Northwood lockdown today

[Anonymous]

Northwood parent here. Yesterday was a hard day.

The comms from the school were very good. Timely, shared info appropriately, etc. I was glad I had ParentSquare.

My kid felt supported through the day by teachers and staff.

But of course the situation itself was awful and it makes me scared to think about how many other kids have weapons in schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find this so unfortunate. My DD is starting this high school to do the dual enrollment program at MC and I’ve ever stories from parents that Northwood has been unsafe for the past few years.

I wonder how these kids get access to so many stuff (obviously social media is a factor but seriously). And it isn’t like MCPS is even trying to increase safety measures.

Northwood is not so unsafe. Compared to a neighbor school like Kennedy, Northwood is still somewhat safer I guess.

[Anonymous]

Do you think the teachers should get in trouble for reporting this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you think the teachers should get in trouble for reporting this.

Is that a thing that’s happening here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you think the teachers should get in trouble for reporting this.

Is that a thing that’s happening here?

Why would teachers get in trouble?

[Anonymous]

updated letter:

Good afternoon Northwood community:

The purpose of this letter is to provide an update and clarity to the incidents that occurred at Northwood High School on Thursday, September 11, 2025. We recognize that additional information and conflicting information are in the community and media. For the initial information about the incidents, please click here for the 9/11/25 community letter.

I want to send tremendous praise and thanks to our students, staff, and families for a fantastic response to the serious incidents. We have received feedback from our partners in Montgomery County Police and MCPS security praising everyone in our community: our students' quick response and seriousness during the incidents, our staff’s knowledge of procedures and responsiveness to students, and our parents/caregivers for being vital partners in keeping the situation calm as we navigated. We sometimes find out how strong a community is when we go through challenges.

As a follow-up to our incident involving the airsoft gun (BB gun), please see these clarifying points:
The item found by Montgomery County police was an airsoft gun (BB gun). It was not a firearm, a ghost gun, or any type of device that fires a bullet. This was confirmed visually by Montgomery County police to administration during the incident. Please be mindful of media reports with headlines such as “gun found”.
During the police search, a bullet was found on another student. This information was shared with administration after the incident was finalized as part of the police investigation. This student was not in possession of the airsoft gun, did not possess a weapon, and the bullet was not connected with the airsoft gun. We recognize that police photos frame the two items together. They are not connected items.
It is important to remind our entire school community that weapons of any kind — including firearms, airsoft/BB guns, knives, and any other objects that could be used to cause harm — are strictly prohibited on school property, at school-sponsored events, and on school transportation. This prohibition is clearly stated in MCPS policy and regulation, and the consequences for violations are outlined in the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. We take these matters very seriously and respond in accordance with district protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.

We recognize that any serious incident leaves both questions and real anxieties. Please do not hesitate to reach out with me with questions or needs for support at [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:updated letter:

Good afternoon Northwood community:

The purpose of this letter is to provide an update and clarity to the incidents that occurred at Northwood High School on Thursday, September 11, 2025. We recognize that additional information and conflicting information are in the community and media. For the initial information about the incidents, please click here for the 9/11/25 community letter.

I want to send tremendous praise and thanks to our students, staff, and families for a fantastic response to the serious incidents. We have received feedback from our partners in Montgomery County Police and MCPS security praising everyone in our community: our students' quick response and seriousness during the incidents, our staff’s knowledge of procedures and responsiveness to students, and our parents/caregivers for being vital partners in keeping the situation calm as we navigated. We sometimes find out how strong a community is when we go through challenges.

As a follow-up to our incident involving the airsoft gun (BB gun), please see these clarifying points:
The item found by Montgomery County police was an airsoft gun (BB gun). It was not a firearm, a ghost gun, or any type of device that fires a bullet. This was confirmed visually by Montgomery County police to administration during the incident. Please be mindful of media reports with headlines such as “gun found”.
During the police search, a bullet was found on another student. This information was shared with administration after the incident was finalized as part of the police investigation. This student was not in possession of the airsoft gun, did not possess a weapon, and the bullet was not connected with the airsoft gun. We recognize that police photos frame the two items together. They are not connected items.
It is important to remind our entire school community that weapons of any kind — including firearms, airsoft/BB guns, knives, and any other objects that could be used to cause harm — are strictly prohibited on school property, at school-sponsored events, and on school transportation. This prohibition is clearly stated in MCPS policy and regulation, and the consequences for violations are outlined in the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. We take these matters very seriously and respond in accordance with district protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.

