Ames woman charged for allegedly telling her high school student to fight at middle school

Editor's note: A version of this story ran on Friday, March 8 without comment from the Ames Community School District. The district responded to a request for comment on Saturday, March 9.

An Ames woman has been charged after police were told she was encouraging her high school-aged student to "hit" a minor during a fight at the Ames Middle School.

Ames Police were dispatched to the middle school shortly after 8:45 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26 to assist with a fight, which led to juvenile referrals being issued to a 15-year-old.

The Ames Police Department announced Thursday, March 7 that they have also charged 34-year-old Shontell Jenkins of Ames with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The fight was allegedly between Jenkins' child and a middle school student, according to court documents. Jenkins allegedly brought her high school-aged child to fight a student at the middle school located off Mortensen Drive.

Jenkins is accused of encouraging her minor child to engage in a fight.

"According to the victim of the assault and two teachers, the defendant was encouraging her (child) to commit an assault by telling her to hit the (student)," authorities said in a criminal complaint.

The altercation also allegedly included adults in the school's cafeteria, according to an initial press release from the Ames Police Department. The police restrained one student who was "acting violently" after officers arrived and separated the individuals involved, the press release said.

A 15-year-old was issued juvenile referrals for disorderly conduct and interference with official acts. The police were on the scene for more than an hour, leaving the middle school at 9:57 a.m.

Jenkins had not been arrested as of Friday morning, March 8.

More: Large Ames Middle School fight draws heavy police presence, school 'hold' initiated

Middle school put on temporary 'hold'

A school-wide "hold" was implemented immediately after last week's fight so "the matter could be addressed appropriately," Ames Middle School Principal Boston Freilinger said in an email to parents.

According to the Ames Community School District's website, a "hold" is issued "when a non-imminent threat is occurring within the building. (It) may be issued when there is a need to isolate movement in a specific portion of the building."

The hold was lifted at 9:25 a.m. on Feb. 26.

Freilinger assured parents that all necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of the students and staff.

"I want every school community member to understand the gravity of this situation," Freilinger 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."

Freilinger said the middle school took the necessary steps to ensure school could continue as usual last week and asked parents to "open a dialogue" with their students about violence.

"We encourage you to have an open dialogue with your students about the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and seeking help from a trusted adult when needed," the email said. "Please reassure them that their safety is our top priority."

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Security concerns arise at AMS

A mother of a middle school student reached out to the Tribune after the fight on Feb. 26, saying she was concerned for her child's safety.

She expressed concern about potential harm to middle schoolers if adults and non-middle school students are allowed to enter the building.

She said she'd like to see an increase in security measures at the front office, particularly "more staff monitoring potential visitors." Currently, visitors have to be "buzzed in" to enter the school.

The mother accused the middle school of "buzzing" Jenkins and her child into the building on Feb. 26.

"I believe they need more security measures, they need more people up there to make sure this doesn’t happen," the mother said.

According to Ames CSD Director of Communications Amy DeLashmutt, the individuals charged by the Ames Police Department were provided access to the main office during a visit to the Middle School at the start of the school day.

She said they gained entry into another area through an office door as the fight broke out without authorization. She added staff were monitoring the situation and responded to deescalate it immediately.

"As false rumors circulate our community and media sources surrounding the incident, we would like to continue to encourage our families to rely on official communication from the school district for factual and up to date information," DeLashmutt said. "The safety of our students and staff is paramount, and we are committed to strengthening our practices, partnering with local law enforcement agencies and holding individuals accountable who jeopardize the well-being of our school community."

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Ames Tribune chose not to reveal the name of the mother quoted to protect the identity of her child.

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Middle school substitute concerned with staff shortages

Former Ames Middle School teacher and current substitute Missy Springsteen-Haupt asked the Ames school board for additional staffing at a Nov. 20 school board meeting, suggesting the faculty was overwhelmed. The teacher did not reference any specific incident but was worried about how the teacher shortage could worsen if the district didn't address it soon.

She asked the board to consider adding an associate principal at the middle school.

"It’s very clear if you spend even five minutes in the middle school that people are drowning," Springsteen-Haupt said at the November board meeting. "I think an immediate action that could be taken is if this board could look at things like referrals and incident reports, teachers and EAs who have been injured or harmed while working at the middle school. We need another AP (assistant principal) back."

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

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames woman accused of encouraging her child to fight at Ames Middle School