Information Regarding Middlebrook Secure and Hold Protocols Today - April 9, 2024

	WILTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 395 Danbury Road Wilton, Connecticut 06897

Kevin Smith, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools

Charles Smith, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent Curriculum and Instruction

Andrea Leonardi Assistant Superintendent Special Services

Maria Coleman Director, Human Resources and General Administration

Dawn Norton Chief Financial Officer

April 9, 2024


Dear Parents, Guardians, Caregivers, and Staff, 
 
Please see the message below regarding an incident that occurred at Middlebrook School today.  Out of an abundance of caution, neighboring Cider Mill School and Wilton High School were placed in "secure" for a short period of time.  

Dear Middlebrook Staff, Parents, Families, and Caregivers, 

As a follow-up to my communication at approximately 1:58 p.m. today, I am writing to share additional information about our initiation of the standard response protocol.  At approximately 12:47 p.m. today, we received a report of a potential weapon in a vehicle whose location was unknown at the time.  We immediately contacted police, and shortly thereafter the responding officer arrived on site and located a car matching the reported description and the driver of the car, who was immediately detained by the police.   The responding officers assessed the situation and advised us to initiate a “secure” protocol in our building while the matter was being evaluated further. The police department’s investigation led them to believe that there was no weapon and no threat to the school community; however, we moved into a “hold” protocol to keep students within classrooms and to avoid potential worry for anyone seeing additional police vehicles on site.  After their careful assessment, the police department gave the “all clear” at 2:05 p.m. for activity to continue consistent with the typical school day.  Students and staff were cooperative and adhered to our emergency procedures throughout this period of time. While I realize that a report of a potential weapon on campus can be unsettling, I want to reassure you that we encourage students and staff to report any potentially suspicious activity; we take all reports seriously; and we respond to all reports thoroughly in close collaboration with law enforcement.  

Sincerely, 

Jory Higgins

Principal Middlebrook School

Our district's Standard Response Protocol is include below for your reference.  

Sincerely, 

Kevin J. Smith, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools