Local News

Richards School has ‘clear the halls’ event in response to staff medical emergency 

Richards Elementary School in Newport underwent a “clear the halls” event on Monday that was initiated due to a staff member experiencing a medical emergency. 

“’Clear the Halls’ is a safety protocol designed to ensure that staff and students remain in their classrooms while allowing emergency personnel to access the necessary areas of the building quickly and efficiently,” Superintendent Donna Magoon wrote in a message on Facebook addressed to Richards Elementary families. “At no time were students or staff in danger. The situation was managed promptly and with care. We are grateful for the professionalism of our staff and the cooperation of our students during this time. Emergency personnel were able to provide the necessary assistance.” 

Principal Robert Clark said this was a precautionary measure to check out a staff member. The incident took place just after students entered the school. 

“We were able to isolate that, classes continued, and they were all set,” Clark said. 

Clark said no additional information could be released regarding the incident. 

This is the second time this year that a “clear the halls” event has taken place at Richards School with the last being in December and also due to a staff medical emergency. 

Magoon said any questions and concerns can be addressed to Principal Robert Clark at 603-863-3710.