Students and staff at Amherst Junior High experienced an unusual start to the morning Thursday when a large deer crashed through a cafeteria window shortly before 7:20 a.m. According to Amherst Junior High Principal Michael Hoffman, the deer entered the building at full speed through a large windowpane and came directly into the cafeteria as breakfast preparations were underway.
A few students and staff members were in the room at the time, but no significant injuries were reported. Staff members, assisted by the Amherst Police Department, quickly barricaded and contained the deer inside the cafeteria and eventually guided it toward the stage area. Workers were able to funnel the animal safely out a back door without causing additional damage or minor injury.
Hoffman said the school nurse was on-site to support any student who needed assistance following the incident. Administrators noted that all students were offered the opportunity to receive breakfast during first period, and the school day continued as normal.
The district praised the calm and cooperative response of both students and staff. Hoffman said adults throughout the building stepped in to help and that students handled the unexpected situation with maturity and care for one another.
Families with questions were encouraged to contact the school for more information.