Schools

NBC Reporter Sparks School Safety Controversy

A Tuscan Elementary PTA and Principal Roundtable meeting on school safety was scheduled after an NBC reporter's visit.

An NBC reporter was recently given access and was allegedly able to wander the halls of Tuscan Elementary School, stirring up concerns over school safety, according to a recent report.

On Thursday, Dec. 5, NBC's Jeff Rossen entered the school and deliberately did not report to the main office in an attempt to show how poor school safety is in the wake of recent tragedies at places like the Newtown, CT, The Maplewoodian reported.

Saturday, Dec. 14 marks the one year anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in Newtown.

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“Rather than following the standard protocol of reporting to the office upon arrival to sign in, the reporter proceeded immediately and without hesitation in the direction opposite the main office,” Principal Malikah Tamar Majeed said in a letter to parents. “Office staff quickly began a search when the visitor did not report to the office, and intercepted him already returning to the office.”

"Upon signing in, he identified himself as a reporter, and requested a meeting with the principal regarding a news story about schools," the letter continued. "He also provided a driver’s license and contact information to the office staff, upon request, prior to exiting the building."

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PTA President Alan Stephenson will hold a school safety committee meeting in the Tuscan School auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 to discuss school safety.

“I found last week's events disturbing on many levels,” said Stephenson. “I know safety issues at Tuscan are of paramount importance to you all, especially after last week’s visit from the investigative reporter.”

“The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority,” said Principal Majeed. “Moving forward, as we continue to reinforce our established safety practices, we ask for your partnership and cooperation in contributing to the overall security of Tuscan School.  Please help us in the following ways:”

  • Know that our school must remain locked at all times.

  • Unauthorized visitors are prohibited, and cameras monitor all who enter our building. 

  • Visitors at any time during the day are to only enter the school through the main entrance on Harvard Avenue.  While this may be an inconvenience for some visitors, it is an essential step to secure the building.

  • When at the front door buzzing in, please announce your name and purpose for visiting to the front office staff. Be patient if clarifying questions are asked.

  • Please do not hold open the door for other visitors. Each visitor must announce themselves and state their purpose.

  • All visitors at any time during the day MUST to report directly to the front office.  Once there, you are to sign in, announce your intention, and wait for direction. This procedure does not change afterschool.

Click here to read the full letters from Principal Majeed and Alan Stephenson.


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