Rockville HS Students Back 'Safely' In Wake Of Stabbing Incident

VERNON, CT — Students and staff members arrived at Rockville High School on Monday safely amid extra security following a stabbing and bat assault incident on Friday that coincided with the end of a football game.

The incident took place Friday at about 10:15 on the section of rail trail that connects RHS and the Ryefield condo complex.

In a letter sent to RHS parents and guardians, Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said:

"The safety and security of our students and staff, in and out of school, is our top priority. This morning, students arrived in a safe and calm manner at Rockville High School and followed their traditional routines without interruption to the educational process. Counselors are available to any student who needs to talk about Friday night’s incident, throughout the day. As a safety precaution, additional security will be present in the building until further notice. Openings at each of the six other schools were normal and without issue."

Police early Monday made a second set of arrests in the case. See the details here. Arrests were also made on Saturday.

The case is being considered an active investigation and more charges are possibly. Macary said he estimates that 13 youths were involved in the fracas, with about a third from the local school system, a third formerly associated with the local school system and a third from out of town.

He said the conduct of the current students would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, "in accordance with state law." He was quick to add that a weapons possession incident for students calls for automatic expulsion, according to state law.

"There is an active investigation and Vernon Public Schools is working closely with the Vernon Police Department, including our School Resource Officer," Macary said.