In-Person Classes Halted After Violent Incidents
Alexandria City High School (ACHS) in Virginia suspended in-person classes for the rest of the week following a series of violent altercations that resulted in injuries to both students and staff. Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt announced on Wednesday that the decision was made to prioritize safety, with students shifting to asynchronous online instruction. The incidents, which took place on Tuesday at the school’s King Street campus, prompted authorities to place the building in “hold status” for most of the day, restricting movement within classrooms and hallways.
In a statement addressing families, Kay-Wyatt expressed deep concern over the disruptive events, describing the behaviors as “unacceptable.” She emphasized that while the altercations involved a small group of students, they had a significant impact on the learning environment, interrupting the focus on education. The superintendent further warned of “severe consequences” for those violating the school system’s code of conduct.
Immediate Measures and Plans for Improvement
As part of its immediate response, the school canceled all after-school activities on Wednesday, except a scheduled concert at 7:30 p.m. To ensure safety, classes were moved online for Thursday, Dec. 19, and Friday, Dec. 20. Kay-Wyatt stated that she is collaborating with the Alexandria City High School administration to develop additional measures that will be implemented when students and staff return after the winter break.
Support sessions for affected students and staff are being organized via Zoom, with two virtual meetings scheduled on Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. These sessions aim to provide resources and address concerns stemming from the recent events.
History of Violence Raises Alarms
This week’s incidents are not the first to disrupt Alexandria City High School in recent years. In October, a violent altercation left a 15-year-old student with a jaw injury. The school also faced tragedy in 2022 when an ACHS student was fatally stabbed during a fight at the nearby Bradlee Shopping Center. Police reported that the brawl involved dozens of students at the time.
The recent conflicts have reignited concerns about safety and security within the school. As ACHS moves forward, the administration remains committed to addressing these challenges and fostering a safe learning environment for its students and staff.
