Council Rock Moving Forward Positively After Vandalism, Harassment Incidents

The Council Rock School District an Council Rock High School North are moving forward in a positive direction after incidents of vandalism and harassment occurred in the high school last week.

"We are partnering with community groups and professional organizations to serve these needs," Council Rock School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Fraser said in an email Saturday. "Since becoming aware of the incidents we have been in contact with various religious and advocacy organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League."

Fraser called the situation a "teachable moment" that will allow for additional training and support for district staff to better help them identify and respond to issues such as last week's incidents.

Council Rock High School North Principal Susan McCarthy said the school’s administrative and security teams, in conjunction with the Newtown Township Police Department, are investigating the incidents.

"In doing so, we are strictly enforcing our district’s harassment policies as we attempt to determine who is responsible for these acts," McCarthy said Sunday. "Going forward, hallways, restrooms, and the student cafeteria continue to be closely monitored by hall monitors and security personnel."

McCarthy said the following actions are being taken to combat the incident:

• Grade level assemblies/meetings will be held Tuesday for grades 9 and 10 where students will have the opportunity to participate in conversation with each other. Both administrators and counselors will facilitate. An assembly for 11th and 12th grade students was held Monday.
• A follow-up "town meeting" of a cross section of students will be facilitated by the Peace Center after school – the date is yet to be determined.
• In combination with the Peace Center, professional development for staff will occur during our upcoming in-service days.
• The school's Diversity Advisory Committee, in combination with our student government, will provide safety pins to be worn by interested students as a symbol that CR North is a safe environment for all.
• An assembly speaker for students on the topic of tolerance is being researched.

Other suggestions that are being considered include Peer Mediation training for students, a “Day of Hope” sponsored by our student government and Diversity Advisory Committee, and a “Cultural Week” where different ethnicities are highlighted.

"I want to thank and recognize the majority of our students who act with honor and integrity each day that you come to school, while reminding and warning those who have not, that your behavior against others will not be tolerated at Council Rock North where mutual respect of all students is the very basis of who we are," McCarthy wrote to the school community.

The district is inviting the community to discuss the incidents at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15 at the Chancellor Center at 30 N. Chancellor St., Newtown.

Patch file photo