ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—Police and school authorities here moved quickly to put a stop to at least four fights that broke out at Dwight Morrow High School and Janis E. Dismus Middle School—part of what one media outlet claimed was a so-called “fight week” social media trend.
Robert Kravitz, Englewood School District superintendent, told residents in an online letter that “several physical altercations” took place among students at the high school and middle school during the week of Nov. 18.
‘Daily monitoring’
“The District provides daily monitoring of building hallways by administration, district staff, security officers and…a video surveillance system,” wrote Kravitz.
“Incidents are acted upon quickly, comprehensively and professionally to maintain a safe and positive learning environment for our staff and students. I am proud of our schools, students and community and this type of behavior is not condoned in our school district,” Kravitz added.
“We are here to create a safe and educational environment for all of our staff and students and continue with this as our priority,” wrote Kravitz.
Deputy Police Chief Gregory Halstead told a news outlet that police hoped to add a school resource officer for the two schools and was reaching out to the county Sheriff’s Office to help provide additional anti-violence programs for both schools.
Halstead said there is a “zero-tolerance policy” towards school violence.
He said increased video surveillance and personnel will help lead to a safe school environment.
He said students found instigating, recording or posting a fight on social media are likely to face disciplinary actions from the district.
Moroever, local police will talk to students about possible legal and long-term consequences of school violence, said Halstead.
Kravitz said programming focused on character education and peer conflict have been scheduled, and the schools have implemented a districtwide mindfulness program to create safe space and a welcoming environment.
“At Dwight Morrow High School, we have also implemented additional supports for our students through the in-school support program. I encourage you to reach out to your child’s schools, particularly the school counselors, if your child expresses any concerns,” said Kravitz.
The fights occurred about a month after an on-field fight broke out between Dwight Morrow and Paterson Eastside football players Oct. 18.
In late October, some football players engaged in the fight gathered to talk about issues in a “sharing circle” at Paterson Eastside, which was initiated as part of an ongoing restorative justice effort at Eastside, designed to help students deal with disputes by talking things out and not resorting to violence.
Efforts to reach Kravitz and Halstead for updates on future education programs or disciplinary actions were not returned by press time.
