Henderson School Announces New Protocols After Brutal Attack On Principal Patricia Lampron

BOSTON (CBS) - The Henderson K-12 Inclusion School in Dorchester was closed for classes for a second day Friday but offered counselors to students and their families. "I saw a lot of commotion," said eleventh grader Hunter Bell who witnessed the violent attack on Principal Patricia Lampron and came to school seeking help. "I've known her for many years and to see her like that was traumatizing for me," said Bell.

Lampron is recovering at home after being knocked unconscious for several minutes by a 16-year-old student police say was asked to leave at dismissal time and claims she was being provoked.

Her aunt, who doesn't want to be identified tells WBZ-TV, the student remains in a juvenile detention facility and is not a troublemaker. "My niece is a sweet, loving person and was being provoked," she said. "I know her, she doesn't cause problems. Before people feel sorry for a 61-year-old they should also feel for a 16-year-old child."

Also Thursday at the McCormack Middle School in Dorchester police say a teacher fell against the locker trying to break up a fight. A folding knife fell from the pocket of one student involved.

Two weeks ago at the Higginson Lewis School in Roxbury police say several staff members were assaulted by a parent.

Tom Scott, the head of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents says schools are still helping students cope with emotional needs during the pandemic and have tried to increase resources in challenging times.

"A lot of children just need to be recognized and we need to have a conversation and allow them to talk about how they're feeling right now. That's a big part of this," said Scott.

In an email to Henderson parents, Boston School Superintendent Brenda Cassellius says there will be more safety staff when students return next week, additional counseling in and out of school, better shared communication with parents, and more crisis prevention training.

"This will include greeting students as they arrive via bus or on foot, connecting with them quickly and ensuring they are moving into the building and to their homerooms," Cassellius said. "Members of the Boston Police Department will also be visibly present in the area and available if needed."

Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey says it's not more school police that's needed but "trauma informed practices to help social and emotional learning."

Hunter Bell agrees students are feeling the stress and acting out more than ever. "I don't feel safe at school right because of all the fighting," said Hunter Bell.