Acting 'responsibly during this emergency'

On Thursday, Dec. 1, the Monroe-Woodbury High School had to be evacuated because of an exterior security lighting malfunction that resulted in one of our classrooms filling with smoke. After quickly assessing the situation, in collaboration with Elsie Rodriguez, principal of the Middle School, and the administrative teams of both schools, I enacted our safety plan to expeditiously move approximately 2,700 students and staff to the Middle School. Students walked to the Middle School in an orderly manner and were led to safe shelter in the auditorium, gymnasium and cafeterias. Upon arrival at the Middle School, faculty members from both schools worked together to ensure that all students were safe, warm and comfortable. I would like to thank Mrs. Rodriguez, her faculty and staff, the entire Monroe-Woodbury High School administrative team and faculty for their professionalism and support, and most of all, the students who behaved so reasonably and responsibly during this emergency. David Bernsley, principal Monroe-Woodbury High School