As students began their day on Wednesday, Aug. 28, a Community Letter was sent out by Principal Erin Campbell in the midst of first block addressing a report of a possible weapon in a student’s vehicle. The letter assured that the students and staff were never in a state of danger, however Student Resource Officers (SROs) located a flare gun and an airsoft (recreational) gun/weapon. 

Although no cautionary steps were taken, the event prompted staff and students alike to become alert and aware of safety measures to be taken in a school environment. Principal Campbell highlights the importance of the phrase “see something, say something” and encourages students to continue reporting concerns directly to the administration or through the Round Rock ISD Anonymous Reporting System. 

“Sometimes the barrier for reporting becomes people wanting to preserve their anonymity,” Principal Campbell said. “When a student reports something to us we hold that identity very sacred and we are never going to go to the alleged person and ‘sell that person out’.”

At the time the report came in, the administration team was wrapping up their morning meeting, allowing them to move into action and assess the situation swiftly. The SROs were immediately radioed and the students with direct contact with the situation were pulled out of class for information. 

“Safety is our collective responsibility,” Principal Campbell said. “We’ve got 2800 students and over 200 staff members in this building, so it’s every single person who is a citizen of Westwood keeping this school safe.”