RANDOLPH — Police Chief Anthony Marag and Randolph Public Schools Superintendent Thea Stovell wish to share an update after two shell casings were found at Donovan Elementary School over the past week.
On Friday, Jan. 13, a shell casing was found in a fourth grade classroom at Donovan Elementary. A second shell casing was found on Thursday, Jan. 19 in the same classroom at Donovan Elementary. The shell casings did not contain live rounds.
In both instances, school administration followed standard protocol by initiating a school-wide shelter in place, during which students were asked to remain in their classrooms but regular instruction continued. School administration immediately contacted the Randolph Police Department each time, who responded and took custody of the shell casings, as well as completed a thorough search of the classroom on both occasions. The district also sent letters home to parents notifying them of each incident.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police K-9 units swept the school on the night of Jan. 17. K-9 units swept the school once again on the night of Jan. 19 after the second shell casing was found. No additional casings and no weapons were found during either search.
How the casings got into the school remains under investigation by police and school administration, however it is believed that the incidents are related. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Randolph Police at 781-963-1212 or district officials at 781-961-6200.
On Friday, Jan. 20, school administration met with all grade K-5 homerooms to speak with students about these incidents and to review the school’s safety protocols. The district also plans to schedule a forum for families to discuss school safety measures and will share those details with families as they are confirmed.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority and we understand that these incidents are concerning to our families,” Superintendent Stovell said. “I would like to thank the Randolph Police Department for their quick response and we will assist them in this investigation however we can. Any family who feels their student needs additional support at school following these incidents is encouraged to contact their building principal.”
Added Chief Marag, “We take findings like this extremely seriously and continue to conduct a thorough investigation of these incidents. We encourage anyone who has information to contact the police department.”
Randolph Police will have an additional presence at the school in the coming days as a precautionary measure.
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