The Maplewood Police will have a presence at Columbia High School on Friday, June 5, “to provide an additional sense of security for parents, students and staff,” said Chief Robert Cimino in an email tonight.
Cimino was responding to a query by Village Green about rumors circulating that there are students planning to bring guns to school tomorrow. Cimino wrote, “The Maplewood Police Department currently has no credible information that there is any plan for anyone to bring guns to Columbia High School. There will be a police presence at CHS Friday to provide an additional sense of security for parents, students and staff.”
On Friday morning, June 5, at 9:25 a.m. Acting Superintendent James Memoli and CHS Principal Elizabeth Aaron followed up with a letter address rumors:
Dear CHS Community:
We are aware that various rumors have been circulating about safety at CHS. We want to assure you that we take student safety very seriously. The Maplewood Police Department has an extra presence at CHS today to ensure that all students and staff are safe, and we are having a calm and productive morning, focused on learning.
CHS administration regrets the large amount of negative social media related to CHS and safety. Thank you to the students and parents who have shared rumors and concerns with us. CHS administration is working closely with law enforcement to investigate rumors and make decisions based on facts.
We encourage parents to engage with thoughtful conversations about social media with their children and will continue to make every effort to lead strong schools and support parents and children in making healthy and safe decisions about conflict resolution.
Sincerely,
James Memoli Elizabeth Aaron
Acting Superintendent Principal of Columbia High School
This story was updated June 5, 2015, with a statement from the school district.
