News Summary
In South River, New Jersey, a senior prank at South River High School resulted in the cancellation of classes and disciplinary actions against approximately 50 students. The prank involved furniture rearrangements, chaotic hallways, and created a significant disruption. School officials prioritized safety and decided to close the school for the day, conducting investigations and implementing penalties like fines and community service for those involved. Reactions from the community were mixed, with some viewing the prank as harmless while others supported the school’s response.
South River, New Jersey — Senior Prank Leads to School Closure and Disciplinary Measures
The town of South River, New Jersey, experienced a significant disruption at South River High School following a senior prank that resulted in class cancellations and disciplinary actions. The incident, which involved extensive chaos and mess throughout the school premises, prompted officials to cancel all classes for the day and initiate investigations.
Details of the Prank
According to reports, the prank involved students rearranging various pieces of furniture across the school, including moving tables and desks. Several students emptied the basketball gym, and hallways were covered with toilet paper, creating a chaotic scene inside the school. Classroom disruptions included signs of disarray, with furniture displaced and corridors decorated with toilet paper. Despite the level of disorder, no reports indicated that anything was broken or stolen during the prank.
School Response and Closure
The school’s initial plan was to open with a delayed start, but administrators decided to close the school entirely for the day due to the scale of the disruption. The decision was made because officials believed the prank had gone “too far,” affecting both the school’s environment and daily operations. School authorities emphasized that the safety of students and staff remained a priority while they conducted an investigation.
Investigation and disciplinary actions
An ongoing investigation involved reviewing surveillance footage to identify students involved in the prank. Principal Jamie Kinard disclosed that approximately 50 students were identified as participants in the act. Although no criminal charges are currently being brought against students, the South River School District announced several disciplinary measures.
Consequences for Students
Students involved in the prank face multiple penalties, including a $150 fine, five hours of community service, and bans from two traditional senior activities: the senior barbecue and the senior clap out. Additionally, participating students will receive an empty diploma folder at graduation until they complete their assigned community service hours. The district has set a deadline until the coming Monday for students and their parents to sign a graduation participation contract agreeing to these penalties.
Statements from School Officials
Superintendent Sylvia Zircher acknowledged that this year’s senior prank deviated from past traditions, noting that previous years involved students seeking approval before executing their activities. This year, students acted independently, leading to the large-scale disruption and subsequent disciplinary measures.
Community and Student Reactions
Responses from the school community have been mixed. Some students and parents believe that the prank was harmless and view the school’s response as overly strict. Others support the disciplinary actions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and respect for school property.
Resumption of Classes
Following the incident and subsequent investigations, classes are scheduled to resume at South River High School the day after the prank, with school officials reinforcing a focus on safety and a return to normalcy.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7: South River High School Seniors Say Punishment for Prank is Harsh
- My Central Jersey: South River High School Closed After Senior Prank
- NBC New York: Extreme Senior Prank at New Jersey High School
- Wikipedia: South River, New Jersey
- Google Search: South River High School Senior Prank
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