New Britain High School announced that starting Monday morning, all students will undergo bag checks upon arrival. The decision follows the recent discovery of a firearm in a student’s backpack on Friday.
Superintendent outlines new procedures
In a letter to families and staff, Superintendent Tony Gasper explained that the altered arrival process will require a few extra minutes for each student. “Please be aware that arrival procedures will operate differently than usual, and students should anticipate additional time to enter the building,” Gasper wrote. He asked for patience and cooperation as the school implements the new safety measures.
Increased security presence
Gasper also noted that New Britain police officers and district security personnel will have a heightened presence at the high school throughout the week. The added visibility is intended to reassure students, parents, and staff while the school completes its review of safety protocols.
Parental involvement encouraged
The superintendent appealed directly to parents and guardians, urging them to take a few moments to inspect their child’s backpack and other belongings before sending them to school. “Please speak with your children about the seriousness of bringing weapons or other inappropriate items to school and the importance of immediately reporting any safety concerns to a trusted adult,” he wrote.
Incident details
Police were called to the school on Friday morning to address a disturbance. During the investigation, officers found a firearm inside a student’s backpack. The weapon was secured without incident, and no injuries were reported. The student was removed from the school and is facing criminal charges, though specific charges have not been disclosed.
School’s response and commitment
Gasper emphasized that a thorough investigation determined there was no further credible threat to students or staff. “We remain committed to taking every appropriate precaution to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for our students and staff,” he affirmed.
The new bag‑check policy and increased security presence reflect the district’s proactive approach to safeguarding its schools. By involving parents, enhancing on‑site security, and adjusting entry procedures, New Britain High School aims to prevent future incidents and maintain a learning environment where families feel confident and protected.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
