December 16, 2021
Dear Monroe-Woodbury families,
I am writing to address an incident that occurred yesterday, December 15, on High School property. Several students were involved in an altercation outside of the building after school hours. Police were notified and quickly arrived on the scene to assist building administrators and school safety staff.
Students who were involved in the altercation have been identified and a thorough investigation is underway. Individuals will face serious disciplinary action per the district’s Student Code of Conduct. This type of behavior will not be tolerated on school property.
Our expectation has always been that our students will be respectful of one another, accepting and kind. Violent behavior such as that demonstrated by students yesterday has no place in our schools or community. We will take whatever measures are necessary to help prevent violent occurrences such as this from happening in the future.
All students have the right to feel physically and emotionally safe in their school buildings. It is an unfortunate reality that the actions of few ultimately have a widespread impact on an entire school community. Students, staff and families must remain vigilant in our efforts to preserve our schools as a safe environment for teaching and learning. We must all do our part.
With the addition of the new Director of Security and Emergency Management, who begins work on Monday, December 20, families should anticipate additional changes to security protocols to come in the near future. Until that time, the following procedural changes will be implemented immediately:
Students who are participating in clubs and activities, after-school help or athletics are the only individuals who are allowed to stay after school. These students will be given a bus pass from their teacher, advisor or coach. Only students with a pass will be allowed to ride on the 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. activity buses. No exceptions will be made.
Students who leave school property to go to the Woodbury Commons or other locations will not be allowed back on campus. These students will need to find their own transportation home. School safety will be monitoring the comings and goings of students after school hours and will not allow students to re-enter campus.
We are prepared to take swift and severe action against harmful student behaviors, provide ongoing support for students and staff, and bring the focus back to where it belongs - in our classrooms where students thrive and grow. I have faith in our future. We will do this together.
Warm regards,
Elsie Rodriguez
Superintendent of Schools