Cook County Law Enforcement received a call at 10:39 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, reporting an incident at Cook County Schools. According to the caller, “two girls got in a fight.”
Because both of the parties involved in the incident are minors, details of the physical altercation as well as the names and ages of the students have not been released. However, School District 166 Superintendent Beth Schwarz confirmed that an assault had taken place in a classroom in the secondary school area (6-12th grades).
Schwarz said the school has consulted with legal counsel and is following its discipline policy. She said the aggressor is currently not at school while the matter is being investigated.
In response to a request to confirm whether or not one of the students suffered injuries, Schwarz said contrary to rumors there was no broken nose. She said unfortunately one of the girls had a bloody nose.
When asked if she knew what initiated the assault, Schwarz said social media played a part.
Schwarz stressed that acts of violence resulting in injury requiring medical attention rarely happen at the school. She said, “When any acts of violence occur (whether medical attention is needed or not) the incident is investigated, parents of both parties are called and if warranted law enforcement is involved. If necessary the school counselor or social worker are also involved.”
Schwarz said school counselor Kris Hoffman and school social worker Anna Sandstrom are available for any students who witnessed the incident who were troubled by it.
Schwarz said “violence” could range from very minor to very severe. “Thus consequences also range from very minor to very severe. The more complicated the situation the longer the investigation,” said Schwarz.
She also stressed that according to school policy, students have a right to confidentiality. “Therefore, the district does not share information related to the investigation or consequences,” said Schwarz.
“Safety is our number one priority,” Schwarz said.
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