Students at West Hartford’s Hall High School spent several hours on Tuesday in a ‘Secure the Classroom’ protocol while police conducted an investigation into a report involving a possible weapon. 

By Ronni Newton

Students at Hall High School remained in their classrooms for roughly four hours on Tuesday as West Hartford Police conducted a thorough investigation into reported information.

An email from Hall Principal Sarah Isaacs was sent to the Hall community just after 10 a.m., advising parents and caregivers that the “Secure the Classroom” protocol had been activated while police were investigating. “Secure the Classroom” is different from a lockdown, and is intended to keep the hallways clear of students and staff. While the protocol is in place, anyone who needed to leave a classroom – including to use the restroom – received an escort by a member of the police department as part of standard procedure.

“We kindly ask parents and caregivers not to come to the school at this time so that we can allow police and school staff to work efficiently and without interruption,” Isaacs’ email stated.

West Hartford Police Capt. Aaron Vafiades said information reported came from a student who overheard something that they believed involved a weapon, and prompted a thorough search by police which did not turn up any weapons.

In an email sent out just after 1:30 p.m., Isaacs provided further details regarding the incident. The following is her email that was sent to the Hall community:

Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

At approximately 8:47 a.m., we received a report involving a possible weapon at Hall High School. West Hartford Police responded immediately, and we initiated a Secure the Classroom protocol to ensure the safety of all students and staff. Out of an abundance of caution, police thoroughly investigated the concern, no weapon was located, and we were able to lift the Secure the Classroom protocol at 12:43 p.m. Throughout the incident, students, staff, and our school remained safe.

We are deeply grateful for the swift response of the West Hartford Police Department, our school security team, our teachers, and our students. Their calm cooperation allowed us to address the situation efficiently and effectively.

At this time, we are not able to share additional details about today’s events. Please know that your student’s safety is always our highest priority, and we will continue to act with the greatest care and urgency whenever a safety concern arises.

We also understand that situations like this can feel alarming and may bring up a range of emotions. If your student needs any support, please reach out to their administrator or school counselor. We are here to help and to ensure that all members of our community feel safe and supported at Hall High School.

Thank you for your cooperation, understanding, and trust.

Assistant Chief Rob Riccobon confirmed to We-Ha.com just after noon on Tuesday that although the Secure the School protocol had not yet been lifted at that time, everyone inside Hall was safe and there was not a threat. “There’s a lot of police presence, but no danger,” Riccobon said.

West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus confirmed that securing the classrooms is a protocol used in situations where the hallways need to be kept clear for the purpose of an investigation. It’s also a protocol used, for example, when there is a medical incident in the school.

At 12:43 p.m., when the “Secure the Classroom” protocol was lifted, students and staff were allowed to move freely through the building, and lunch could be served. Vicinus said dismissal would take place at the normal time.

After school activities at West Hartford Public Schools were canceled Tuesday – but that was due to the weather and unrelated to the police investigation at Hall.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.