Assault On Fairfield Warde HS Student Under Investigation: Principal

FAIRFIELD, CT — The recent beating of a Fairfield Warde High School student by two other students is under investigation, according to Head Principal Paul Cavanna and Fairfield Police Lt. Michael Paris.

The incident, which led to injuries to the victim the arrests of the two attacking students, occurred at the Melville Avenue campus on Friday.

"The district is unable to share any information on juveniles," a spokesperson for the district said in a statement to Patch. "However, please know that we take the safety and security of our students very seriously and steps are being taken internally in regards to the incident."

Cavanna indicated in a letter to parents Wednesday that the offenders are facing discipline from the district in connection with the incident, which was confirmed to Patch by Paris.

"All parties involved were held accountable according to Board of Education Policy 5114 governing suspension and expulsion and the Fairfield Police Department is investigating the incident," Cavanna wrote.

The two female juvenile students were arrested on charges of third-degree assault and breach of peace, Paris said.

"The injured student was treated and released following the altercation after they sought medical attention on their own," Paris told Patch. "The two juveniles are scheduled to appear in juvenile court next week. School officials have also begun administrative sanctions against the accused students."

The altercation was videotaped, and in a second letter to parents on Thursday, Cavanna wrote that such an action could also lead to discipline.

Cavanna also addressed the matter with students. News 12 Connecticut aired a blurred version of the videotaped assault.

"In addition, recording, posting and sharing such incidents, other than with a school official or parent, may result in disciplinary consequences and possible police involvement," Cavanna wrote. "I underscored that in the event students witness any inappropriate behavior, they should notify a staff member so it can be addressed immediately. I also informed them that school counselors and counseling center staff are available for anyone in need of additional support."

Paris told Patch that the only other recent fight at the school that resulted in a call to police occurred in 2022. He did not elaborate on that incident, but said that it involved a "sports team argument."

"These are rare for sure, but we have a dedicated school resource officer at Warde High School and a team of school safety officers who are prepared to intervene on these calls," Paris said concerning physical altercations at the school. "It is one of the reasons why we have the school safety unit."