Incident Around the Summerville Elementary Campus, Tuesday, September 22 - Safe, Secure, and Supported!
Posted Date: 09/22/26 (08:55 PM)
Good evening Summerville Elementary Parents, Students, and Staff,
This afternoon at approximately 5:30 PM, an altercation involving shots fired between individuals in the neighborhood adjacent to the school escalated quickly, prompting multiple calls to law enforcement. Local law enforcement responded rapidly to the scene.
At the time, approximately 50 students remained on campus with staff, alongside individuals participating in a basketball game and soccer practice on our fields. Our after-school staff did an impeccable job helping everyone shelter in place and secure the campus. The active incident lasted roughly 30 minutes, and thanks to the quick work of our staff and assisting parents, all students and families remained safe and secure throughout.
I am incredibly thankful for the swift response of the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, our Summerville Elementary Custodial Team, the After-School Program Team, and the teachers and administration who stayed vigilant and focused entirely on student safety. We are deeply grateful that all students and staff safely made it home, which remains our primary goal at the end of each day.
Every day presents new challenges, but today was a true testament to our community's commitment to working together. Quick and coordinated efforts turned our motto into a reality.
Tomorrow, our school will remain open and ready for a normal school day. For families that may have questions or need support regarding today's event and our safety protocols, please reach out directly to our school administration team. We are more than happy to provide additional information.
Together, we can make a difference!
~Ben Howell, EdD - Superintendent, Summerville Elementary School
This afternoon at approximately 5:30 PM, an altercation involving shots fired between individuals in the neighborhood adjacent to the school escalated quickly, prompting multiple calls to law enforcement. Local law enforcement responded rapidly to the scene.
At the time, approximately 50 students remained on campus with staff, alongside individuals participating in a basketball game and soccer practice on our fields. Our after-school staff did an impeccable job helping everyone shelter in place and secure the campus. The active incident lasted roughly 30 minutes, and thanks to the quick work of our staff and assisting parents, all students and families remained safe and secure throughout.
I am incredibly thankful for the swift response of the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, our Summerville Elementary Custodial Team, the After-School Program Team, and the teachers and administration who stayed vigilant and focused entirely on student safety. We are deeply grateful that all students and staff safely made it home, which remains our primary goal at the end of each day.
Every day presents new challenges, but today was a true testament to our community's commitment to working together. Quick and coordinated efforts turned our motto into a reality.
Tomorrow, our school will remain open and ready for a normal school day. For families that may have questions or need support regarding today's event and our safety protocols, please reach out directly to our school administration team. We are more than happy to provide additional information.
Together, we can make a difference!
~Ben Howell, EdD - Superintendent, Summerville Elementary School