Schools in New Jersey report a high number of disruptive incidents

By Staff Writer

Principals from a middle and elementary school in New Jersey have reported that hundreds of disruptive incidents occurred at their institutions last year.

The Shore News Today reports that school officials recently gave presentations of data compiled during the 2009-2010 school year. The elementary school had 168 infractions, while the middle school recorded 230.

The types of incidents included disrespect to staff, fights, dangerous behavior and profanity. At the elementary school, one infraction involved a student who brought a knife into school, while another involved two kids fighting. The police were notified of the altercation and the parents of one of the children filed a lawsuit in connection with the event.

The elementary school principal said that every disruptive incident leads to a sit-down meeting with the child. In some cases, the parents are notified and a meeting is scheduled. The middle school principal said that repeated offenders may come under administrative review and a conference is scheduled that involves students, teachers and parents.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, violence prevention programs for younger adolescents should include efforts to improve their academic performance.