MMS LOCKDOWN GUN SUSPECT WILL NOT RETURN; DISTRICT WITHHOLDS MORE DETAILS

School district officials continued to withhold more details on the lockdown Wednesday at Maplewood Middle School that resulted in the arrest of one student for possession of a gun.

While the district issued a lengthy letter today about how the school reacted with support and information for students, no more information was released on details of the incident, such as what kind of gun was found, if it was loaded or where it came from.

The letter did state that the student is "under detention" and will not be allowed to return to the middle school.

The letter stated, in part:

The Maplewood Police are now conducting an investigation into the circumstances that caused the need for a lockdown. Because of the ongoing police investigation, we are not at liberty to give you specific information about the reasons for the lockdown. We are also constrained by legal privacy considerations regarding how much information we can share about our students.
We are, however, able to share the Maplewood Police Press Release from yesterday, which is attached to this letter. We continue to be in regular communication with the Maplewood Police Department, and have been authorized to share that the person associated with the events referred to in their Press Release is under detention and will not be returning to Maplewood Middle School. We will continue to update the South Orange and Maplewood School District community with further information, as we are so authorized by the Maplewood Police Department.

See the entire letter below:

Dear South Orange Maplewood School District Community:
As you may have heard, there was a code red lockdown at Maplewood Middle School yesterday. The Maplewood Police initiated a thorough investigation of the school and lifted the lockdown when they were sure that the building was secure and that all students and staff were safe. We thank all students and staff for comporting themselves perfectly during the lockdown, although we know that this was extremely stressful for all involved.
Our primary focus today has been to support all of our students at Maplewood Middle School:

• Additional staff members were on-site from the beginning of the day, including all building social workers from across the district, as well as members of the district’s Senior Leadership Team.
• The school day began with a staff meeting to inform the faculty of the plans for the day, and what supports would be in place for both students and staff.
• Once students arrived in their first period classes, Principal Adams addressed the school community in a live news broadcast shown in every classroom. Principal Adams congratulated students and staff for their conduct during the lockdown, and commended the many students who informed teachers and the principal that there was an unsafe situation. He stressed that their smart actions helped the adults take the necessary steps to keep everyone safe. His remarks are attached.
• Immediately following the news address, students engaged in guided discussions with their teachers allowing them to express their feelings and share strategies for managing difficult situations.
• Principal Adams had separate small group meetings with those students who missed the news broadcast, including 8^th grade students who start their day at CHS for mathematics.
• All students were informed that counselors were available throughout the day if they wanted to speak privately about their feelings or concerns, and many students made use of this service.
• At the end of the day, Principal Adams again commended everyone for coming together as a school community. Staff members escorted students out of the building to ensure they made it off school grounds safely.

Going forward, counselors will continue to be available for all students who would like to express their concerns and feelings. We also attach some parent resources to support you as you discuss these issues with your child.
The Maplewood Police are now conducting an investigation into the circumstances that caused the need for a lockdown. Because of the ongoing police investigation, we are not at liberty to give you specific information about the reasons for the lockdown. We are also constrained by legal privacy considerations regarding how much information we can share about our students.
We are, however, able to share the Maplewood Police Press Release from yesterday, which is attached to this letter. We continue to be in regular communication with the Maplewood Police Department, and have been authorized to share that the person associated with the events referred to in their Press Release is under detention and will not be returning to Maplewood Middle School. We will continue to update the South Orange and Maplewood School District community with further information, as we are so authorized by the Maplewood Police Department.
We are all grateful that all are safe at Maplewood Middle School, and that the school’s response to the events was exemplary and wholly according to plan. We will continue to fully cooperate with the Maplewood Police Department as it conducts its investigation and will inform you of any developments as we are authorized and able to do so. Thank you for your understanding and concern.
Sincerely,
James Memoli Jerrill Adams Acting Superintendent Principal of Maplewood Middle School