LYNN — Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said on Thursday night that the incident involving a Lynn English High School student bringing an authentic-looking toy weapon to school has “shaken not just the school but perhaps the entire community.”
In his report to the School Committee, Tutwiler said that over the past 48 hours, outreach towards helping students and staff who were traumatized by the incident has increased. Meetings, a virtual community forum and additional help will be conducted through clinical support and classroom activities.
Lynn English High School is creating spaces and events designed to address the needs of individuals who were personally affected by the incident.
Tutwiler noted that while there was no physical harm to students or staff, there was trauma inflicted on those who are part of the school’s community. He also said that the response and reaction of the event show there is attention and care for those affected by what happened.
“The focus of our efforts in the school and beyond will include sensitivity in response to that reality,” Tutwiler said. “There are already supports in place at the school and general vigilance across the district.”
Tutwiler said that the comments he, and the rest of his staff have received, presents a need for an increase in safety response and learning how to navigate emergencies.
“The reflection, which includes clear opportunities for feedback, has yielded concrete steps for improvement in safety response and communication,” Tutwiler said.
The incident took place on Tuesday, when officers began responding to reports of a student with a possible gun on campus at 10:20 a.m.
This report prompted the school to go into lockdown for 35 minutes. Students were required to go into the back of classrooms and not post anything on the internet regarding the situation.
When the police found the student, he tried to escape before being tackled by an officer. The reported gun was found in the student’s backpack, along with alcohol. He was arrested and charged with the threat of dangerous items and the possession of alcohol under the age of 21. Students resumed their day with lunch in the cafeteria or were dismissed.
Tutwiler told the School Committee that this week’s incident presented a scenario that can affect the city in multiple ways. Tutwiler, however, ended the report on a hopeful note, saying that Lynn and its community are strong.
“In total, while this event has had an impact, I remain confident that the community will emerge as a result,” Tutwiler said. “This, after all, is the mark of a strong community.”
