Channel 4, June 8: Dad calls treatment unfair
Bodie says communication could have been better
UPDATED, June 8: Arlington police removed a Stratton School parent’s gun from his home and revoked his permit after the parent confronted the principal Wednesday, June 4.
The Boston Globe reported Saturday, June 7, that police took those steps after a meeting at the school between Robert L. Goodwin, 41, and Principal Michael Hanna. During the argument, Goodwin allegedly displayed his gun permit and said he had access to firearms at his home, Arlington police told The Globe.
The administration’s response came in an email to the Stratton list Saturday, June 7, from Superintendent Kathleen Bodie, who wrote: “I am mindful that communication with all of you could have been handled better.”
Some in the Stratton School community expressed upset about the lack of information from Hanna, who is known for his consistent use of email and tweets.
Chief Frederick Ryan told The Globe in a phone interview Friday, June 6, that Hanna contacted the school resource officer about the incident, who reported it to police. Police were notified Thursday morning that the confrontation had taken place.
The reason behind the argument has not been detailed, and Hanna and Goodwin could not be reached for comment.
WickedLocal, which first reported the story Friday, said Goodwin has also been served an order to stay away from the elementary school, where his child is a student.
Ryan told WickedLocal that two officers were standing guard at the school Friday.
For more, click here >>
Superintendent’s full response June 7
“As you may be aware, there was an unsettling interaction between a school parent and Principal Hanna on Wednesday afternoon. While we are not legally at liberty to discuss certain things, what I can share with you is that, during a discussion between the parent and school faculty, the parent became agitated, removed a Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms from his wallet, displayed it to Principal Hanna, and made references to owning and carrying firearms.
“This argument has been widely and dramatically reported in the local media. First and foremost, I want to take the time this weekend to reassure you that you and your students are completely safe at the Stratton Elementary School.
“No threats have been made, and the school community was never in any danger. It is an unfortunate fact of life in a public school system that dramatic, often heated arguments are not a rare occurrence. This argument certainly went above and beyond the scope of a normal disagreement, and therefore the policies and procedures that Arlington Public Schools have in place were immediately activated to make sure that students, faculty, and staff remained safe.
“Out of an abundance of caution, this parent has been ordered not to return to school grounds for at least the remainder of the school year. The Arlington Police Department is investigating and has spoken to the parent.
“Everything that we have done in this instance was done to protect the safety of our students, faculty, and staff, and to protect the privacy of the student at the center of this unfortunate incident from embarrassment. Principal Hanna acted properly, in accordance with school rules and procedures.
“However, I am mindful that communication with all of you could have been handled better. None of you should have had to become aware of this incident through the newspapers. I apologize this, and I regret if any parents, faculty, or staff felt uncomfortable or uneasy about this situation.
“I will be at The Stratton on Monday afternoon, along with Principal Hanna, if any parents, faculty, or staff members have comments, questions, or concerns about what transpired. I can also be reached at 781-316-3501 or by email at kbodie@arlington.k12.ma.us. Please do not hesitate to reach out. I will respond to every inquiry, including today and Sunday, of course.”
Hanna emails Stratton community June 8
In a separate email Sunday, June 8, Hanna emphasized the importance of open communication and that his administrative team and faculty will review communication protocols in response to these events.
YourArlington has asked Hanna to comment about the incident itself as well as his lack of communication about it.
He has not responded to that request, but he sent an email June 8 to the Stratton community. He wrote:
“This is a follow up to Dr. Bodie’s email regarding the events of late last week. I would like to first express how important this entire Stratton community is to me, and how much I value honest and open communication, which always strengthens us. You can be sure that the administrative team and faculty will review communication protocols in response to events that affect the whole school community.
“I believe that it is important for the next two weeks that we have a positive and productive close to the school year. Here are some things that I have put in place to make sure that happens:
“Dr. Bodie will join me tomorrow morning to open school at Stratton;
“Dr. Bodie, Chief Ryan and I thought it would be helpful to have a community police officer at the school until the end of the year to answer any of your questions or concerns;
“Faculty will work with me and our Social Worker Laurie Henry tomorrow morning before school to have a unified response to any student questions, but NOT to deliver any planned statements to whole classrooms. As usual in similar situations, responses to questions will be designed to acknowledge student feelings, but also gently redirect and refocus students to the typical life of the school.
Dr. Bodie and I will meet with parents at 1:30 in the cafeteria to hear and respond to any remaining questions or concerns.
“Again, I hope you can join me by engaging in all of the important close of year activities, presentations and celebrations that make Stratton such a special place. Making these things our focus will be the best way to create a strong atmosphere of safety for our students.
“Because faculty will be meeting before school until arrival time, we will put off our final PRIDE assembly until Monday the 16th; please have students arrive on the blacktop as usual.”
This story was published Saturday, June 7, 2014, and updated June 8.
