February 9, 2022 Community Update: Important Update on Feb. 8 Shooting at Catonsville High School
Good Afternoon Catonsville High School Community,
I am writing to provide you with an important update. Yesterday was an incredibly difficult day for our school community. Students and staff returned to our building this morning and have shown such incredible care and compassion for one another. I am so very proud of our team here at CHS and I am especially proud of our students. Teachers spoke with students in each class and our CHS counselors, working with counseling support from BCPS central office and the Baltimore County Police Department, provided a safe space for students to express their concerns and get support. Superintendent Darryl Williams and County Executive Johnny Olszewski spent the morning at our school speaking with students and staff and offering their support. Counseling staff will continue to be available to our staff and students the rest of the week.
The investigation into yesterday’s shooting is ongoing and I want to assure you that BCPS is working closely with BCPD on this matter. BCPD has informed us that they have taken several individuals into custody. Detectives believe this shooting was targeted and resulted from an argument that began off school property earlier in the day. As the investigation continues, members of our community can expect to see an enhanced police presence in and around our school. We continue to send our thoughts and prayers to our student and their family and friends and are hoping for a speedy recovery. Anyone with information about what transpired yesterday is asked to call 410-307-2020 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.
On a personal note, I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and well wishes from so many of you. Your offers of support and words of encouragement serve as an important reminder of just how critical community is—in good times and especially during our most challenging times. I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing community that has rallied around our students and staff. As many of you know, I am the proud parent of a Catonsville High School student. I have lived in Catonsville for 30 years. I am fully invested in the success and safety of our school and our community. It will take our entire community working together to heal and recover from this horrific event, but I am confident that we will because we are Comet strong.
I promise to lead us through this and I promise to do this with open communication and a steady hand at the wheel. Thank you for your unwavering support of Catonsville High School.