The assault and injury of a student at Orange High School on Monday resulted in an investigation by local authorities and the county school system offering support to students.
Emails from Orange High School Principal Jason Johnson on Monday evening and Tuesday morning detailed the event to families and Orange County Schools community members. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Chapelboro it is continuing to “determine the facts and circumstances” around an assault reported during a class change on Monday.
According to authorities, a student described “feeling a blow to the back” and suffered an injury. School nursing staff examined the student before calling Emergency Medical Services for assistance — although neither the sheriff’s office nor Orange High described the severity of the injury. Johnson said in his Monday email, however, that the high school was placed in a soft lockdown shortly after the assault.
By Monday evening, school administrators had identified a student suspect in the attack and investigators took out a juvenile petition for their detainment. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said because the alleged attacker is a minor, state law prohibits them from releasing additional information. Johnson indicated the school and district would not be providing information on the victim’s status either based on their age.
Johnson said in his messages to the Orange High community that there was extra security on campus Tuesday morning, but that the school day started as normal. He added there would be crisis team member, counselors and school staff on hand for students to talk with if they felt shaken or concerned by the experience.
Here is an excerpt from Johnson’s message on April 24:
“When something like this happens, all of us will be feeling a variety of emotions, from shock and anger to sadness and worry. That is completely normal, and our staff care very much about the feelings our students and staff may be experiencing.
We always thank the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, as well as our school nurses and life safety partners, for their continued efforts. Keeping our schools safe takes all of us – from our students and staff to all of our community partners.
But any time violence touches us, even as we come together, it can still be very stressful. Our crisis team, our counselors and other staff, are responding to this situation and they will be available for support. Please let us know any additional information the school should know so we can provide the support your child needs.”
The principal also re-shared information on how students and families can provide safety alerts to school personnel, saying tips have previously “saved lives here in Orange County Schools.” People can call the school at 919-732-6133. Additionally, anonymous tips can be left through the district’s SAY SOMETHING reporting system online or by calling 1-844-5-SAY-NOW (1-844-572-9669).
Both the sheriff’s office and Orange High administration said there is no indication there’s an ongoing threat to the school community related to Monday’s incident.
Photo via Orange County Schools.
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