Roselle Park School District Superintendent Pedro Garrido sent an e-mail to parents and guardians providing further information on two incidents that occurred yesterday.
One incident happened at Robert Gordon Elementary School. Mr. Garrido relayed that a student brought a steak knife to school. The matter was reported by another student and resulted in the student’s backpack being searched and the minor being questioned. The Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) was notified and an investigation was initiated.
Mr. Garrido stated, “At no time was the knife used to threaten other students or was anyone ever in danger. The student involved will be subject to school board policy and appropriate State laws that govern weapons on school grounds.”
The other incident at the Roselle Park Middle School (RPMS) was previously reported in Roselle Park News this morning. Mr. Garrido reaffirmed that a rumor concerning a student shooting up the school came to the attention of the administration at the end of the school day. A separate investigation was started by Roselle Park Police on this incident. Police were present this morning at the middle school and will be throughout the day.
Mr. Garrido stated in the e-mail, “I want to reassure you that in each case, District Administrators and all personnel acted appropriately and followed District protocols with respect to reporting and responding to the incidents. In each case, the Roselle Park Police Department was immediately notified and acted swiftly and appropriately with respect to responding to the information received. The Roselle Park School District, including all personnel and the Board of Education, [is] committed to the safety and security of all students and staff. Over the past two weeks, several meetings between school personnel, Board of Education members and the Roselle Park Police Department have occurred to explore all options related to adopting security measures to keep our students safe. The safety and security of our students is, and will always be our number one priority.”