POLICE, DISTRICT KNOCK DOWN "HIT LIST" AND OTHER FALSE SCHOOL RUMORS

Maplewood Police and school district officials are knocking down various rumors that have resulted from the two weapons incidents this week at Columbia High School and Maplewod Middle School. 

First, police say the two incidents were not related.

A Maplewood Police notice (below) also makes clear rumors of a so-called "hit-list" related to the student arrested Wednesday with a gun at MMS are inaccurate.
They also note that rumors of planned violence today at CHS are also baseless.

In addition, a note to parents of MMS students today (also below) makes clear no further violence or danger exists there either. A related robocall was made to MMS families as well.

From Maplewood Police today:

The following is additional information regarding the incidents involving weapons at the Maplewood Middle School (06/03/15) and Columbia High School (06/04/15).

Investigation has determined the incidents at the schools are unrelated.  In both cases, school staff was provided information regarding possible weapons in the schools.  The Maplewood Police Department was contacted and the appropriate measures were taken to ensure the safety of students and staff.  In both cases, the juveniles involved were arrested and subsequently remanded to The Essex County Juvenile Detention Center.

Contrary to rumor, there was no “hit list” recovered during the investigation for the incident at the Maplewood Middle School and there has been no information that there will be future fights involving weapons at Columbia High School.   As a precautionary measure, additional patrols have been assigned to the area of the High School.

Due to the ongoing investigation for both incidents, no additional information is available at this time.

From Maplewood Middle School:

Dear MMS Community:

We are aware that there are many different rumors circulating about possible threats at Maplewood Middle School today.  We want to reassure you that students are safe and going about their usual daily routine. 

Susan Grierson, Assistant Superintendent, and Assistant Principals Louis Brown and Marc Gold are meeting with all students by grade level to address the rumors, and to assure students that there is no code red and that the school is safe.  Police officers are also on-site to reassure students that, although they have no expectation of any problems or threat of violence, there are additional patrols around Maplewood Middle School to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

If your child is feeling anxious, there are counselors available throughout the day with whom they can speak privately about their feelings or concerns.  Students can request this assistance themselves, or you can contact a guidance counselor, teacher or administrator so that we can connect them to one of the social workers.

We understand that this is a very stressful time, and that we are all concerned about the safety of our students and our schools. We appreciate your partnership in helping every MMS student feel safe and supported.

Sincerely,

James Memoli                           Jerrill Adams

Acting Superintendent            Principal of Maplewood Middle School