BREAKING NEWS
UPDATE on STABBING OF
DON BOSCO TECH CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Principal Gary Catalano
Thursday, January 21, 2010, 10:13 p.m.:
During the past week, the students of Don Bosco Tech Catholic High School here in Rosemead have been through a nightmare.
Principal Gary Catalano was stabbed twice by one of its students, and many beginning to understand just how tragic this could have been. This incident has been covered by media all over the Southland and national newscasts. Good News: Mr. Catalano is expected to fully recover from his injuries, and he spoke to the students during an emotional address earlier this week. I have had thousands of people log on to this Blog to read about this incident, some as far away as The Phillipines, and Italy, and South America.
Tonight, I wanted to pass along this "official update" from Sharon J. Morano, President of Don Bosco Tech Catholic High School to the community, students and members of the media. Mr. Catalano and all the students of Don Bosco continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. This is a GREAT school, with great dedicated (and smart) students, teachers, and administrators. Peace!
Students, Parents and Community Members:
"You are aware that shortly after noon on Friday, January 15 , a sixteen-year old sophomore, without any apparent provocation, twice stabbed our principal, Gary Catalano, in the back while he was meeting with him under the pretense of wanting to show him some papers. The student immediately fled the principal’s office, but was apprehended without further incident a short distance from the school by our security officer and staff.
Law enforcement personnel responded immediately and the student was taken into custody. At no time were our students in danger during this isolated incident. The attack occurred in the administration building, a localized section of campus, and the building was locked down immediately. Afterward, the students, faculty and staff were gathered in the gymnasium for a brief assembly to provide information about the incident, to allay fears and to pray for Mr. Catalano’s recovery and for the student who assaulted him.
Each student was given a brief statement to bring home to parents. Counseling services were made available to students and staff, and are being provided throughout this week through the auspices of the Victims Assistance Ministry Office, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and the school’s counseling staff.
Mr. Catalano will fully recover from his injuries; thankfully, the wounds missed any vital organs. In fact, Mr. Catalano resumed his duties today, but will follow a modified schedule this week to allow for a full recovery. Mr. Catalano addressed the students at a brief assembly this morning.
Friday’s incident was certainly an aberration. There are no prior instances of assault on campus and even fighting is an extraordinarily rare occurrence. The School has a detailed security plan and every effort is made to ensure a safe and secure environment for our students. However, there is little one can do to guard against this kind of unpredictable conduct. Nevertheless, we are reviewing all our security procedures to determine whether or not any changes can be made.
Friday’s incident was certainly an aberration. There are no prior instances of assault on campus and even fighting is an extraordinarily rare occurrence. The School has a detailed security plan and every effort is made to ensure a safe and secure environment for our students. However, there is little one can do to guard against this kind of unpredictable conduct. Nevertheless, we are reviewing all our security procedures to determine whether or not any changes can be made.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any particular concerns relating to this incident or its handling. Let me again state that at no time were our students in danger during this incident. With complete confidence, I can assure you that your son’s personal well-being and safety are our utmost concern and that Don Bosco Technical Institute will continue to take every measure to ensure a safe and secure educational environment for your son so that learning can truly take place.
Sincerely,
Sharon J. Morano
President
Don Bosco Tech Catholic High School
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