PEKIN, Ill. – Administrators at Pekin Community High School took the whole school day Tuesday, before responding to numerous student complaints of frequent fights, made worse by a number of those being posted to a now-defunct Instagram page.
In what is described as a press release but targeted toward parents, Superintendent Danielle Owens says social media, in this this case, “can also be used by the Press and the public to spin stories of misinformation.”
Owens claims last week, a total of five “altercations” occurred, for which students were given “immediate consequences.”
Some students told our news partner 25 News the fighting happens all the time and never stops.
Owens claims a “false narrative” is being spread as “truth”.
The full statement from Owens is below.
Good evening,
On behalf of the PCHS administrative team, we are reaching out to you, as parents and guardians, to share factual information about what is and is NOT happening at PCHS. Social media, when used for “good,” can be a wonderful tool to share the positives that we have going on on a daily basis. However, this “tool” can also be used by the Press and the public to spin stories of misinformation.
Like any school, we occasionally have students who make poor choices and do not resolve conflicts in a civilized manner. There are times when this results in a physical altercation. Last week, we had a total of five altercations that resulted in students being given immediate consequences for their actions. PCHS works in conjunction with the Pekin Police Department, and, in most instances, issues tickets/fines to students for their misbehavior as well.
We want to stress that 95% of our students come to school, do what they are asked to do, and make us proud as Dragons. As we work to get that number closer to 100%, rest assured that students who continue to act in disruptive or defiant manners are dealt with swiftly and with student safety in mind. We will not allow those who choose to make poor decisions impede the learning environments of those who are here to succeed.
Nor will we allow a false narrative to be spread as “truth” to our school community! As always, we will keep you informed of issues when they rise to the level of “need to know.” We are frustrated with the fact that the “news,” in conjunction with a few students, are using social media to push a narrative that is inaccurate and causing undo levels of concern for your student’s safety. We have never and will never tolerate an environment that is anything other than safe and productive.
We encourage you to check out our own website (www.pekinhigh.net) and social media pages (on Facebook and Twitter) to see examples of the amazing things that happen at PCHS every day! We have great students, great faculty/staff, and a great school! Thank you for your continued support.
Dr. Danielle Owens
Superintendent
Pekin Community High School District #303
(309) 477-4222
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