'Water Wars' Prompts Andover Principal to Caution Students, Parents

Water Wars, the annual spring contest in which Andover High School seniors try to outsmart, outduel and over-soak one another in surprise attacks with squirt guns and other devices, are under way in the Bloomfield area.

Though no incidents have been reported to local authorities, the seemingly innocent tradition has caused some concerns that prompted Principal Rob Durecka to issue an email urging caution Wednesday.

"I am very concerned about the safety of our students as well as the message that Water Wars potentially sends to our greater community," Durecka wrote in an email shared districtwide. "Students have been known to recklessly endanger the safety of their targets as well as themselves trying to advance their team in the standings."

Of particular concern are the garage ambushes, blocking of private driveways, jumping off roofs and car chases that have taken place in the past. In many cases, parents are unaware and Durecka encouraged them to speak openly with their children about making good choices when it comes to appropriate conduct.

"I want to be clear – Andover High School is in no way connected to, endorses or condones Water Wars," Durecka says in his email. "Any student who attempts to participate during school hours or brings Water War activities on campus will be subject to consequences outlined in the Uniform Code of Student Conduct."