Originally Posted by Nachtwächter

Gun-warning letter sent to Tantasqua families

By Bill Fortier TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
wfortier@telegram.com




STURBRIDGE— School officials sent a letter home with students this week telling parents and guardians “that five or fewer” students at Tantasqua Senior High School “may be involved with gun issues.”

Police did not return telephone calls yesterday seeking information on the matter.

Superintendent of Schools Kathleen H. Reynolds said school officials met with police this week to talk about information that some students at the school might have an interest in possessing or buying a gun. Ms. Reynolds said it was her understanding that possibly two students at the high school might be arrested. As of yesterday afternoon, she did not know if that occurred.

Ms. Reynolds said no guns had been found at the school.

“There is no evidence whatsoever that any were on the property of the school,” she said.

In the letter mailed and given to high school students to take home Thursday, Ms. Reynolds said, “Youngsters have reported during questioning that they knew of someone who had purchased a gun or knew of someone who wished to purchase a gun.”

Ms. Reynolds said in the letter that school officials want to keep parents and guardians “informed of all occurrences.”

“Please know that school staff are working in close collaboration with the Sturbridge police department and with related law-enforcement agencies to determine the accuracy of reports and to ensure the safety of all our youngsters.

“We are asking parents to please have conversations with their youngsters regarding any rumors or firsthand knowledge that they may have regarding gun possession among Tantasqua High School students.”

“In this community this isn’t the kind of thing we expect,” Ms. Reynolds said.

She said yesterday afternoon that with the exception of one student who objected to the word “youngster,” there had been no reaction to Thursday’s letter.