RMHS Serious Incident today

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My straight A kid is very upset about this. We live in one of the “higher end” feeder neighborhoods and are surprised by how often issues like this occur. My kid asked me where would a high schooler get a gun—they just could not understand. BTW-we are a minority family and the same race as the perpetrator. Mentioning this because often we all get painted with the same broad brush.

Mentioning the straight A's just makes you sound like every other dcmom so you're good.

Alicia Deeny continues to be terrible. How about something in that letter like, "the child has been removed from RM and will no longer go there?"

Bringing a gun to school seems like a deal breaker to me, but knowing Deeny, she doesn't want to mention anything punitive because "equity."

MCPS principals do not have the unilateral legal authority to expel. They can request expulsion, but it is a process that they must follow.

I am assuming the expelled child just gets moved to a different hs right? They can not be denied an education?

There are also alternative schools like RICA where MCPS can send them.

The alternative schools are a last resort. MCPS these days defaults to transferring troubled kids to other high schools before they go to RICA.

For example, the kid who shot up the Wheaton Metro in May this year, was a Magruder High School student: https://www.fox5dc.com/news/grandmother-grieves-over-wheaton-metro-shooting-victim

But I understand he was a Kennedy student and was transferred to Magruder due to bad behavior at Kennedy. Same thing with the football player kid who sexually assaulted his teammates with brooms. He was transferred to Damascus from another MCPS high school for a pattern of troubling behavior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My straight A kid is very upset about this. We live in one of the “higher end” feeder neighborhoods and are surprised by how often issues like this occur. My kid asked me where would a high schooler get a gun—they just could not understand. BTW-we are a minority family and the same race as the perpetrator. Mentioning this because often we all get painted with the same broad brush.

Serious question and not in the faux calling you a racist vein that I've seen all too often on these boards - how do you know the race of the perpetrator? Do you have any more details on the incident? I also have RM students and neither had any idea of the incident yesterday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So sad to hear this!

Dear Richard Montgomery High School Community,

I share this message with a mix of concern and relief. Today, in collaboration with the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) and MCPS security, our school administration successfully intervened to confiscate a loaded handgun from one of our students. The initial alert from MCPD raised a potential threat, prompting swift coordination between the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD), school administration, and security.

Through effective communication, coordination, and prompt action, we identified and apprehended the individual, safely recovered the weapon, and minimized disruption to our school day.

I recognize that you may feel anxious due to this and other serious incident messages. It is important to understand we take safety very seriously and we will be examining how we can bring ever higher levels of safety to our school. This is our collective desire and our commitment as a school system. I can affirm that RM is a remarkable school, home to dedicated staff who embody the spirit of public service, demonstrating resilience and commitment daily. As a community, we are resolute in our mission to maintain a secure and positive learning environment for our students. This incident is not who we are as a school or community.

While this incident remains an active police investigation, our commitment to your safety remains a focus. For this incident due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, I'm unable to share specific details at this time; should we learn more information important to share with our community, I will do so.

For the remainder of today, our collaboration with law enforcement continues, with police presence around our premises. The Bridge to Wellness team is available to support students and staff.

To parents, students, and staff, your solidarity is deeply appreciated. We remain united as a school family, working alongside our community partners to address our safety concerns.

Warm regards,

Alicia Deeny
Principal

RM strikes again!! Not even surprised anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Love Ms Deeny. Big loss to TPMS, gain to RM. not a notification you want to get but well handled.

It's good you like it because you got to read it twice this month! Deeny didn't have control over students at TPMS and she doesn't have control at RMIB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yep. The gun was used in a shooting in Germantown last night. ( no one was hit)
Glad the Police found the gun quickly but it never should have made it into the building.

How could they stop them? It’s not like anyone’s checking. They’re just making sure no kids from other schools are getting in.

Maybe they could turn schools into kid prisons! That would help!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sad to hear this!

Dear Richard Montgomery High School Community,

I share this message with a mix of concern and relief. Today, in collaboration with the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) and MCPS security, our school administration successfully intervened to confiscate a loaded handgun from one of our students. The initial alert from MCPD raised a potential threat, prompting swift coordination between the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD), school administration, and security.

Through effective communication, coordination, and prompt action, we identified and apprehended the individual, safely recovered the weapon, and minimized disruption to our school day.

I recognize that you may feel anxious due to this and other serious incident messages. It is important to understand we take safety very seriously and we will be examining how we can bring ever higher levels of safety to our school. This is our collective desire and our commitment as a school system. I can affirm that RM is a remarkable school, home to dedicated staff who embody the spirit of public service, demonstrating resilience and commitment daily. As a community, we are resolute in our mission to maintain a secure and positive learning environment for our students. This incident is not who we are as a school or community.

