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Disturbing matters on consecutive Fridays at Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., have led to enhanced security for the remainder of the year. At approximately 8:30 a.m. May 9, the Philadelphia Police Department notified administrators at the East Passyunk Crossing-based institution that it had received a report that an individual might have brought a firearm inside. Students and faculty members remained in their classrooms as police performed a preliminary search of the building, Archdiocese of Philadelphia spokesman Ken Gavin said, with no weapon apparent.
A noon dismissal occurred to allow for a more thorough investigation, and families received communication that afternoon. On Monday, new safety procedures went into effect, Gavin said, with all students, faculty and staff to enter the school through one entrance and all bags receiving security inspection.
The Archdiocese and the Public Affairs Unit revealed last week’s episode has no connection to a May 2 event that resulted in the arrest of a now-former pupil of the Catholic facility. In the latter matter, administrators learned the aforementioned pupil allegedly threatened the safety of a handful of students, Gavin said, with the school providing information to all school families on May 4. An investigation, which did not disclose what prompted the teen’s supposed actions, led officials to the in-question youth, of whom they reportedly found a video playing with a butterfly knife when searching his home, Officer Christine O’Brien said.
The boy, whose name will remain undisclosed because of his minor status, was charged with making terroristic threats, harassment and simple assault. The Archdiocese announced his expulsion from Neumann-Goretti and stated he will not be able to seek admission to any of its high schools.
In response to the events, the school has teamed with a private security firm to prevent similar sorts of unease.
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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