There was a temporary lockdown at Robert Gordon Elementary School this morning from around 8:30 a.m. till a little after 9 o’clock. An ‘All Clear’ was issued once Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD), who responded immediately, conducted a walkthrough to determine that the building was safe. Students were allowed to return to class once the situation was cleared.
The half-hour lockdown began when the Robert Gordon administration became aware that there was an unidentified person in the building and immediately notified the police. It has been confirmed through multiple sources that a person who was observing a class did not check in.
“In light of everything going on, you can’t take a chance on anything,” stated Superintendent Pedro Garrido, commending Principal Frances Kenny and the Roselle Park Police Department as well as the staff and students who followed the policy protocol. He added, “We had a very good collaboration in addressing the issue immediately. We’re glad to report that everything turned out well.”
There is a school district policy that requires visitors to check in with the front office when entering a school. Additionally, last year the Board Of Education (BOE) adopted a policy that also requires all visitors – including parents – to give prior notification to the relevant school with the reason for visiting the building and that no one will be allowed entry without a prior appointment. A link to that article can be found by clicking here.