While this incident remains an active police investigation, our commitment to your safety remains a focus. For this incident due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, I'm unable to share specific details at this time; should we learn more information important to share with our community, I will do so.

For the remainder of today, our collaboration with law enforcement continues, with police presence around our premises. The Bridge to Wellness team is available to support students and staff.

To parents, students, and staff, your solidarity is deeply appreciated. We remain united as a school family, working alongside our community partners to address our safety concerns.

Warm regards,

Alicia Deeny
Principal

RM strikes again!! Not even surprised anymore.

I know! It's scary especially the W's with all their guns and knives these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So sad to hear this!

Dear Richard Montgomery High School Community,

I share this message with a mix of concern and relief. Today, in collaboration with the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) and MCPS security, our school administration successfully intervened to confiscate a loaded handgun from one of our students. The initial alert from MCPD raised a potential threat, prompting swift coordination between the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD), school administration, and security.

Through effective communication, coordination, and prompt action, we identified and apprehended the individual, safely recovered the weapon, and minimized disruption to our school day.

I recognize that you may feel anxious due to this and other serious incident messages. It is important to understand we take safety very seriously and we will be examining how we can bring ever higher levels of safety to our school. This is our collective desire and our commitment as a school system. I can affirm that RM is a remarkable school, home to dedicated staff who embody the spirit of public service, demonstrating resilience and commitment daily. As a community, we are resolute in our mission to maintain a secure and positive learning environment for our students. This incident is not who we are as a school or community.

While this incident remains an active police investigation, our commitment to your safety remains a focus. For this incident due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, I'm unable to share specific details at this time; should we learn more information important to share with our community, I will do so.

For the remainder of today, our collaboration with law enforcement continues, with police presence around our premises. The Bridge to Wellness team is available to support students and staff.

To parents, students, and staff, your solidarity is deeply appreciated. We remain united as a school family, working alongside our community partners to address our safety concerns.

Warm regards,

Alicia Deeny
Principal

RM strikes again!! Not even surprised anymore.

I know! It's scary especially the W's with all their guns and knives these days.

Pathetic response

[Anonymous]

Here is an update:

Dear RMHS Families,

I am writing in response to a question that has been asked by some regarding why our school did not go into a lockdown or a shelter in place during yesterday’s incident.

As was previously shared, this was a closely coordinated effort with the Rockville City Police Department on our campus throughout the incident. The RCPD, administration, and security initially responded to an unverified concern about a possible weapon. The situation was resolved immediately with the cooperation of the student as well as the parents of the student. Because of the immediate resolution of the concern by the RCPD and with constant communication and coordination throughout the incident, it was never deemed necessary to call either a shelter in place or a lockdown. Furthermore, either of these actions would have impaired the ability of the police and administration to respond appropriately to the situation.

Please keep in mind that a lockdown is called when there is imminent threat or danger to the school. A shelter in place is called if there is a need to pause movement within the whole school to address a situation due to circumstances either within the building or in the community. Because this situation was quickly isolated, there was never a need for either of these to be put in place. As previously shared, because this is an ongoing investigation, I am not able to share more details at this time.

I understand the incredible concern and anxiety that an incident such as this one causes our community. Nevertheless, the actions of law enforcement, administration, and school security resulted in the best possible outcome under the circumstances.

Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

Sincerely,
Alicia Deeny
Principal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is an update:

Dear RMHS Families,

I am writing in response to a question that has been asked by some regarding why our school did not go into a lockdown or a shelter in place during yesterday’s incident.

As was previously shared, this was a closely coordinated effort with the Rockville City Police Department on our campus throughout the incident. The RCPD, administration, and security initially responded to an unverified concern about a possible weapon. The situation was resolved immediately with the cooperation of the student as well as the parents of the student. Because of the immediate resolution of the concern by the RCPD and with constant communication and coordination throughout the incident, it was never deemed necessary to call either a shelter in place or a lockdown. Furthermore, either of these actions would have impaired the ability of the police and administration to respond appropriately to the situation.

Please keep in mind that a lockdown is called when there is imminent threat or danger to the school. A shelter in place is called if there is a need to pause movement within the whole school to address a situation due to circumstances either within the building or in the community. Because this situation was quickly isolated, there was never a need for either of these to be put in place. As previously shared, because this is an ongoing investigation, I am not able to share more details at this time.

