UPPER GWYNEDD — Police have shared more details from their initial investigation into Wednesday’s attack at Pennbrook Middle School, which led to one student being hospitalized with head injuries.
According to Upper Gwynedd Police Chief David Duffy, the attack happened in the school cafeteria at 1:20 p.m. It involved a 13-year-old attacker and a 12-year-old victim, according to the police.
“Video shows a sudden, violent, unprovoked attack with the attacker approaching the victim from behind,” Duffy explained.
Investigators confirmed that the attacker hit the victim in the head with a Stanley tumbler, causing a head wound. The victim was taken from the scene by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment.
In a message on Wednesday evening, Duffy mentioned that the victim needed staples to close cuts on their head, and is currently following a concussion protocol.
After the attack, Pennbrook Principal Nick Taylor emailed parents to inform them about the incident. The email, obtained by North Penn Now, informed parents that the school was put on an eight-minute hold due to the incident.
“School security and staff were present and reacted quickly, and are praised for their swift actions,” Taylor said in the email. “Police and emergency medical responders were also immediately called and arrived at the scene.”
Multiple sources within the district informed North Penn Now that the attacker had been previously expelled from another district middle school — supposedly due to violence and inappropriate behavior. In an email to families on Wednesday night, North Penn Superintendent Todd Bauer denied that the student had been previously expelled from school.
“Some have suggested that the student was expelled from another NPSD middle school for violent in-school behavior and transferred to Pennbrook. It has also been reported that the student was expelled from another school for violent behavior,” Bauer stated. “Both of these claims are untrue. I have also been in contact with this family and acknowledge that they also require support as a result of this incident.”
As part of their investigation, police stated that they will be examining whether the attacker had a prior history of juvenile criminal activity. Duffy added that the student has not been arrested, but a juvenile petition was pending.
The message sent to families on Wednesday night reads, in full:
“Good evening Pennbrook Families and Staff,
“I am writing to you this evening regarding the serious incident that took place today during the seventh grade lunch. This afternoon, Dr. Taylor sent a communication to families immediately following the situation alerting you that an incident occurred and that a “hold” was put in place. Since that time, the administration has been working with law enforcement and the families of the students involved to better understand what happened so that we can provide updated and accurate information.
“As a school district, we aim to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for our students and staff. A student sustained serious injuries as a result of another student’s actions. I have been in contact with this student’s family and will continue to work with them throughout the recovery process. The family has requested and deserves privacy as the student recovers.
“I understand that the other students who were there were scared and worried about what they saw. It’s totally normal. Dr. Taylor has been working with our counseling department and the district-wide traumatic event response team to help students in the coming days. Dr. Taylor plans to meet with each grade tomorrow morning to talk about what happened today and the support that will be available, including extra counselors.
I also want to acknowledge that there are rumors going around about the other student involved in today’s incident. Some people have suggested that the student was kicked out of another NPSD middle school for being violent at school and then moved to Pennbrook. It has also been said that the student was expelled from another school for violent behavior. Both of these claims are untrue. I have also been in touch with this family and know that they need support because of what happened.
I know Pennbrook Middle School to be a safe place where our students learn and develop with the help of caring adults. Today’s incident is very disappointing and concerning, but it doesn’t reflect the values and qualities you and I know. Tomorrow, we will do what’s needed to rebuild your confidence and help our students and staff heal from today’s traumatic incident. We will also keep working with local law enforcement to help with their investigation.
Sincerely,
Todd M. Bauer
Superintendent”
