Woonsocket school leaders are currently evaluating solutions to curb an increase in student fighting that has led to multiple suspensions and arrests. Parents expressed deep frustration and concern at a recent school committee meeting, demanding accountability and effective measures to ensure student safety within the district.
Key Takeaways
- 21 students faced charges for aggressive behavior in recent weeks.
- 10 students received suspensions for the remainder of the school year.
- Four students were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.
- The school committee approved the purchase of cell phone pouches to enforce policy.
- Parents urged greater accountability from both schools and families.
Student Safety Concerns Rise in Woonsocket
The Woonsocket School Committee recently held a meeting where the community addressed a significant rise in student fighting. This issue has led to serious consequences for students involved, including arrests and suspensions.
During the public comment section, many parents voiced their worries. One parent stated,
"You’re lucky somebody didn’t die with all of this going on. Somebody needs to be accountable, and it also starts at school because there’s only so much that can be done at home."This reflects a growing sentiment that the problem requires a multi-faceted approach.
Incident Statistics
- Total Students Charged: 21 in recent weeks.
- Students Arrested: 4, all charged with disorderly conduct.
- Students Suspended for Year: 10 due to demonstrable threats.
Legal Consequences and Disciplinary Actions
The district has taken firm action against students involved in these incidents. In one recent event, four students were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct following a fight. This underscores the severity of the situation and the legal ramifications students now face.
Superintendent Patrick McGee emphasized the administration's commitment to student safety.
"This is embarrassing, it’s sickening," he remarked. "Please know that we’re not just sitting around, ideally we’re trying to be productive and when we can dismiss kids, remove kids, we’re going to do that because it is my job to keep students safe."
Year-Long Suspensions for Serious Threats
Paul Bourget, Chair of the Woonsocket School Committee, clarified the disciplinary measures. According to Bourget, 10 students have been suspended for the remainder of the academic year. This decision applies to students deemed a "demonstrable threat" to the school environment.
Bourget issued a clear warning to students:
"If you get caught in a fight you’re going to be arrested. You could be suspended for the rest of the school year if we can show you the student is a demonstrable threat."This policy aims to deter future aggressive behavior.
Addressing Contributing Factors and Seeking Solutions
The discussion at the school committee meeting extended beyond disciplinary actions to potential contributing factors and preventative measures. Some committee members highlighted the role of parents in addressing student behavior.
School committee member Amie Costa urged parents to be more involved.
"Please parents, be there for your kids, teach them right versus wrong," she said. "We have parents driving these kids to these fights after school, come on parents where are you where is your common sense."This suggests a belief that parental oversight could help mitigate some of these issues.
Community Responsibility
The recent incidents have sparked a broader conversation within the Woonsocket community about shared responsibility. Many believe that schools, parents, and local authorities must collaborate to foster a safer and more respectful environment for students. Open communication and proactive engagement are seen as crucial steps forward.
New Measures to Enhance Discipline
In an effort to better enforce existing policies, the school committee approved the purchase of cell phone pouches. These pouches are designed to lock up students' phones during school hours. This measure targets the school's cell phone policy, which some believe contributes to the fighting issue, potentially through the recording and sharing of altercations.
Superintendent McGee has called upon the community for assistance. He urged anyone with ideas or solutions to contact him directly. The district seeks collaborative input to resolve the persistent problem of student fighting and restore a sense of safety and order to Woonsocket schools.
The ongoing challenge requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. The hope is that a combination of strict enforcement, parental engagement, and new preventative tools will bring about positive change.
