ÉðÊ¿Âþ» and Tony Clement Center for Education will be closed Friday to allow staff to conduct a thorough investigation of the incidents that led to Thursday’s early dismissal, said City School District of ÉðÊ¿Âþ» Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams.
ÉðÊ¿Âþ» High dismissed about 15 minutes early Thursday when several fights among students started outside during an unannounced fire drill near the end of the school day. The ÉðÊ¿Âþ» Police Department responded to assist with dismissal.
Police arrested 10 ÉðÊ¿Âþ» High students; additional arrests may be pending. No weapons were involved or confiscated during Thursday’s fights.
ÉðÊ¿Âþ» High staff are continuing to investigate the incident in partnership with ÉðÊ¿Âþ» police. The school will adhere strictly to disciplinary procedures for any students found to have played any role in Thursday’s events, Adams said.
Staff will review security videos Friday to identify students who contributed to Thursday’s incident, Adams said. Additional student suspensions are anticipated.
“We will not let the inappropriate actions of a small number of our students impact the learning environment for the rest of our students and our staff,” Adams said. “This behavior will not be tolerated and we will deal with it swiftly and appropriately. It is absolutely unacceptable.”
ÉðÊ¿Âþ» High also will partner with police for added security at school Monday as a precaution, Adams said.
“The safety of all of our students and staff is a top priority every day,” she said. “We will take all necessary precautions to ensure that ÉðÊ¿Âþ» High continues to be a safe and secure place moving forward.”
The mission of the City School District of ÉðÊ¿Âþ» is is to work in partnership with our diverse community to engage every learner in a robust educational program designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success. The district serves nearly 9,700 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at ÉðÊ¿Âþ».
