Students and Families,
As previously reported, this morning there was a physical altercation in the East and West building. Five individuals were involved. Three are students and two are high school-aged students who are not enrolled in our schools. The event began at 7:15 a.m. with it turning physical at 7:16 a.m. A School Police Officer was present and summoned additional police resources. Additional officers from both the West Bend Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded and secured the area. Those involved in the altercation were in custody and being removed from the school grounds by the West Bend Police Department at 7:20 a.m.
This altercation included minor injuries with no transport to a hospital for medical attention. There were no weapons involved. Law enforcement from both responding agencies remained onsite. Our staff, the West Bend Police Department, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were instrumental in their swift response to the situation. This behavior is not acceptable or tolerated in our schools. The Police Department will be seeking criminal charges on those involved in the altercation. There will be additional school consequences.
We are aware of social media posts addressing the incident and the speculation and rumors aligned with the posts. If you have additional information or knowledge of the incident, please contact the West Bend Police Department at (262) 335-5000.
We have a variety of Homecoming activities that will continue as planned. The West Bend Police Department will maintain a strong police presence and work in collaboration with District staff to ensure the safety of our schools and all such events, including Friday night’s football game. Administrators, supervisors, and event managers are also at each event
As mentioned in a previous message, we have moved implementation of a more structured environment in the high school building in the morning before the official start of the school day (7:15 a.m.). While this plan was put in motion prior to the incident, we determined that increasing the amount of supervised locations is important. We open the campus at 6:45 a.m. to allow for breakfast programs, staggered bus arrival, student academic support, events/clubs prior to the school day, etc. These opportunities will still be available to students. Students with a pass can see individual teachers as needed.
When students arrive prior to the start of the school day beginning on Thursday, October 5, they will be directed to supervised locations on the first floor, including the breakfast area. They can report to additional areas with a pass or permission from a staff member as needed.
The first bell is at 7:10 a.m. and the school day starts at 7:15 a.m. Arrival at 7:10 a.m. provides ample time for students to arrive at their first class on time.
If you have questions, please contact me or your child’s assigned administrator.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Potter
Executive Principal
