Woonsocket school officials have announced plans for stricter disciplinary measures following a series of violent altercations at the local high school that resulted in 13 student arrests. At a community meeting, Superintendent Patrick McGee declared an end to tolerance for such behavior, citing a need for increased parental accountability and a review of the district's cellphone policy.
Key Takeaways
- Thirteen students were arrested and suspended after multiple fights at Woonsocket High School on a single day.
- Superintendent Patrick McGee announced a zero-tolerance policy, stating suspensions may be replaced with removal for the rest of the school year for some students.
- Officials identified cellphones and a specific social media account as key factors in escalating and publicizing the violence.
- The district plans to enforce its cellphone ban more strictly and is demanding greater parental involvement to address the issue.
Multiple Fights Lead to Arrests and School Lockdowns
Woonsocket High School experienced a day of significant disruption when as many as five separate fights broke out on Monday. According to the Woonsocket Police Department, the incidents led to the arrest of 13 students. All were charged with disorderly conduct.
In addition to the arrests, the school district confirmed that all 13 students involved have been suspended. While administrators reported that no weapons were involved and no one sustained serious injuries, the altercations were severe enough to require multiple "shelter in place" orders throughout the day. These security measures left many students and staff members feeling unsettled.
The events prompted a swift response from the community, culminating in a packed public meeting at Hamlet Middle School on Wednesday evening where parents, teachers, and residents gathered to seek answers.
A Public Safety Issue
The concern extends beyond school grounds. Woonsocket Mayor Chris Beauchamp addressed the crowd, framing the problem as a matter of public safety. "This is not just the school department’s issue, it’s a public safety issue," Beauchamp stated. "I pledge to you that I am here to help."
Community Meeting Highlights Growing Frustrations
During the public comment portion of the meeting, teachers and parents voiced their concerns about a perceived decline in school safety and student conduct. Several educators described an environment where students frequently wander the hallways without permission and fights have grown more intense in recent years.
A recurring theme was the role of technology in the problem. Teachers pointed to the widespread use of cellphones to record fights, which are then distributed online, effectively glorifying the violence and encouraging more of it. "It would be terrible to see a tragedy due to this," one concerned teacher told the assembled officials.
The issue of online distribution was highlighted by the existence of an Instagram account named "Woony Fights 25." The account features videos of various fights, some reportedly filmed at or near the high school, with posts dating back to at least January 2024. Clips from the recent Monday incidents were also shared on the page, which parents and staff say has fueled the cycle of violence.
Disturbing Trends
Superintendent McGee noted that the problem of student fighting is not new but has been escalating. He stated that physical altercations have been increasing across all grade levels within the district for the past five years.
Superintendent Announces Zero-Tolerance Policy
Superintendent Patrick McGee delivered a forceful message at the meeting, acknowledging the community's frustration and vowing to implement significant changes. "Enough is enough," McGee said. "I’ve had it. This is it. I’m not going to sit by any longer and watch these kids come into our schools, disrupt and cause havoc."
"Our kids don’t deserve it and neither do our teachers," McGee added, emphasizing his commitment to restoring order.
Focus on Parental Accountability
McGee placed a strong emphasis on the role of parents, stating that the school district cannot solve the problem alone. He criticized what he described as a lack of accountability at home and blamed some behavioral issues on outside influences, including gangs.
He shared troubling examples of parental behavior, including instances where parents allegedly drive their children to local parks to fight other students, record the assaults, and post the videos online. "We can’t do this alone. We have to have the support and cooperation of our parents," he stressed. "Parent involvement is critical."
McGee expressed his frustration directly. "I’m getting sick and tired of the excuses from parents, and I’m getting sick and tired of the excuses from students," he declared. "It has to stop."
New Disciplinary and Policy Changes
In response to the incidents, the superintendent outlined several new measures the district will pursue:
- Stricter Consequences: McGee warned that suspensions may no longer be the standard punishment for severe disruptions. Students who pose an ongoing threat could be removed from school for the remainder of the academic year.
- Cellphone Policy Review: The district's current policy forbids cellphone use on campus, but McGee admitted the rule is widely ignored. He signaled a crackdown is coming. "I don’t believe every student needs a cell phone in school," he said. "We have to do something about cell phones moving forward."
- Mandatory Meetings: Before any of the 13 students arrested on Monday can return to school, they and their parents must attend a one-on-one meeting with the superintendent.
McGee concluded with a resolute promise to the community. "Things are going to change," he said. "I’m letting those students and their families know - we are taking back the middle school and the high school, and this is going to end."