School Department Statement on Incident at New Bedford High School

On Friday, May 2, 2014, two female students at New Bedford High School were engaged in an altercation. A teacher who intervened fell to the ground while attempting to restrain the students. The teacher sustained no injuries, finished the school day on Friday, and was present yesterday. School Resource Officers and administrators also responded. Both students were dismissed and suspended.

New Bedford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin has continued to stress the importance of a cultivating positive learning environment where aggressive behavior is never acceptable under any circumstance. Last Wednesday, the Superintendent spoke directly to New Bedford High School students and staff at a series of three special assemblies for freshmen, sophomores, and junior/seniors. Dr. Durkin emphasized the obligations and responsibilities that students, teachers, and administrators have to one another. She praised the overwhelming majority of students who meet the high standards of personal conduct expected at New Bedford High School. And she praised the faculty and administrators who are working hard every day to foster a positive school culture.