We recognize that any serious incident leaves both questions and real anxieties. Please do not hesitate to reach out with me with questions or needs for support at [e-mail]

I'm hearing that Dr. Garrick is not being honest in this update.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:updated letter:

Good afternoon Northwood community:

The purpose of this letter is to provide an update and clarity to the incidents that occurred at Northwood High School on Thursday, September 11, 2025. We recognize that additional information and conflicting information are in the community and media. For the initial information about the incidents, please click here for the 9/11/25 community letter.

I want to send tremendous praise and thanks to our students, staff, and families for a fantastic response to the serious incidents. We have received feedback from our partners in Montgomery County Police and MCPS security praising everyone in our community: our students' quick response and seriousness during the incidents, our staff’s knowledge of procedures and responsiveness to students, and our parents/caregivers for being vital partners in keeping the situation calm as we navigated. We sometimes find out how strong a community is when we go through challenges.

As a follow-up to our incident involving the airsoft gun (BB gun), please see these clarifying points:
The item found by Montgomery County police was an airsoft gun (BB gun). It was not a firearm, a ghost gun, or any type of device that fires a bullet. This was confirmed visually by Montgomery County police to administration during the incident. Please be mindful of media reports with headlines such as “gun found”.
During the police search, a bullet was found on another student. This information was shared with administration after the incident was finalized as part of the police investigation. This student was not in possession of the airsoft gun, did not possess a weapon, and the bullet was not connected with the airsoft gun. We recognize that police photos frame the two items together. They are not connected items.
It is important to remind our entire school community that weapons of any kind — including firearms, airsoft/BB guns, knives, and any other objects that could be used to cause harm — are strictly prohibited on school property, at school-sponsored events, and on school transportation. This prohibition is clearly stated in MCPS policy and regulation, and the consequences for violations are outlined in the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. We take these matters very seriously and respond in accordance with district protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.

We recognize that any serious incident leaves both questions and real anxieties. Please do not hesitate to reach out with me with questions or needs for support at [e-mail]

I'm hearing that Dr. Garrick is not being honest in this update.

Who are you hearing that from? What is he not being honest about?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:updated letter:

Good afternoon Northwood community:

The purpose of this letter is to provide an update and clarity to the incidents that occurred at Northwood High School on Thursday, September 11, 2025. We recognize that additional information and conflicting information are in the community and media. For the initial information about the incidents, please click here for the 9/11/25 community letter.

I want to send tremendous praise and thanks to our students, staff, and families for a fantastic response to the serious incidents. We have received feedback from our partners in Montgomery County Police and MCPS security praising everyone in our community: our students' quick response and seriousness during the incidents, our staff’s knowledge of procedures and responsiveness to students, and our parents/caregivers for being vital partners in keeping the situation calm as we navigated. We sometimes find out how strong a community is when we go through challenges.

As a follow-up to our incident involving the airsoft gun (BB gun), please see these clarifying points:
The item found by Montgomery County police was an airsoft gun (BB gun). It was not a firearm, a ghost gun, or any type of device that fires a bullet. This was confirmed visually by Montgomery County police to administration during the incident. Please be mindful of media reports with headlines such as “gun found”.
During the police search, a bullet was found on another student. This information was shared with administration after the incident was finalized as part of the police investigation. This student was not in possession of the airsoft gun, did not possess a weapon, and the bullet was not connected with the airsoft gun. We recognize that police photos frame the two items together. They are not connected items.
It is important to remind our entire school community that weapons of any kind — including firearms, airsoft/BB guns, knives, and any other objects that could be used to cause harm — are strictly prohibited on school property, at school-sponsored events, and on school transportation. This prohibition is clearly stated in MCPS policy and regulation, and the consequences for violations are outlined in the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. We take these matters very seriously and respond in accordance with district protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.

We recognize that any serious incident leaves both questions and real anxieties. Please do not hesitate to reach out with me with questions or needs for support at [e-mail]

I'm hearing that Dr. Garrick is not being honest in this update.

+1 Garrick is a liar

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Northwood parent here. Yesterday was a hard day.

The comms from the school were very good. Timely, shared info appropriately, etc. I was glad I had ParentSquare.

