Perry Hall High to Reopen Tuesday After Shooting
Baltimore County Public Schools announced that extra security will present on the school's campus.
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Following a violent first day of classes at Perry Hall High School, officials have decided to reopen the school on its normal schedule Tuesday.
Students and staff were evacuated Monday morning after a 15-year-old student allegedly opened fire in the school's cafeteria, police said. A 17-year-old student was shot and injured, before the shooter was detained. Police said a school guidance counselor—identified by witnesses as Jesse Wasmer—grabbed the shooter and stopped the attack.
Through the afternoon, students, teachers and parents gathered on either side of police tape, along Ebenezer Road, between the high school, Perry Hall Middle School and Perry Hall Square Shopping Center. Some wept, while dozens frantically talked and texted on cell phones.
Watch reaction from students in the articles, VIDEO: 'It Definitely Was a Shotgun' and VIDEO: Students Discuss 'Traumatizing' Scene.
Officials announced the school's planned reopening shortly before 5:30 p.m. Monday.
"Extra security will be present on the campus, and the school system’s Traumatic Loss Team will be available to provide counseling and other support," a school system press release stated.
Dr. S. Dallas Dance, Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, who was hired to his position over the summer break, released the following the statement:
What happened earlier today is a shock and a tragedy. Speaking on behalf of the entire BCPS community, our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family.
This school year, we expect to educate more than 106,000 students in our schools. The safety of students and staff is our paramount concern and priority. Schools must be safe to be conducive for teaching and learning.
Our schools have emergency plans in place that are updated annually. Perry Hall High School followed its plan and cooperated with police.
As challenging as today was, I am extremely proud of Principal George Roberts and the school community. Students responded maturely, and the faculty, through its quick intervention, saved lives and captured the assailant.
We will work together to make this the best school year for Team BCPS.
Mar07
9:25 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Thank you Mr. Wasmer for being a hero to this community!!!
Big T.
9:25 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
The local politions should be more concerned about the things going on in our schools, instead of who is or isn't cutting their grass and who' s selling their property.
Cindy Hinz
9:25 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
I want to commend PerryHall High School faculty and all involved. As a parent of a student at the school, I believe they did a wonderfull job during a horrible situation.It was a little confusing but thats to be expected.My family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts for bringing my child home safe today. Thank You Very Much. Cindy Hinz
cat
1:50 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
The school should be closed tomorrow.
janet mann
1:50 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
thank you perry hall high!!! u all responded quickly and prevented what could have been a complete disaster !!! our grand-daughter goes to phh and when we were e-mailed shortly after the incident we were terrified our grand-daughter was hurt!! the news was very helpful informing everyone of what was going on and how everyone had been protected to ensure there was no one else involved! the balto. co. police did i great job in there response also!!! my son graduated in 2004 from phh and there were some problems but never like this! every day we hear of incidents that happen in this country and you never think they will hit home but now we are realizing they do!!! we never had a policeman stationed at each and every school every day!!!! why are we taking care of every other country and not addressing our own issues! sooo many problems with students like this, unemployment, drug addictions, foreclosures, and soooo many more problems? we need to focus on this country and not every other countries problems! start at home first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! got carried away but want again thank everyone involved in this horrible act today!!!!! great job!!!!!!!!!! janet mann
Pamelous
1:50 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Thanks to the faculty in the cafeteria you stop a bigger tragedy