Redmond HS principal reveals details of two safety incidents

Redmond High School’s principal informed parents Friday about two unrelated safety incidents this week, the first involving hunting knives in a student’s car and the second when a student arrived Thursday with part of a ceremonial JROTC drill rifle, prompting a 10-minute “lock-in” of students in classrooms.

Here’s the full text of the message from Principal Tony Pupo:

“Good morning parents and community members,

“Redmond High School prides itself with providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students. We’ve worked hard for years to build a culture and campus where everyone feels safe and respected.

“Unfortunately a couple of incidents and corresponding rumors this week have caused some students to feel uncomfortable. We’re writing you today to reassure you that our school continues to be safe for all students.

“Earlier this week, a student was found to be in violation of school policy regarding possession of hunting knives in the student’s vehicle. In accordance with our school safety plans, we contacted police and followed district procedures and the Safe Schools Alliance protocol. There was no disruption to classrooms, the school day, or normal school operations.

“Later in the week, in a completely unrelated incident, a student arrived at school with the broken end of a JROTC drill rifle that had been taken home to repair. JROTC drill rifles are non-functioning ceremonial equipment that are used in JROTC activities. These drill rifles are inoperable and are made with a solid steel barrel.

“When the school received a report of a potential weapon on campus, RHS immediately initiated its lock-in protocol to ensure student safety. In accordance with district procedures and Safe Schools Alliance Protocols, police were contacted. Law enforcement and school officials rapidly determined that the potential weapon was actually the broken JROTC drill rifle. During the lock-in, which lasted about 10 minutes, students remained in their classrooms and instruction continued as normal.

“The safety of our students is always our first priority. To maintain a safe school, RHS has a strong partnership with local law enforcement. Another important partner in this effort are our students, parents, and community. As our partners, we’re asking for your cooperation in not engaging in rumors and to always share information with school officials or law enforcement.

“Thank you so much for your understanding and support. I am always available to speak with you if you ever have any concerns. My assistant is Mary Roberts and she would be more than happy to make an appointment for us to meet. You can contact Mary at 541-923-4800, ext. 1703.

“Thank You,

Tony Pupo
Principal”

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Here’s Katie Higgins’ story from Thursday evening, based on initial information:

Redmond High School students were kept in classrooms for a brief time Thursday morning due to a possible “danger to the school,” officials told parents by e-mail.

“This morning we received a report that could have been a danger to the school,” the brief e-mail stated:

“We immediately initiated safety protocols and students were asked to stay in their classrooms,” the statement said.

“Law enforcement determined that the threat was not valid,” the school said, adding, “The school and campus are safe and all students have returned to their normal class schedule.”

The Redmond School District did not want to comment on camera, but did email NewsChannel 21 this response:

“The district uses the I Love U Guys Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol to train all staff. Please know that the rumors from today were not valid and at no time were any students or staff in danger. I apologize, but we do not want to interview at this time..”

Students told NewsChannel 21 they were told to stay in their classrooms during first period and that teachers locked doors and followed protocol.

Many students believed it was a drill. It wasn’t until second period that students say the vice principal sent an email to teachers, stating it was not a drill but that there was no threat to the school.