This letter was received Friday evening, January 22, from Seth Boyden Elementary School Principal Mark Quiles:

Dear Seth Boyden Families: 

At approximately 12:40 p.m. today, a burglary was committed a short distance away from Seth Boyden on Springfield Avenue. A suspect was seen by the police running through backyards nearby Seth Boyden. In an effort to apprehend the suspect, Maplewood police quickly ran down our driveway and through the side of our property in our strawberry field garden area. They passed through our property and quickly left the school grounds within a few minutes. I was notified immediately. At no point was any suspect on our school property.  

For the safety and wellbeing of everyone, the fourth and fifth grade students who were outside at the time, we sent back inside to finish their recess in their classrooms. With the assistance of our lunch monitors, the students were brought into the building in an orderly manner. Before one of the detectives left the school ground, I asked if the school needed to be put on lockdown. The answer at that time was simply to keep the children inside, especially as it related to recess. A lockdown was not necessary. 

Later on in the day close to dismissal, I received notification that there was continued police activity in the area. As a result, school was locked down and dismissal was delayed 15 minutes. When word was given that the situation was resolved, all students were dismissed for the day. Please note that our entire staff is keenly aware of the safety and well being of our students. Their diligence and professionalism was clearly seen once more during this incident. I also want to thank Superintendent Brian Osborne and Assistant Principal Raquel Horn for their on the scene support during our lockdown. As we go into the weekend, the stories that our children will tell will grow in size, detail and intensity.  

Please note that the truth of the matter is far less "colorful" and more mundane. If there are any concerns, please feel free to contact us at the school.  

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this brief, but critical moment.   

Sincerely,  

Mark Quiles

Principal

Seth Boyden Demonstration School