What a Riot

Spring Fever has arrived at Gwynn Park. The weather is nice, the year is winding down, and all anyone can talk about is summer. As much as I love this time of year, it's the worst time to be a teacher. Keeping kids in line who just want to be done with school is a miserable process. I can't say I blame them for wanting to get out. I also want the school year to be over! But at some point, all that tension boils over, and for a number of high schools in the area, that tipping point was this week.

Wise Senior High School, our neighbor, had a riot on Wednesday. This week was the last week of school for Seniors in the county, and a Senior prank food-fight there quickly turned into a real fight. Twitter was abuzz with pictures of kids engaging a swat team, and the local news reported nine students were arrested. Wednesday night, I couldn't sleep. I knew that this kind of drama would have the kids at Gwynn Park buzzing and that Thursday would be a long day. Our principal sent out a warning message to all the homes, asking parents to tell their kids to avoid senior pranks and stay in line. We took precautionary measures, limiting hall passes and forbidding bags and backpacks. But alas, it wasn't enough.

Third period at Gwynn Park, all hell broke loose. Students dumped baby oil around the ramps and stairwells of the school as a prank, and students slipping into each other quickly broke into widespread fistfights. We went on lock-down mode and herded any student close to our classrooms inside before we closed and locked our doors. We were stuck there, without directions, for almost three hours till the end of school. I had no idea what was going on. The students thought it was hilarious, but as a teacher, it was terrifying. Lock-down means danger. It's the same code we use if there are firearms or intruders in the school.

Finally, we were released safely and everyone made it home. Two students at Gwynn Park were arrested, and mace was used to get the student body in line. That said, we apparently had the school locked down and hallways cleared in only 30 minutes. This is an amazing feat and speaks to the efficiency of our administration, staff and security. Wise could not clear its hallways for an hour and a half.

The week ended on a pleasant note Friday with Prom. Everyone was beautiful and with all the miscreants suspended after Thursday, there was no one there to cause a problem. Prom was peaceful and lovely and I was so happy for my kids. I love seeing the students I care about, the students that work hard and act with kindness, rewarded with the kind of events they deserve. I took some pictures with some of my favorites and put them here!




Peace and Love.