Howard Elementary School

Families, I wanted to share out emails that have been sent out recently regrading and incident on one of our school busses on Monday, September 16.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office.

Mark Bodwell, Superintendent of Schools

Email sent 7/17/24 at 2:00pm

Good afternoon West Bridgewater Families,  

I wanted to provide you with information related to the bus incident yesterday that involved Howard School and Spring Street School students.

We have been working closely with the West Bridgewater Police Department, which has determined there is no credible threat.  Nonetheless, we have arranged to have a greater WBPD presence at school in an abundance of caution.  Thank you to the West Bridgewater Police Chief Nixon and his officers for their increased presence at the schools this morning and throughout the day.  We greatly appreciate your assistance and will continue to collaborate with the WBPD.  Previously sent to all families was the official statement from the West Bridgewater Police Department which you can also find on our website. 

Thank you to Mrs. Giuffre, Mrs. Goulet, and all the staff at the elementary schools. Our caring and dedicated staff are paying extra attention to student emotions today and if any student is feeling uncomfortable we have staff available to meet with them.  If you or your child have concerns please reach out to the school's main office. 

We also want to take this moment to remind caregivers to speak with their children about being good reporters. It is always important that if you hear something or see something that concerns you we ask that you contact the appropriate staff at the school.

We have received a number of requests for more information, which is understandable, but privacy laws prevent us from providing details about the students involved or any consequences.  I can assure you, however, that student safety is our top priority and we are taking this matter seriously.  In the event we learn more information that is appropriate to share with the community, we will do so.

Sincerely,

Mark Bodwell

Email sent 7/17/24 at 6:32am

Good morning West Bridgewater Families,

Please see the information posted by the West Bridgewater Police Department.  

As a school system, we take these threats very seriously and are continuing our school investigation.  Please know that the school system is taking swift action to make sure all students are safe.

Official Statement from the West Bridgewater Police Department:

West Bridgewater
Police Department

Timothy Nixon,
Police Chief

99 West Center St. #2
West Bridgewater, MA 02379

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Sept. 16, 2024

Media Contact: Sean Smyth

Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: sean@jgpr.net

West Bridgewater Police Investigating Threat Against West Bridgewater Public Schools

WEST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Timothy Nixon and the West Bridgewater Police Department report that they investigated an incident of prank phone calls that made threats against West Bridgwater Public Schools on Monday. On Monday, Sept. 16, around 3:10 p.m., students a bus from the Howard and Spring Street schools were reported to be making calls to local businesses pretending they were present at a school shooting. Students used sounds from an app to mimic gunfire. Students then allegedly mentioned that they would be shooting up a school. West Bridgewater school officials notified the school resource officer, who in turn notified West Bridgewater Police. Police interviewed the students on the bus and later at home with their parents. Based on the interviews, it is not believed that the threats made were credible. Out of an abundance of caution, West Bridgwater Police will have an increased presence at the schools on Tuesday. 

Sent 9/16/24 at 4:31pm:

Good afternoon West Bridgewater Families,

I wanted to make you aware of an incident that occurred on Bus 4 this afternoon.  The bus was carrying students from the Howard School and Spring Street School.

We were notified by Lucini Bus Company that a student reported concerning comments that were related to school safety.  The driver immediately reported the concerning comments to dispatch. The driver pulled over on a side street and West Bridgewater Police and school administrators were made aware of the situation and reported immediately to the scene.  The West Bridgewater Police Department is actively continuing to investigate this matter and collaborating with the school administration.  

We will keep the community informed as information becomes available. We always take the safety and well-being of our school community seriously and with the highest priority.

Mark Bodwell

Superintendent of Schools