No damage reported after student lights small fire in Jacobs classroom

Hull police and school officials are investigating after a Jacobs Elementary School student allegedly lit a small fire in a classroom Tuesday afternoon.
Principal Christine Cappadona and Hull School Resource Officer Leanne Marshalsea were informed that, around 2 p.m., a fifth grade student had used a box of matches to light a stack of tissues on fire in the corner of one the school's technology classrooms.
Between periods, the student allegedly entered an empty classroom. When he was determined to be missing, a teacher went to investigate and saw the student exiting the classroom. Moments later, another teacher went into the classroom and discovered the fire. The teacher was able to grab the stack of tissues and put the fire out in the classroom sink.
The fire was very small and was contained to just the stack of tissues, according to a joint press statement issued by schools Superintendent Michael Devine and Police Chief John Dunn.
Because the blaze was so small, the fire alarms did not sound and school maintenance staff were able to quickly vent and clean the classroom.
Administrators retrieved the matches from the student, who has been removed from the school on an emergency basis. The Hull Police Department is investigating, but because of the student's age, criminal charges are not possible. Police are advising and offering resources to the school district.
No one was injured, and there was no damage to the building or any school materials.
"I want to commend teachers and staff at the Jacobs Elementary School for their swift actions that led to a quick resolution without injury or damage to school property," the superintendent said.

No school in Hull Monday

Due to the impending snowstorm, Superintendent Michael Devine has decided that Hull Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, March 4.

Student threatens firearms use at Hull High, but no weapon found

Superintendent Michael F. Devine and Hull High School Principal Nicole Nosek report that Hull Public Schools leaders acted swiftly after a student reportedly uttered threats against the school.
On Wednesday at approximately 9 a.m., it was reported to the high school main office that a student had made a threat to harm others with a firearm. The studentwas identified, and the Hull Police Department was called immediately.
A search revealed no weapons, and the police department took over from there. The administration will take the proper actions with regard to this student, according to a statement issued by the school district this morning, but there was no immediate threat and no danger to the high school. At no point was there a direct threat to students or staff. The school day is continuing without interruption.
"What matters most in this unfortunate situation is that our students, faculty and staff are not in danger," Devine said. "The policies and procedures we have in place for these kinds of situations were followed correctly, and the situation was resolved without further escalation or disruption to our school community."

Afternoon classes resumed after morning lockdown at Memorial

The following is a statement from schools Superintendent Michael Devine and Police Chief John Dunn regarding an incident at the Memorial Middle School Tuesday morning:

At approximately 11:30 a.m., Hull Police received a call from administration at Memorial Middle School, 81 Central Ave., after a male eighth-grade student made a concerning remark about a firearm.The student then left the building. 

Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed on lockdown. Police located the student a few blocks from the school, and he was taken to an area hospital for an evaluation.

No weapons were found in the building and there is no threat to students, faculty, or the community. The student's parents were contacted; no weapons were found in their home during a subsequent search. The lockdown was lifted at noon and classes resumed as is normal.

The incident remains under investigation by the Hull Police Department.

No school – or after-school events – Tuesday

Superintendent Michael Devine issued the following post on the Hull Emergency Management page on Facebook:

Good afternoon. Due to the intense storm forecast to affect the entire region, Hull Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday March 13th. This also means that there will be no Kidscare or after-school activities tomorrow.

I sincerely hope that this is the last one of these calls that I have to make to you this year. I am also hopeful that our students will take advantage of the snow day tomorrow to read and study. Also – if you are old enough and have the opportunity – tomorrow would be a great day to show a random act of kindness by shoveling out a neighbor who may be unable to do so themselves. Just an idea.

Have a good night and a safe day tomorrow.