Smithtown High School West cancels 'Safe Halloween' days after teen arrest involving weapon
Despite the cancellation of the Halloween event, a soccer playoff game proceeded as scheduled Thursday.
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The Smithtown School District canceled its annual "Safe Halloween" celebration Thursday morning, determining that costumes and disguises would be inappropriate following recent security concerns.
The decision comes just days after a 16-year-old was arrested Tuesday for allegedly bringing a gun, ammunition and a knife into Smithtown High School West. A day later, authorities investigated a rumored secondary threat at the school, finding no credible evidence.
Despite the cancellation of the Halloween event, a soccer playoff game proceeded as scheduled Thursday. District officials noted that all available security resources were redirected toward the game.
Spectators observed a Suffolk County police officer alongside multiple school security personnel stationed across the athletic field. While officials emphasized safety, community members voiced mixed feelings about the students missing out on traditional activities.
"It's hard to balance one with the other," said Mary Herbert, of Kings Park. "You know, just feel for the kids that are involved in or missing out on things that should be in their lives."
Herbert added that while student safety remains paramount, finding the right equilibrium is challenging.
"I don't want to make it so stringent on the kids that are good, you know? But of course, you want to keep the kids safe,” she said.
Estenia Savala of Deer Park echoed the community's unease regarding the recent events.
"It's scary for the parents too," she said. "You send your kids to school and you think they're doing good things, but then some make mistakes. Sixteen years old is so sad."
The school district reported that it has nearly doubled its annual security budget. The increased funding has enabled enhanced measures, including controlled building access, updated security technology, and armed security personnel outside school facilities.
