'I’m calling it whack-a-mole:' Nichols Middle School in chaos as students damage building

MIDDLEBORO - In May, Acting Principal of Nichols Middle School Heather Tucker walked through the cafeteria during students' lunch periods with a clipboard, taking note of which students at what lunch tables were behaving destructively.

Roughly 50 students have been causing chaos inside the middle school said Tucker, who at the time had been in her role for seven weeks. In recent months, students have thrown food, broken lunch table benches and kicked bathroom pipes open requiring plumbers to come repair them.

"This is more than just students being students. This is targeted destruction of the building," Tucker said at a Middleboro School Committee meeting on May 18.

"The Nichols School is a place that has been considered out of control."

Invoices sent to parents for reimbursement

The district sent invoices to parents of students who ripped off a bench attached to a cafeteria table, and who broke bathroom pipes, requiring families to pay for the damages.

"That expense should not be borne by the district," said Middleboro Superintendent Cynthia Lyons.

"While we are unable to provide specific details about the individual bills to families at this time due to privacy considerations, I can assure you that the school district has taken steps to hold accountable those responsible for the damages," said Sean Siciliano, the district's communications director, in an email to The Enterprise. "We are working with the families involved to address the financial aspects in a fair and transparent manner."

MIDDLEBORO: A bullying epidemic in Nichols Middle has students, superintendent calling for intervention

Nichols Middle School, which has a student body of roughly 700, is the same where seventh-grader Liam Morrison was sent home for wearing a shirt reading "there are only two genders." The school is simultaneously struggling with an epidemic of bullying, including the use of racial slurs.

Additionally, Tucker said a student was recently struck and bruised by an apple thrown through the air during lunch.

“I’m calling it whack-a-mole right now because there are so many different things that are popping up across the school," Tucker said.

Ex-Brockton top cop on trial: What's the evidence in crash case against former Chief Gomes? What happened in court

Is Nichols Middle School a 'lost cause?'

Sarah Zigouras is a Nichols Middle School parent who has spoken several times in front of the School Committee to express concerns about the situation inside the school.

"The school district as a whole has failed the students of Nichols Middle School," she said. "That place is seen as just a lost cause."

State laws over discipline in schools has changed this school year. When instances of bullying or destruction occur, school staff must exhaust other follow up options - from "reflective practices" to community service - before they can suspend a student.

Easton public salaries report: 1 Easton worker made more than $300K. Here are the town's top 10 highest paid workers.

"Suspension and expulsion, though available, is becoming less available," said Lyons. "[The] law has changed and impacted how districts respond to student behavior."

Because of the new laws, Zagouris said students are rarely held accountable.

"No matter what type of plan is developed, its only as good as the execution," Zagouris said. "If it's not followed it doesn’t matter. And that’s what happening."

Lyons said that parents have been contacted regarding their kids' behavior and have supported the school in its effort to corral its students. Some have suggested that parents volunteer to patrol lunch periods.

"It is essential to note that the behavior exhibited by a small number of students does not reflect the overall student body of John T. Nichols Middle School," Siciliano said. "We are proud of the vast majority of our students who demonstrate respect, responsibility, and positive behavior on a daily basis. Our focus remains on fostering a safe and productive learning environment for all students."

Zagouris also said that feces were found on bathroom ceiling tiles, but Lyons and Tucker did not comment on the instance and committee members did not respond to The Enterprise's request for confirmation.

But Lyons said that small, positive changes have improved the culture inside the building, and an updated bullying response plan is drafted and will be discussed at a public forum on June 20.

"We are working closely with Interim Principal Heather Tucker and the school staff to implement necessary measures to prevent these incidents from occurring in the future," Siciliano said.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Middleboro middle school students break bathroom pipes, lunch tables