More details emerge following fight, shelter-in-place at SJHS

By Sara Beth Williams–
A school district spokesperson on Friday confirmed more details regarding a fight that broke out at San Juan High School two weeks ago and prompted an “active threat on campus alert,” according to an area news report.

San Juan Unified School District Communications Director Raj Rai said the incident on Feb. 29 took place in the large gym on the high school campus. Rai did not provide the number of students involved, but said staff quickly de-escalated the situation. While staff escorted students to the office, a large gathering of students congregated and prompted staff to initiate a shelter-in-place.

“A shelter-in-place is a lower level of alert used to calm a situation or allow staff to assess conditions,” Rai said, adding that, during a shelter-in-place, students and staff can continue instruction and other activities within classrooms as scheduled.

Lockdowns, in contrast, are the “highest level of alert” Rai said, and are used when there is immediate danger.

KCRA reported that the district had initiated a lockdown of the campus and said the district later called the escalation a mistake, saying, “the active threat alert should not have been utilized.” Police were also called to the scene before noon, with the campus reopening shortly afterward.

Rai confirmed that those participating in the fight received “appropriate consequences.”

In the weeks since the incident, Rai said San Juan High School’s administration and wellness team have visited every class to discuss “appropriate behavior and resolving conflicts respectfully,” and a school-wide assembly was held last week that focused on “the importance of building community and having a supportive culture on campus.”

Rai added that the school has also reached out to students’ families, encouraging them to remind students of the importance of working to resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully, and reporting safety concerns to school staff as soon as possible.

“The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority,” Rai said.