Student Fights Reported At Greenwich HS, Videos Posted Online: Superintendent

GREENWICH, CT — Multiple fights have been reported at Greenwich High School this year, and "at least two atrocious and violent videos" have circulated recently on social media, according to Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools Dr. Toni Jones, who called the incidents "more akin to an assault than a school fight."

Jones addressed several issues involving "hateful actions and student fights" in a letter to GHS families, students and staff on Wednesday night.

This week, Jones said she personally met with GHS leadership, Dean of Student Life Tom Pereira, the Greenwich Police Department and the GHS school resource officers, and the top district leadership team to discuss recent happenings both on and off the GHS campus.

"The Greenwich Police Department has confirmed for us that a small group of students have initiated multiple fights at GHS and in town, not a large 'gang' as some have reported on social media," Jones said in her letter. "The GPD takes these matters seriously and will not hesitate to file criminal charges against students when appropriate."

Other fights beyond the two that have been posted on social media have occurred this year at GHS, Jones said.

"When a fight occurs, students should not be filming and circulating on social media. It is against the GHS Code of Conduct, Board of Education policy, and common decency," Jones noted. "There are 10 members of the security staff and two School Resource Officers who work in conjunction with school personnel to keep our students and staff safe and secure. There are security cameras throughout the building."

Jones also said that the school district doesn't hesitate to initiate the expulsion process "to remind students there are drastic and long-lasting consequences for their inappropriate and hurtful actions."

During expulsion, education is still provided but not in a GPS school setting.

"We will not tolerate violent behavior, or recording and sharing of this behavior, in our schools," Jones added.

Parents and students are being reminded to report any incidents or threats to the appropriate school administration, or send an anonymous alert. The school community can also contact Jones directly.

"Please continue to have age-appropriate conversations with your children about helping to be the solution to problems, being compassionate towards others, and about the proper use of social media. We ask that family members use social media responsibly as well. Posting unsubstantiated stories can cause alarming behavior and undue stress," Jones said.

"For the well-being of our schools and entire community, we cannot afford to be societal bystanders during challenging and difficult times. Working together, we can help all students, families, and staff feel supported in our great community."

The Greenwich Police Department said they are aware of fights occurring at and outside of school, and the department makes "every effort to intervene" before these incidents happen.

"Extra patrols have been scheduled after school hours in areas where juveniles have been known to gather, our school resource officers have proven very effective at identifying potential issues that could arise between students, and our community impact section has been very proactive at monitoring social media for large gatherings," the GPD said in a statement to Patch.

"When issues have been identified, our police officers do their best to mitigate the situation and work alongside school administrators and parents to determine the best corrective course to ensure this behavior does not impact the community," the department added. "The Greenwich Police Department is committed to enforcing Connecticut General Statutes as well as providing a safe environment for all our citizens, including families and children."

Last school year in May, two fights were reported in one week at GHS. District officials said students laughed and cheered while recording the fights.