My kid felt supported through the day by teachers and staff.

But of course the situation itself was awful and it makes me scared to think about how many other kids have weapons in schools

Yesterday was indeed a hard day. I think that we parents need to follow up with Dr. Garrick and let him know that he needs to run a tight ship. There need to be serious consequences for these kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:updated letter:

Good afternoon Northwood community:

The purpose of this letter is to provide an update and clarity to the incidents that occurred at Northwood High School on Thursday, September 11, 2025. We recognize that additional information and conflicting information are in the community and media. For the initial information about the incidents, please click here for the 9/11/25 community letter.

I want to send tremendous praise and thanks to our students, staff, and families for a fantastic response to the serious incidents. We have received feedback from our partners in Montgomery County Police and MCPS security praising everyone in our community: our students' quick response and seriousness during the incidents, our staff’s knowledge of procedures and responsiveness to students, and our parents/caregivers for being vital partners in keeping the situation calm as we navigated. We sometimes find out how strong a community is when we go through challenges.

As a follow-up to our incident involving the airsoft gun (BB gun), please see these clarifying points:
The item found by Montgomery County police was an airsoft gun (BB gun). It was not a firearm, a ghost gun, or any type of device that fires a bullet. This was confirmed visually by Montgomery County police to administration during the incident. Please be mindful of media reports with headlines such as “gun found”.
During the police search, a bullet was found on another student. This information was shared with administration after the incident was finalized as part of the police investigation. This student was not in possession of the airsoft gun, did not possess a weapon, and the bullet was not connected with the airsoft gun. We recognize that police photos frame the two items together. They are not connected items.
It is important to remind our entire school community that weapons of any kind — including firearms, airsoft/BB guns, knives, and any other objects that could be used to cause harm — are strictly prohibited on school property, at school-sponsored events, and on school transportation. This prohibition is clearly stated in MCPS policy and regulation, and the consequences for violations are outlined in the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. We take these matters very seriously and respond in accordance with district protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.

We recognize that any serious incident leaves both questions and real anxieties. Please do not hesitate to reach out with me with questions or needs for support at [e-mail]

I'm hearing that Dr. Garrick is not being honest in this update.

+1 Garrick is a liar

These comments are meaningless unless you say what he is lying about

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:updated letter:

Good afternoon Northwood community:

The purpose of this letter is to provide an update and clarity to the incidents that occurred at Northwood High School on Thursday, September 11, 2025. We recognize that additional information and conflicting information are in the community and media. For the initial information about the incidents, please click here for the 9/11/25 community letter.

I want to send tremendous praise and thanks to our students, staff, and families for a fantastic response to the serious incidents. We have received feedback from our partners in Montgomery County Police and MCPS security praising everyone in our community: our students' quick response and seriousness during the incidents, our staff’s knowledge of procedures and responsiveness to students, and our parents/caregivers for being vital partners in keeping the situation calm as we navigated. We sometimes find out how strong a community is when we go through challenges.

As a follow-up to our incident involving the airsoft gun (BB gun), please see these clarifying points:
The item found by Montgomery County police was an airsoft gun (BB gun). It was not a firearm, a ghost gun, or any type of device that fires a bullet. This was confirmed visually by Montgomery County police to administration during the incident. Please be mindful of media reports with headlines such as “gun found”.
During the police search, a bullet was found on another student. This information was shared with administration after the incident was finalized as part of the police investigation. This student was not in possession of the airsoft gun, did not possess a weapon, and the bullet was not connected with the airsoft gun. We recognize that police photos frame the two items together. They are not connected items.
It is important to remind our entire school community that weapons of any kind — including firearms, airsoft/BB guns, knives, and any other objects that could be used to cause harm — are strictly prohibited on school property, at school-sponsored events, and on school transportation. This prohibition is clearly stated in MCPS policy and regulation, and the consequences for violations are outlined in the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. We take these matters very seriously and respond in accordance with district protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.

We recognize that any serious incident leaves both questions and real anxieties. Please do not hesitate to reach out with me with questions or needs for support at [e-mail]

I'm hearing that Dr. Garrick is not being honest in this update.

Who are you hearing that from? What is he not being honest about?

He’s lying when he says the BB gun and live round are not related. The BB gun was modified and could shoot live rounds.

