A principal at an elementary school in San Gabriel, California, was placed on leave of absence due to alleged inappropriate behavior during an active shooter drill. Staff members and parents say the principal's actions were "very upsetting" for students. The principal, Nina Denson, reportedly pretended to shoot during the active shooter drill, which took place at Washington Elementary School on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
One parent told KTLA that the principal used her fingers to pretend to shoot people and also banged on windows during the drill.
“From what I heard, she said to one of the students, ‘Boom. You’re dead,’” the parent, Jennifer Chavez, told KTLA.
The drill was upsetting for some parents, staff members, and students. Some parents reportedly believe Denson should no longer be principal, but the incident is currently under investigation.
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The superintendent of the San Gabriel Unified School District, Jim Symonds, said in a statement that "the drill did not appear to be conducted in line with either district guidance or recommended best practices,” reported the Los Angeles Times.
Nina Denson joined Washington Elementary as principal in Fall 2023, according to KTLA. As of now, a teacher will be filling in as interim principal.
In addition to allegedly pretending to shoot people with her fingers, staff members at the school allege that Denson announced that seven kids were dead after the drill.
Chavez said her 6-year-old was "really upset" after the active shooter drill at school, according to KTLA.
The mom said her son, who is in first grade, said, "I’m just really glad none of my friends died."
Students as young as 4 years old attend the school and were reportedly present for the drill, according to KTLA.
The superintendent has not provided more details about the situation because the investigation is ongoing. Parents, staff and students were informed about counseling services available on campus.
