Dear JPS Families, 

I would like to make you aware of a situation that developed today at Jamestown High School. 

JHS administrators and the School Resource Officer received a report of an 18-year-old student heading to a bathroom between classes in order to vape. Upon a search of the student’s backpack by the administrator, the student was discovered to be in possession of a handgun. Our SRO secured the weapon without incident. 

Thanks to the rapid response of the Jamestown Police Department, additional officers assisted and immediately transported the student to JPD, where he will face criminal charges. In addition, the student will face the maximum disciplinary consequences consistent with our code of conduct.

I can tell you that this incident is very impactful for me. I know that this information may be unsettling to our families and the community as well. As always, student safety remains our absolute priority and out of an abundance of caution, we are taking additional and immediate steps to support a secure learning environment. 

Beginning Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, Jamestown High School will implement the use of weapons detection systems for student entry, as we have been rolling out in other district facilities, such as our Tech Academy and at our football and basketball games. This will involve a new arrival procedure at JHS, and we ask that students and parents be understanding of the necessity of getting this new entry process right.  More details and specifics will be shared with high school families over the weekend and we ask for your cooperation and patience in advance. In addition, we will be offering counseling support for any student or staff who may find themselves affected by this information and who wish to talk to someone.

This situation generates strong emotions, as they certainly have in me. What upsets me so deeply is that this thoughtless action by one student has and will have a profound impact on all of us as it cuts to the heart of the trust and community that we have all enjoyed and worked so hard to build. I assure you that every effort will be expended to restore our sense of community and to hold the perpetrator of this action accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Thank you, 

Kevin Whitaker, Ed.D.