[Anonymous]

A firearm bullet in a BB gun won't fire like a bullet in a real firearm, even if it's "modified". A "modified" bb gun that can actually strike a firearm bullet would be a regular firearm, not a BB gun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:updated letter:

Good afternoon Northwood community:

The purpose of this letter is to provide an update and clarity to the incidents that occurred at Northwood High School on Thursday, September 11, 2025. We recognize that additional information and conflicting information are in the community and media. For the initial information about the incidents, please click here for the 9/11/25 community letter.

I want to send tremendous praise and thanks to our students, staff, and families for a fantastic response to the serious incidents. We have received feedback from our partners in Montgomery County Police and MCPS security praising everyone in our community: our students' quick response and seriousness during the incidents, our staff’s knowledge of procedures and responsiveness to students, and our parents/caregivers for being vital partners in keeping the situation calm as we navigated. We sometimes find out how strong a community is when we go through challenges.

As a follow-up to our incident involving the airsoft gun (BB gun), please see these clarifying points:
The item found by Montgomery County police was an airsoft gun (BB gun). It was not a firearm, a ghost gun, or any type of device that fires a bullet. This was confirmed visually by Montgomery County police to administration during the incident. Please be mindful of media reports with headlines such as “gun found”.
During the police search, a bullet was found on another student. This information was shared with administration after the incident was finalized as part of the police investigation. This student was not in possession of the airsoft gun, did not possess a weapon, and the bullet was not connected with the airsoft gun. We recognize that police photos frame the two items together. They are not connected items.
It is important to remind our entire school community that weapons of any kind — including firearms, airsoft/BB guns, knives, and any other objects that could be used to cause harm — are strictly prohibited on school property, at school-sponsored events, and on school transportation. This prohibition is clearly stated in MCPS policy and regulation, and the consequences for violations are outlined in the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. We take these matters very seriously and respond in accordance with district protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.

We recognize that any serious incident leaves both questions and real anxieties. Please do not hesitate to reach out with me with questions or needs for support at [e-mail]

I'm hearing that Dr. Garrick is not being honest in this update.

Who are you hearing that from? What is he not being honest about?

He’s lying when he says the BB gun and live round are not related. The BB gun was modified and could shoot live rounds.

I have read some ridiculous things on this board but this might take the cake. Lay off the paint chips and tinfoil.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:updated letter:

Good afternoon Northwood community:

The purpose of this letter is to provide an update and clarity to the incidents that occurred at Northwood High School on Thursday, September 11, 2025. We recognize that additional information and conflicting information are in the community and media. For the initial information about the incidents, please click here for the 9/11/25 community letter.

I want to send tremendous praise and thanks to our students, staff, and families for a fantastic response to the serious incidents. We have received feedback from our partners in Montgomery County Police and MCPS security praising everyone in our community: our students' quick response and seriousness during the incidents, our staff’s knowledge of procedures and responsiveness to students, and our parents/caregivers for being vital partners in keeping the situation calm as we navigated. We sometimes find out how strong a community is when we go through challenges.

As a follow-up to our incident involving the airsoft gun (BB gun), please see these clarifying points:
The item found by Montgomery County police was an airsoft gun (BB gun). It was not a firearm, a ghost gun, or any type of device that fires a bullet. This was confirmed visually by Montgomery County police to administration during the incident. Please be mindful of media reports with headlines such as “gun found”.
During the police search, a bullet was found on another student. This information was shared with administration after the incident was finalized as part of the police investigation. This student was not in possession of the airsoft gun, did not possess a weapon, and the bullet was not connected with the airsoft gun. We recognize that police photos frame the two items together. They are not connected items.
It is important to remind our entire school community that weapons of any kind — including firearms, airsoft/BB guns, knives, and any other objects that could be used to cause harm — are strictly prohibited on school property, at school-sponsored events, and on school transportation. This prohibition is clearly stated in MCPS policy and regulation, and the consequences for violations are outlined in the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. We take these matters very seriously and respond in accordance with district protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.

We recognize that any serious incident leaves both questions and real anxieties. Please do not hesitate to reach out with me with questions or needs for support at [e-mail]

I'm hearing that Dr. Garrick is not being honest in this update.

Who are you hearing that from? What is he not being honest about?

He’s lying when he says the BB gun and live round are not related. The BB gun was modified and could shoot live rounds.

Are you sure of this? Lots of rumors flying around