K9 Search at UHS

September 7, 2018

Dear Uxbridge Community:

This morning, it is likely that upon arrival families and students noticed an increased police presence at Uxbridge High School, including the presence of K9 units. In conjunction with the Uxbridge police and other local law enforcement partners, we took several precautions to ensure safety at the UHS campus, based on a threat discovered after school on Thursday. All items brought into the buildings, as well as all buses and several classroom areas, were searched by the police and K9 units.

Upon arrival, we asked students to follow this procedure:

1. Report to the gymnasium and leave all belongings, backpacks, pocketbooks/purses, etc.
2. Report from the gymnasium to first period class.
3. Await further instruction from administration, via PA, as to when belongings can be retrieved.

Students were permitted to bring their iPads and notebooks to class. Students’ belongings will be returned to them at the end of first block, and no students, nor their belongings, were left unsupervised at any time. Throughout the search, students and staff were respectful and patient, and we appreciate the cooperation. We are pleased to report that no contraband was found.

We want to emphasize that this precautionary measure was an effort taken to demonstrate how serious our district administration and public safety partners are about keeping our school safe. We are grateful for our collaboration with Uxbridge police, the diligence of our staff, and, most importantly, the cooperation of our students.

Finally, we remind students and parents alike that possession of weapons or drugs on school grounds is a violation of the Student-Parent Handbook, which may also carry with it criminal consequences. As such, when students are found to be in possession of either narcotics or weapons, the situations are handled to the fullest extent of the Handbook and Massachusetts General Laws.

As always, we appreciate your patience, understanding, vigilance, and cooperation.

Sincerely yours,

Michael D. Rubin, Principal

Uxbridge High School