Update: NBTHS Situation 2/28/25

Good Afternoon NBTSchools Community,

We wanted to follow up with more information about the incident that occurred at NBTHS earlier today.

This afternoon, as an NBTHS student was leaving the school building during the senior “early-out” process, they reported seeing an individual potentially armed with a weapon. We thank this student for immediately returning to the building and reporting the concern.

Our highly trained security, including our Class III Police Officers and Retired Police Officers, along with our administration, immediately made the safest decision possible for NBTHS: a lockdown. The lockdown then initiated a full response from the North Brunswick Police Department. We are very grateful that our police department was on scene within minutes. Their response was immediate and significant to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

Out of an abundance of caution, Judd Elementary was placed in a shelter-in-place which is very similar to a lockdown. A shelter-in-place allows instruction to continue within the classroom, but does not allow students/staff to move throughout the building, nor permits anyone to enter or leave the building. As a precaution, we decided to have students and staff shelter in place as it would allow for a quick, seamless transition to a full lockdown if police directed us to do so. Fortunately, we never had to initiate a lockdown on Judd campus. Both building principals notified their students’ families of the situation at those schools as soon as they were able. The district then sent an alert to all of our families and staff to inform them of the situation.

When the NBPD concluded that there was no threat to NBTHS, the lockdown at NBTHS and the shelter-in-place at Judd Elementary were both lifted. At this time, the principals, as well as the district, notified all families and staff.

After the lockdown was lifted at NBTHS, high school students were instructed to remain in their classrooms to await dismissal procedures. Unfortunately, a student did not follow instructions, left the classroom, and ran out of the building. Police were still on campus and quickly responded. Seeing a student fleeing the building and not knowing why, security decided to initiate a second lockdown. Police confirmed that this student simply made a bad decision and was not a threat. Again, the building was confirmed safe, and the second lockdown was lifted. We immediately notified families and staff of this second lockdown, the reason for it, and that it had quickly concluded.

We know that the second lockdown caused confusion to students, staff, and families; however, erring on the side of caution will always be NBTSchools’ response to any situation. Our highest priority is the safety of our students and our staff.

As is NBTSchools’ protocol, district administration will be meeting to debrief, reflect, and make any necessary adjustments to our procedures.

Thank you for your continued support.

We wish you all a restful weekend.

John Adams Elementary School