“The safest and healthiest school environment possible”—that’s what Montgomery High School principal Adam Paulson promised this weekend in a message to the school community following the tragic and violent killing of a 16-year-old student on campus March 1.
Jayden Pienta, 16 and another student, also 16, were stabbed with a knife during an altercation with a 15-year-old student while classmates looked on during an art class last Wednesday. Pienta later died from the knife wounds; the second victim is recovering from a wound to the hand. The 15-year-old—whose name is being withheld because he’s a minor—was arrested and is being held at the Sonoma County Juvenile Detention Center.
Classes at the High School were canceled March 2 and 3 and resumed March 6.
Paulson’s email to the community focused on restoring a sense of safety at the school and what counseling services are available to students. He said “additional adults” will be on campus throughout the week, noting the presence of extra substitute teachers and Sonoma County Office of Education administrators—meanwhile three police officers will be made available to the campus by the Santa Rosa Police Department, according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Additional counseling services will be available for students and staff in the campus library.
“As a staff, we have used the days following the tragedy to lean on one another, process what happened, plan what resources will best serve our students and staff, and prepare for the students’ return to school on Monday,” Paulson said in the email. He has also “asked teachers to prioritize connecting with students and helping them to process this tragedy.” On Monday, teachers will facilitate an activity during first period to help identify which students need immediate support, he said.
“It is anticipated that many will need more time to process and make the transition back to school. It will be important for students and staff to be able to focus on relationship building opportunities and social emotional learning activities,” Paulson said. “As a community, this tragedy is felt deeply by everyone. I sincerely want you to know that I care about each student on our campus and the Monty team remains focused on bringing our students back to the safest and healthiest school environment possible.”
