with our counseling department and the district-wide traumatic event response team to support students in the upcoming days. Dr. Taylor intends to meet with each grade tomorrow morning to address today’s incident and to discuss the supportive measures that will be provided, including additional counselors.
I also want to acknowledge that there are rumors circulating regarding the other student involved in today’s incident. Some have implied that the student was expelled from another NPSD middle school for violent in-school behavior and transferred to Pennbrook. It has also been reported that the student was expelled from another school for violent behavior. Both of these assertions are false. I have also been in contact with this family and recognize that they also need support as a result of this incident.
I know Pennbrook Middle School to be a safe school where our students learn and grow under the guidance of caring adults. Today’s incident is extremely disappointing and concerning, but it does not represent the values and qualities you and I have grown to know. Tomorrow, we will take the necessary steps to restore your confidence and support our students and staff in the process of healing from today’s traumatic incident. We will also continue to work with local law enforcement to support their investigation.
Sincerely,
Todd M. Bauer
Superintendent
Dear Pennbrook Families,
The safety of our students is of utmost importance. Today at approximately 1:20 pm, Pennbrook Middle School was placed on a hold due to a physical altercation that took place involving two students in the cafeteria.
School security and school staff were on hand and quickly responded, and are to be commended for their swift actions. Police and emergency medical responders were also immediately called and arrived at the scene. One student was transported to the hospital. The hold lasted for approximately eight minutes at which time students did not leave their current location, and normal activities occurred.
I ask that parents speak with their children about the consequences of fighting. As with any physical altercation, consequences will be assigned in accordance with the NPSD Discipline Code and board policy.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Nick Taylor
Principal
Pennbrook Middle School