'Damage And Destruction' After Vandalism At Wilmington School

WILMINGTON, MA — Superintendent Glenn Brand said he was "alarmed" after touring Wilmington Middle School to look at the "damage and destruction" after a series of recent acts of vandalism. Brand said he had met with the building's facility manager and would not rule out using the school resource officer to address the problem. Brand outlined the problem in a note sent to parents of students at the school this week.

"We must take the necessary steps and ensure that there is a clear understanding that this type of behavior is not acceptable within our educational community while, at the same time, reminding all students that everyone can play a role in their vigilance and in alerting staff when inappropriate student activity occurs," Brand said in the letter, that did not give specific examples of the types of vandalism..

Brand acknowledged the vandalism likely involved "only a few students and not the majority," but asked parents to discuss the incidents with their children.

"Let me take this opportunity to ask for your assistance in ensuring that this similar message is shared with your child, and that they are reminded of the role that they can play as a member of this school community to either intervene themselves, or bring to the attention of a staff member any activity by a fellow student that is inappropriate and destructive," Brand said.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).