Police: Placement of plastic toy grenade caused BHS evacuation

The student responsible for the Oct. 6 Baldwin High School evacuation has been identified, Superintendent Dr. Shari Camhi said.

“We’re taking this really seriously,” Camhi said at the Oct. 8 Board of Education meeting. “The health and safety of our kids is number one always.”

Nassau County police reported that they received a call at 11:44 a.m. after an object, thought to be an explosive device, was spotted in a garbage can in the school. The object was later identified as a plastic toy in the shape of a grenade, according to police.

After police units, including the Arson Bomb Squad, responded and conducted an investigation, students and staff were given the OK to return to class at 1 p.m.

Camhi said high school students each took part in a “Socratic Seminar” last Friday during social studies classes to discuss what happened and the ramifications when someone plays a prank or makes a false threat. Following discussions, students worked in groups to create a list of recommendations for students, teachers, administrators and parents for preventing and/or addressing these types of situations in the future.

“We really need to make sure that we’re having a conversation,” Camhi said, adding that the district needs the community’s help to raise awareness regarding the severity of pranks such as these and why they must come to an end.

“God forbid there was a bomb somewhere else,” Camhi said. “The Bomb Squad was hanging out with us.”

Police said no arrests were made stemming from the incident.