September 12, 2018

Dear Parents and Guardians:

I am writing to provide you with information about an incident that occurred at school
today so that you can address this matter with your child in a manner you deem most
appropriate.

At about 11:30 this morning, an assault involving four students began in the boys’
bathroom just outside of the cafeteria. As police officers sought to intervene, pepper
spray was used by one of the officers to subdue one particular assailant. The pepper spray
penetrated the air, thus affecting others in close proximity to the assault. One of the
assailants and another student believed to be involved were transported to a medical
facility. A few other student bystanders sought help from the school nurse.

Additional involved students were taken into custody by police. We are continuing our
investigation and, in addition to any charges from the police, we will take appropriate
disciplinary action. I will be taking the strongest action allowable per our Student Code
of Conduct and the laws of the State of Maryland. Any other students found to be
involved will also be disciplined.

I must commend most students for staying safely away from the commotion. Such
responsible decision making allowed for less injury and for police to properly respond. In
a schoolwide announcement, I made it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated in
our school. Please talk to your child and discuss this matter. Please reiterate to your child
the need to help our school remain a place that is focused on instruction and where issues
that begin outside the building are left there.

Thank you for everything you do for your South River High School. If you have any
questions, please don’t hesitate to call the school.

Sincerely,

Will Myers
Principal
WTM/msm