The following letter, made public by the Milton High School Administration, went out to parents earlier this afternoon regarding yesterday’s events at Milton High

March 26, 2015
Dear Parents/Guardian:

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for your patience, cooperation and understanding during yesterday’s Lockdown scenario.

As you know already, the Milton Public Schools work very closely with the Milton Police and Fire Departments to plan and implement school safety procedures during the school year. The safety procedures and protocols are constantly evaluated and enhanced throughout the year. In fact, we just had a security meeting led by Superintendent Mary Gormley and School Committee Chairman Leroy Walker this past Monday, March 23, 2015. In addition to the daily procedures that we have in place for building security, we also have a safety plan that provides guidelines for crisis response. Well, I am pleased to say that the systems that we have in place worked yesterday.

I cannot express enough how proud I am of the students and faculty and staff and how they responded. Special thanks to the Milton Police Officers and several officers from Boston PD and Quincy PD for their support. Yesterday’s positive outcome was truly a collaborative effort.
This morning at 7:10 a.m., we held a meeting for all faculty and staff to give them the updates and to make sure they were prepared for the students’ arrival. At 7:50 a.m., we conducted a debriefing with the students in their first period class. The purpose of doing this was to give the students the simple facts of the incident and to dispel any rumors.
Once again, I would like to reassure you all of the following:

1. The suspect police took in to custody is from Watertown. He is not a current or former MHS Student.
2. The young man did not interact with any Milton High School student.
3. There was some question that this suspect had someone else with him. As a result, we immediately went into a lockdown scenario and Milton Police in conjunction with Boston and Quincy PD conducted a “Preventive Sweep” of the building and determined it to be safe in order for us to remove the lockdown status.
4. Staff and students were reminded today to always report any suspicious activity. If they see someone in the building without a pass or they do not recognize that person, they are encouraged to report that information to an administrator or the main office immediately.
5. Students were reminded not to let people in the building as they leave.
6. As a reminder, it is a crime to bring drugs and/or a weapon onto school grounds and will not be tolerated.

In closing, I would like to reiterate the safety of the students and staff is paramount and the Administration is committed to continuously evaluating and enhancing the security measures to make sure all are safe.

It is truly an honor to work with great students, an exceptional faculty and staff and very supportive parents.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

James F. Jette
Principal
Milton High School
jjette@miltonps.org