March 12, 2008

Dear Parents:

Wednesday morning about 7:30 we received a call that there were individuals seen carrying guns into the school.  Even though such a threat is unusual, we do have a protocol to follow in such an event.  We immediately locked the building down and contacted the state police and the fire department. 

The State and New Britain Police provided immediate support and we were able to move from room to room, clearing for safety and evacuating students.  In the process, each student had to be searched by the police to ensure there were no weapons present.  No guns or ammunition were found during the school-wide search.  Students were sent to DiLoreto Elementary School, directly across Slater Road. Students remained there until about 10:50 AM.  Once the State Police cleared the school, all students were returned to Goodwin.  They moved directly to their homerooms.  From there, they were moved in small groups and under school supervision, were allowed to reclaim their belongings.

Today was scheduled as a shortened day because of our CAPT testing.  We are currently adjusting the testing schedule and will be making up that testing time within the next week.

We commend our students for dealing calmly, cooperatively and flexibly with an unexpectedly urgent situation. 

To our Teachers and Staff, who demonstrated leadership and initiative in addressing student concerns and maintaining a sense of order and safety in the building, I extend my thanks and appreciation for jobs done exceedingly well, through established routine days and in times of crisis.

It is gratifying to serve as Principal for a school whose students and staff are so consistently supportive and cooperative. 

Sincerely,

Stephen Anderson