08/28/2026
Thank you to the teachers and staff at Holyoke High School who stayed with their students today while law enforcement completed its work. Sheltering in place with a room full of concerned and frightened young people for more than an hour, remaining steady and calm without knowing how long it would last or exactly what was happening is an extraordinary responsibility.
Thank you also to the Holyoke Police Department and the responding agencies that acted swiftly and methodically, taking the steps required in the world we live in today.
To HPS families: I know today was frightening. I am grateful that your children were in careful hands.
I have a son who is a teacher at HHS, and, like many of you, I spent the afternoon texting, searching, and calling for answers—and panicking when the Wi-Fi connection faltered. I am a mom first.
At tonight’s Ward 6 community circle meeting, there were understandably questions about communication and about the toll a hoax can take on the mental well-being of our community. As Superintendent Glasheen shared, there will be a full debrief and support services made available. My colleagues and I will be working to ensure that communication and responsiveness are addressed and aligned.
This is an opportunity to lean in and learn how to do better: to listen, redesign what failed, and double down on what worked. It is also a time to be okay with not being okay. A hoax that brings a large law-enforcement presence, K-9s, sirens, and emergency activity can evoke both reassurance and fear.
Communication is paramount at a time like this. I am grateful to Superintendent Glasheen for being at the high school with families and teachers as this unfolded.
And I am most grateful that I was able to hug my son tonight. I hope each of you had the chance to do the same.
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