I understand the incredible concern and anxiety that an incident such as this one causes our community. Nevertheless, the actions of law enforcement, administration, and school security resulted in the best possible outcome under the circumstances.

Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

Sincerely,
Alicia Deeny
Principal

I think the entire situation was handled very well. And, I'm not normally an MCPS cheerleader (much to complain about). A lockdown would not have been helpful, and our kids were kept safe with little disruption.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here is an update:

Dear RMHS Families,

I am writing in response to a question that has been asked by some regarding why our school did not go into a lockdown or a shelter in place during yesterday’s incident.

As was previously shared, this was a closely coordinated effort with the Rockville City Police Department on our campus throughout the incident. The RCPD, administration, and security initially responded to an unverified concern about a possible weapon. The situation was resolved immediately with the cooperation of the student as well as the parents of the student. Because of the immediate resolution of the concern by the RCPD and with constant communication and coordination throughout the incident, it was never deemed necessary to call either a shelter in place or a lockdown. Furthermore, either of these actions would have impaired the ability of the police and administration to respond appropriately to the situation.

Please keep in mind that a lockdown is called when there is imminent threat or danger to the school. A shelter in place is called if there is a need to pause movement within the whole school to address a situation due to circumstances either within the building or in the community. Because this situation was quickly isolated, there was never a need for either of these to be put in place. As previously shared, because this is an ongoing investigation, I am not able to share more details at this time.

I understand the incredible concern and anxiety that an incident such as this one causes our community. Nevertheless, the actions of law enforcement, administration, and school security resulted in the best possible outcome under the circumstances.

Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

Sincerely,
Alicia Deeny
Principal

I think the entire situation was handled very well. And, I'm not normally an MCPS cheerleader (much to complain about). A lockdown would not have been helpful, and our kids were kept safe with little disruption.

Yeah, I think even this follow-up communication is good. It does speak though to how poorly MCPS communicates and sets expectations about safety and security though.

[Anonymous]

I think the entire situation was handled very well. And, I'm not normally an MCPS cheerleader (much to complain about). A lockdown would not have been helpful, and our kids were kept safe with little disruption.

+1. I still have many questions but appreciate that there is a lot that cannot be shared when the investigation is still ongoing. I do hope that the kid is permanently expelled. The kids at RM have a right to feel safe in their school... all the gains that were made since the last incident have been wiped away and the trust has to be rebuilt again.

[Anonymous]

Breaking news! An RM kid was shot (not on school grounds or in Rockville):

“Dear Richard Montgomery High School Families,

It saddens me to send one more serious incident letter this weekend concerning one of our RMHS students. I have been made aware that one of our students was the victim of a gunshot on Friday evening. This was a community incident, unrelated to our school or school-sponsored activities, and did not occur in Rockville. The student suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is in the hospital recovering. I have been in contact with the family and have promised any support our school or the district can offer to assist them with this matter. I believe that it is important to share this difficult news with you to be transparent about the situations that are occurring in our community. I also want you and our students to be aware that our school is available to support any student who has concerns about this incident should they learn about it via the news or their social network.

This is the third time I have sent a message about safety and security connected to RMHS within the last week. I wrote to you previously about an unrelated incident in which a gun was confiscated from one of our students on Friday. The three incidents are unrelated to one another. However, I recognize all of this may cause anxiety for our students, staff, and families. Our counselors, Bridge to Wellness team and other MCPS support will be available tomorrow for our staff and students should they need to speak to someone. Furthermore, we are organizing a community meeting after the Thanksgiving break to address any questions or concerns.

As of Sunday evening, the meeting date and time still need to be set but will be communicated within the next two days. We will organize essential school, school system, police, and other community partners there to have all the necessary support for a full conversation. I believe it is important to come together as a community to discuss these incidents openly, share information, and address any concerns you may have.

In preparation for the meeting, we would like to hear from you in advance. I have created a form for you to submit any questions or concerns you would like addressed during the meeting. The form can be found at https://forms.gle/7d7hzC9BUVYH6pPJ7. My commitment is to an open conversation rooted in collaboration and transparency. Having said that, these incidents involve police matters, students, and student privacy afforded by law may mean that some details about these incidents may not be able to be shared.

Together, we can navigate these difficulties and prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and the entire Richard Montgomery community.

Sincerely,
Alicia Deeny
Principal
Richard Montgomery High School“

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I think the entire situation was handled very well. And, I'm not normally an MCPS cheerleader (much to complain about). A lockdown would not have been helpful, and our kids were kept safe with little disruption.

