Students Laughed, Recorded Fights At Greenwich High School: District

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools often touts its district norms, which are, "Be here, be safe, be honest, care for self and others, and let go and move on."

But two fights between students at Greenwich High School over the past week have gone against those norms and concerned school officials.

"Our level of concern has risen in recent days with two physical altercations between students at GHS. We obviously do not condone this kind of behavior and we do follow up vigorously with those who act aggressively," said Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones and GHS Principal Ralph Mayo in a joint letter to GHS students, families and staff on Wednesday.

"In addition, it has been concerning that so many students gathered to film while laughing and cheering others on. This too is being followed up by the administration in a thorough process," the school officials added.

Over the past week, parents reached out to Jones and Mayo about the physical altercations, which prompted the temporary closing of the high school's student center.

An unrelated incident involving clogged drains temporarily closed the restrooms in the student center.

In the wake of the fights, Jones and Mayo said meetings will be held "to reinforce expectations, GHS norms, and a calmer safer environment, and a review on the use of the anonymous tip line."

Students can use an application to report unsafe situations without fear of retribution.

Security, School Resource Officer and administrative monitoring will be enhanced across the GHS building.

Students will be allowed to spread out more during lunch and utilize the outdoors "for those who do not find comfort in the vastness of the Student Center; finding a sense of calm is important," Jones and Mayo said.

"Together, we can all help to keep the environment at Greenwich High School safe, productive, and positive for everyone. GHS is a strong and caring community," Jones and Mayo said.

The Greenwich Republican Town Committee on Tuesday posted about the fights on Instagram. A photo of the "Fight Club" movie logo was photoshopped to read "GHS Fight Club."

"The GHS student center was closed today because there have been so many fights between GHS kids lately," the caption read. "Students had to eat outside or off campus. What is going on with our schools that are funded to the tune of $26k+ per student?"

Jones and Mayo said in their letter that the district will work to identify students who were recording the altercations, and conversations with those specific students will start Friday.