EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Violence Breaks Out at Pawtucket Middle School - Parents Speak Out About Violence

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Violence Breaks Out at Pawtucket Middle School - Parents Speak Out About Violence

Multiple incidents of violence broke out at Pawtucket’s Samuel Slater Middle School this week. Video secured by GoLocal shows multiple fights at the school.

Pawtucket resident Khrystyne Bento tells GoLocal, “I’ve got two kids I’m responsible for at Slater. Ever since a few weeks ago when there was a supposed threat, I said they should call me if anything happens. On Thursday, my niece sent me a text that they were supposed to be getting out of school, but they were being locked in rooms. So some of the kids started panicking.”

“What I’m being told, she said some of the kids were talking about a ‘national day’ when people just fight everything. They were just fighting anyone,” said Bento. “These types of things are happening however on an almost daily basis and no one’s telling anyone anything.”

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Bento took to Facebook to react to the statement issued by the school on Friday.

“I hear parents are getting robocalls that all social media posts are fake — OK, the videos were fake? They won’t admit that kids are afraid. If that’s not disrespectful to the community than I don’t know what is,” said Bento. 

Pawtucket resident Melissa DaRosa, told GoLocal she is not a Slater parent but an advocate for nonviolence, said she saw the videos and spoke with parents and students.

“I’m planning a community meeting on Tuesday,” said DaRosa. "I'm hoping the city and the Mayor’s office will be there. A lot of people are upset. I’m 5 1/2 months pregnant — I’d be ripped if this happened, that they waited ‘till 9 p.m. to issue a statement, and pretend like nothing happened.”

“When are adults going to realize that it’s a new generation and social media? They shouldn’t have the mentality that they don’t have to do anything. It seemed like the mentality [on Thursday],” said DaRosa. “At this point, parents don’t trust the teachers and administration.”

“I got those videos from parents. The ones in the cafeteria and hall were from Thursday, I think the one in the stairwell was from earlier in the week,” said Bento.

When parents went to the school Friday seeking comment they were unsatisfied with a school official's response. The Pawtucket Superintendent and Police Department issued a statement -- sent to GoLocal on Friday afternoon -- explaining the incident.

"We are aware that there is a video being shared on social media that shows portions of an altercation between students at the school.  This incident is currently under investigation by the School Administration in conjunction with the SRO and Pawtucket Police.  Therefore, we cannot comment on an active, ongoing investigation, wrote Pawtucket officials 

READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW

Joint Statement from Superintendent and Police Department

“The School Department and Police Department always prioritize the safety of our students. Yesterday, there were separate, isolated incidents that took place at Samuel Slater Middle School.  The occurrence of these incidents at the same location has led to wild rumors and misinformation on social media that are completely false and inaccurate.  These social media postings have created a sense of discomfort for students and staff at our school.

To be clear, Samuel Slater Middle school is a safe and welcoming environment for our students and teachers every day and we strive to keep it that way.  Here is the timeline of the series of unrelated events that occurred at Slater:

Incident 1

First, on March 13th at approximately 12:15 a.m., the Police Department responded to a motor vehicle accident at Slater middle school.  Subsequently, officers were informed by the driver that he had been the victim of a stabbing.  This incident is completely unrelated to the school other than being on the property. The incident is currently being investigated by the police therefore we cannot comment further on this incident.  All inquiries should be referred to the Pawtucket Police Department.

Incident 2

On March 14th slightly before 2 p.m., there was an unruly student in the hallways of Slater that prompted the school to get the police involved and restrain the student.  The incident was handled without any escalation or disturbance to the school.  Due to confidentiality reasons, we cannot comment any further on this incident.

Incident 3

The same day, at around 2:23 pm, the bell for dismissal was inadvertently rung 12 minutes early when a staff member was in the process of using the intercom. The School Administration made the decision to hold the students inside of the school and have a formal dismissal. As a result of the confusion that ensued, four students took advantage of the situation and engaged in an altercation with another student. This unrelated incident is being investigated by the School Department in conjunction with the School Resource Officer and Pawtucket Police.

Social Media and Misinformation

We are aware of misinformation being spread amongst social media regarding the series of incidents on March 14 at Slater Middle School.

We will address each point of misinformation below:

1.     Weapons at School:  There were never any incidents involving any weapons at Slater Middle School.  Our children have been and continue to be in a safe and caring environment at Slater Middle School.

2.     Video of a physical altercation at Slater Middle School- We are aware that there is a video being shared on social media that shows portions of an altercation between students at the school.  This incident is currently under investigation by the School Administration in conjunction with the SRO and Pawtucket Police.  Therefore, we cannot comment on an active, ongoing investigation.

We would like to clarify that there were never any weapons at the school, contrary to misinformation on social media.  At no point, were students in any danger and our staff handled these incidents in a professional, efficient and courteous manner.

As an extra precaution and for the comfort of our students and families at Slater Middle School, the School Department and Police Department have an increased presence for the day. Our main priority will continue to be fostering a safe environment for our students to learn.”