Stoughton student removed from school after incident at dance

A Stoughton sixth-grader has been removed from the O’Donnell Middle School while authorities investigate allegations the pupil shouted a racial slur at a group of black classmates and threatened them with a plastic knife at a dance Friday night.

Stoughton Superintendent Marguerite Rizzi said in a statement late Tuesday night that administrators and a school resource officer intervened in the confrontation immediately.

She said the student has been removed from the school while the matter is under investigation by police.

In a letter to parents and the community, O’Donnell Principal Matthew Colantonio said, “The O’Donnell Middle School embraces the diversity of our school community in a myriad of ways.

“Guidance counselors work with school administrators to present the ‘Second Step’ curriculum. This program helps to teach students how to interact with each other in a respectful way, mindful of our differences. With the challenges that now face our society, this work has taken on a even greater sense of urgency. We will be continuing our work with the AntiDefamation League, with some programs designed specifically for our middle school students. Also, our Social Studies Department is implementing components of the research-based and acclaimed ‘Facing History’ curriculum. This work cannot occur in a vacuum. We continue to appreciate the support we get from our middle school parents, guardians, grandparents and members of the community atlarge.”