Ames district pledges to improve student safety after recent high school fights

Ames Community School District superintendent Dr. Julious Lawson has pledged to curb student violence after a recent uptick in fights at the high school.

Lawson said the scuffles have not been exclusive to any race, program group, gender, age or grade level after taking a "deep dive" into the data, hoping to determine the cause.

"We are still actively working with school leaders to mitigate fights and all other acts of violence within our district," Lawson said at the Oct. 23 Ames CSD school board meeting. "Fear has no place in our schools. The emotional and physical safety of our students and staff are paramount."

A recent fight occurred on Oct. 17, with the Ames Police Department filing an incident report for a physical assault at the Ames High School. Public Information Officer Sgt. Amber Christian said the incident is under investigation, and because it involves juveniles, the police department wouldn't reveal additional information.

Videos of the fight are rumored to have circulated on social media Oct. 17. No criminal charges were handed out, but a parent who saw the video said it was "awful."

"We’re still continuing to work with the victim and family," Christian said. "The determination will be made based on the victim and family and how we move forward with it. Even if the kids are charged, it will be a juvenile event, so we won’t be able to release their names or information."

Ames High principal Dr. Paul Numedahl sent out a district-wide email to parents on the morning of Oct. 18, attempting to explain recent altercations that "seriously disrupted our learning environment and threatened the safety of our students and staff."

"I want every school community member to understand this situation's gravity," the email said. "Engaging in fights not only endangers the physical well-being of those involved but also undermines the respectful and conducive learning environment we strive to maintain. It tarnishes our school's reputation and disrespects the hard work of those dedicated to providing a positive educational experience."

More: Multiple fights break out at Ames High School, videos circulate on social media

What is the school board and district's plan moving forward?

The district is working with students to set behavior expectations across the district. Lawson is working with school principals to increase awareness, having launched an initiative to support anonymous reports. The district has asked students and staff to report inappropriate behavior as well.

Lawson said the Ames school system needs to increase adult involvement. He requested that faculty help address and eliminate potentially offensive, harmful, and disrespectful language and actions.

"We need to strengthen our support," Lawson said. "It’s not one person’s responsibility to check in on every student, and what we’ve seen is that our administrators have taken a huge role in this work. We're expecting each and every one of our staff members play a part in acknowledging and offering support to each and every one of our students."

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Ames school district wants to protect its students

The superintendent would like to see stronger connections as the district moves past the recent string of fights.

Students want to feel seen by someone who manages them, he insisted, whether it be from a parent, teacher or another trusted adult, though he said anyone who behaves inappropriately and threatens school safety will be held responsible.

"While we are willing to provide high levels of support to ensure all of our students thrive, we will also hold anyone accountable that threatens the safety of our school community," Lawson said. "We will continue to work alongside our schools to ensure that safe spaces that are focused on learning."

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education report for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Ames High School fight leads to safety pledges from school district