Sartell High School’s First Fight Prompts Message To Parents

Sartell's High School is brand new this year. The ISD 748 school district is experiencing a lot of firsts with the new building, including some not so great ones. Jeff Schwiebert, Superintendent and Brenda Steve, Sartell High School Principal sent out a message to parents earlier this week detailing the first fight to happen in the school's new building.

Parents and Guardians,

Yesterday was an uncharacteristic day at Sartell High School. We want to keep you informed about what has happened regarding three unrelated incidents. A student came into the office prior to school starting yesterday to report he had been punched by another student in the locker bay prior to the start of school. School administration immediately investigated this situation and issued appropriate consequences. During second block yesterday, two students were involved in a physical altercation in a classroom. School administration investigated and issued appropriate consequences. The Sartell Police Department is investigating both incidents.

Late last night, school staff received multiple reports from students of a Snapchat sent by a Sartell student. The Snapchat said, “IMPORTANT Further details for those of you I have contacted will be out tomorrow. You may not be chosen. IMPORTANT” Students were concerned this was a Snapchat regarding some type of school violence. School personnel contacted the Sartell Police Department who immediately investigated this incident. An officer met with the student and his parents and determined the Snapchat was in reference to a videography project the student was working on. The student apparently had asked a number of students to participate in the video project, and the student did not have enough room for everyone. The Sartell PD does not consider the Snapchat to be a threat.

This morning, we are aware that students may have safety concerns. Our staff is meeting this morning at 7:40 to discuss all situations and review active supervision protocols. School officials will be visible during student arrival and during passing times as is our normal protocol. We believe the high school is a very safe place. However, we do feel the two fights that happened yesterday are serious and concerning. We are going to be taking appropriate steps as we investigate these situations further. Please contact us with questions or concerns at 320-656-3737.

Students who wish to anonymously report any concerning behavior may do so by using our Tip Line which can be found our district website app.

Sincerely,

Jeff Schwiebert, Superintendent and Brenda Steve, Sartell High School Principal

People on social media have been complimenting the school's handling of the incident. One woman named Sue Kloetzer wrote, "Thank you to Sartell-St. Stephen School District - ISD 748 and Sartell Police Department for your swift and immediate response to ALL events."

If you're a parent of a child in the school district, you can get messages sent to you just like this one by downloading the district's mobile app.