Wakefield Students 'Safe' in Boston Suburb as Manhunt Continues

About 70 Wakefield High School students are safe at a hotel in the suburbs of Boston, where they will stay in light of the ongoing manhunt for a suspect in this week's tragic bombing.

"They are safe. I've been in communication multiple times today with the band directors," Wakefield Principal Chris Willmore told Patch. "They are not heading into downtown Boston or anywhere near what's happening."

The group, along with parent chaperones and school staff, traveled overnight to compete in a music festival. Wakefield High School Band Director Denny D'Alelio, Orchestra Director Gene Pohl and Choral Director Nadim Nader are with them.

They are staying at a hotel in Danvers, Mass., which is northeast of Boston and about 30 to 40 minutes away from Watertown, the town that has been under lockdown, according to an email a teacher chaperone sent parents Friday morning.

In the immediate aftermath of Monday's bombing, which left three dead and injured more than 100 others, school officials thought about canceling the trip. The decision to proceed was made after examining the situation and talking with festival organizers, Willmore said.

As of Friday morning, festival organizers are planning to go ahead with the competition, Willmore said.

The principal said he had not received many calls from parents about the trip. He told parents in a letter Friday morning that school officials are closely monitoring the situation in Boston.

"The teachers report that everything is quiet where they are, and they are planning on spending the day in the hotel. The (Boston Symphony Orchestra) has canceled tonight’s performance. The teachers are working with the festival organizers to plan alternative activities outside the Boston area for this afternoon," Willmore wrote in the letter to parents.

"The safety of our children and teachers is of the utmost importance to us and will guide our decision-making process as we move through the day."

The Heritage Music Festival is organized by WorldStrides. The Boston Symphony Orchestra event mentioned above was a separate activity the students were to attend, according to Willmore.

A message sent to one of the teachers on the trip did not receive an immediate response Friday.

More:

Continuing Coverage of Boston Marathon Bombings from Boston-area Patches