Waterbury-On March 24, 2026, North End Middle School and Wilby High School in Waterbury were evacuated following a bomb threat. Students were escorted off campus and buses transported them to safe locations while authorities investigated.
One sixth-grade student from North End Middle School shared her firsthand experience during the evacuation:
“They came over the intercom and fire alarms were going off. They told us to immediately evacuate. We had to walk all the way down towards Buck Hill Elementary School. There were a lot of police, a Hazmat truck, a lot—a lot of people came. We couldn’t go back inside for three hours. Buses started to come pick up kids. I called my mom because my yonder pouch has Velcro—my teachers also called my mom. I stayed with my SAFE teachers until my Mom came. I was one of the first to get to leave.”
Her account captures the anxiety and confusion many students and parents felt during the evacuation, while also highlighting how accommodations can make a real difference in emergencies.
Parent Perspective
The student’s mother shared the challenges and the support her daughter received during the incident:
“It was scary, and I had no info—I was in panic mode too. But thanks to her 504 plan, she was safe and I could pick her up quickly. Over the years, the school has put systems in place for her—giving her a heads-up for drills, keeping SAFE adults nearby, and letting her keep her phone accessible during anxiety attacks. This plan has helped her manage her PTSD and stay on track academically.”
Her daughter has a documented history of PTSD stemming from a past traumatic event, which can sometimes trigger anxiety during drills, lockdowns, or real emergencies. After consulting her doctor and providing documentation to the school, the family established a 504 plan to ensure she could receive accommodations while continuing her education safely.
What a 504 Plan Is
A 504 plan is a legally recognized plan that provides accommodations for students with physical or mental health conditions that impact learning. For this student, the plan includes:
- Keeping her phone accessible in a Velcro “yonder pouch” for emergencies or anxiety episodes
- Assigning SAFE adults and teachers who are aware of her needs and can guide her during drills or real emergencies
- Providing advance notice for fire drills or lockdowns whenever possible
These accommodations help students manage anxiety and ensure they can participate safely in school activities.
How the School Supports Students During Emergencies
Schools in Waterbury have established emergency procedures, but students with special needs or accommodations may require additional support. During this evacuation:
- Teachers and SAFE adults monitored students who needed extra attention
- Parents were contacted promptly if a student had special permissions to leave
- Students were escorted safely to buses and alternative locations
The coordinated effort allowed students like this sixth grader to remain safe and calm despite the stress of the situation.
Tips for Parents
For parents of children with anxiety, PTSD, or other special needs, school emergencies can be particularly challenging. Experts recommend:
- Discussing your child’s needs with school administrators to create an appropriate plan
- Ensuring emergency contacts and communication channels are clear
- Identifying SAFE adults at school who understand your child’s triggers and can provide support
- Teaching children how to access tools that help them manage anxiety during emergencies
Conclusion
While the bomb threat at North End Middle and Wilby High School was unsettling for many families, the experience highlights the importance of school accommodations and proactive planning. With 504 plans and supportive teachers in place, students can navigate emergencies more safely, and parents can have peace of mind knowing their children have the resources they need to stay protected.
For more coverage on the evacuation, visit The Waterbury Times’ breaking news report.
More Local School News:
Are cellphone rules, Yonder pouches, making our children less safe at schools in Connecticut?
Leave a Reply