Altercations at Danbury High School lead to increase of police presence, enforced ‘zero tolerance’ policy

An increase in altercations between several small groups of students at Danbury High School has prompted additional police presence inside the school, in addition to city and school officials enforcing the district’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy.

All of the students involved in recent disruptive behaviors have been suspended from DHS and many have faced criminal charges. These students will be educated in a setting other than DHS, as the concern of officials is for the safety of all 3,270 students at the schools, not to be disrupted by the actions of a few. DHS Principal Dan Donovan sent a letter addressing these concerns to the entire school community; Superintendent Dr. Sal Pascarella and Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton posted a joint letter to parents, families, students and staff on the district social media pages and district website addressing the situation.

Any physical altercations at the high school, or any school, are prohibited; the same goes with bullying, intimidating or violent actions of any kind. School and city officials will enforce the zero tolerance policy and continue to remove students who are disruptive or threatening. Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour has provided more police presence specifically at DHS and the school’s security staff is also on heightened alert.

The district, together with the Board of Education, has worked very hard to foster a culture of acceptance in all of the schools and is focused on maintaining a safe learning environment. Parents and families have been encouraged to ask students not to add to the tension by posting false information and statements on social media. Students are also encouraged to talk to their counselors or families about any concerns they have about their safety.

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Submitted by Danbury, CT

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