+1. I still have many questions but appreciate that there is a lot that cannot be shared when the investigation is still ongoing. I do hope that the kid is permanently expelled. The kids at RM have a right to feel safe in their school... all the gains that were made since the last incident have been wiped away and the trust has to be rebuilt again.

More likely the kid will be transferred to another high school. Maybe Magruder or Damascus, like we have seen happen before.

MCPS is required to educate kids. Even kids with guns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Breaking news! An RM kid was shot (not on school grounds or in Rockville):

“Dear Richard Montgomery High School Families,

It saddens me to send one more serious incident letter this weekend concerning one of our RMHS students. I have been made aware that one of our students was the victim of a gunshot on Friday evening. This was a community incident, unrelated to our school or school-sponsored activities, and did not occur in Rockville. The student suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is in the hospital recovering. I have been in contact with the family and have promised any support our school or the district can offer to assist them with this matter. I believe that it is important to share this difficult news with you to be transparent about the situations that are occurring in our community. I also want you and our students to be aware that our school is available to support any student who has concerns about this incident should they learn about it via the news or their social network.

This is the third time I have sent a message about safety and security connected to RMHS within the last week. I wrote to you previously about an unrelated incident in which a gun was confiscated from one of our students on Friday. The three incidents are unrelated to one another. However, I recognize all of this may cause anxiety for our students, staff, and families. Our counselors, Bridge to Wellness team and other MCPS support will be available tomorrow for our staff and students should they need to speak to someone. Furthermore, we are organizing a community meeting after the Thanksgiving break to address any questions or concerns.

As of Sunday evening, the meeting date and time still need to be set but will be communicated within the next two days. We will organize essential school, school system, police, and other community partners there to have all the necessary support for a full conversation. I believe it is important to come together as a community to discuss these incidents openly, share information, and address any concerns you may have.

In preparation for the meeting, we would like to hear from you in advance. I have created a form for you to submit any questions or concerns you would like addressed during the meeting. The form can be found at https://forms.gle/7d7hzC9BUVYH6pPJ7. My commitment is to an open conversation rooted in collaboration and transparency. Having said that, these incidents involve police matters, students, and student privacy afforded by law may mean that some details about these incidents may not be able to be shared.

Together, we can navigate these difficulties and prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and the entire Richard Montgomery community.

Sincerely,
Alicia Deeny
Principal
Richard Montgomery High School“

Yeah, this really has nothing to do with RM. Pretty irrelevant. Did not happen on school grounds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Breaking news! An RM kid was shot (not on school grounds or in Rockville):

“Dear Richard Montgomery High School Families,

It saddens me to send one more serious incident letter this weekend concerning one of our RMHS students. I have been made aware that one of our students was the victim of a gunshot on Friday evening. This was a community incident, unrelated to our school or school-sponsored activities, and did not occur in Rockville. The student suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is in the hospital recovering. I have been in contact with the family and have promised any support our school or the district can offer to assist them with this matter. I believe that it is important to share this difficult news with you to be transparent about the situations that are occurring in our community. I also want you and our students to be aware that our school is available to support any student who has concerns about this incident should they learn about it via the news or their social network.

This is the third time I have sent a message about safety and security connected to RMHS within the last week. I wrote to you previously about an unrelated incident in which a gun was confiscated from one of our students on Friday. The three incidents are unrelated to one another. However, I recognize all of this may cause anxiety for our students, staff, and families. Our counselors, Bridge to Wellness team and other MCPS support will be available tomorrow for our staff and students should they need to speak to someone. Furthermore, we are organizing a community meeting after the Thanksgiving break to address any questions or concerns.

As of Sunday evening, the meeting date and time still need to be set but will be communicated within the next two days. We will organize essential school, school system, police, and other community partners there to have all the necessary support for a full conversation. I believe it is important to come together as a community to discuss these incidents openly, share information, and address any concerns you may have.

In preparation for the meeting, we would like to hear from you in advance. I have created a form for you to submit any questions or concerns you would like addressed during the meeting. The form can be found at https://forms.gle/7d7hzC9BUVYH6pPJ7. My commitment is to an open conversation rooted in collaboration and transparency. Having said that, these incidents involve police matters, students, and student privacy afforded by law may mean that some details about these incidents may not be able to be shared.

Together, we can navigate these difficulties and prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and the entire Richard Montgomery community.

Sincerely,
Alicia Deeny
Principal
Richard Montgomery High School“

Yeah, this really has nothing to do with RM. Pretty irrelevant. Did not happen on school grounds.

Agree. The only thing it shows is that the surrounding areas are dangerous.