MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL EVACUATED DUE TO "GAS-LIKE" ODOR

Evacuated MMS students in Memorial Park

Maplewood Middle School was evacuated for more than an hour this morning after a "gas-like" smell was discovered.

Students were moved to Memorial Park and allowed back in when the situation was determined to be resolved. This incident comes less than two months after an after-school evacuation was conducted for a similar incident.

Principal Jeffrey Truppo issued the following email to parents this morning:

Dear Maplewood Middle School Community Member,

Before the start of school today, there was a gas like smell in a section of the building near the construction site.  In the interest of safety, we activated our alarm, and sent staff out of the building to bring students to our designated evacuation site.  

The Maplewood Fire Department and our gas utility company came to inspect both the new construction and our current school building.  After inspection, both the Maplewood Fire Department and our utility company determined that there was no gas leak and it was safe to have students return to the building.

It is important for me to inform you that as a building principal I am proud of the way students and staff handled this emergency.  Because the students were never allowed in the building at the start of the school day, teachers went outside and moved students to our evacuation site as a school.  Once settled, students moved to their first period teachers quickly so we could begin to account for everyone.  

While on the field, students stayed assembled and ready for further directions.  Once given clearance, students and staff walked back to our school so we could start our school day.  I encourage you to commend your children on their demeanor and comportment during this event.   

Sincerely,
Jeff Truppo