By Anthony Rifilato
And while some said they felt unnerved by the imbroglio, many students said that they felt safe in their school and had confidence in both the school's security guards and the staff.
"I was there when the fight broke out on Wednesday, when the boys trampled the security guards," said one girl. "I saw her head hit the garbage can. Security was there. For people to say they weren't there, maybe you don't know what's going on. There's nothing you can do when 50 something boys run in from outside. We have a very good school. I understand you're worried about your children and I don't blame you, but things happen. Security was there and they tried their hardest."
Yvette Martinez, the security guard who was injured during the melee, agreed and explained that security did their best to respond under the circumstances and that while they, - like most parents - would like to see all of the students responsible for the fight thrown out of school, it's an impossible task.
"It's impossible to suspend 50, 60 or 100 students," Martinez said, to an eruption of yells from numerous parents who called for the students involved to be expelled. "You do not know how many students are jumping in at one time when there are so many kids."
Another student said that there has been a boost to security in recent years and that the school is taking steps to address the issue.
"The day after the riot, there was zero tolerance," he said, adding that the incident arose from an isolated dispute between a few students. He and others added that such incidents don't happen on a regular basis compared to other schools.
Another student said that the fight being between juniors and seniors has been blown out of proportion on News 12 and that it did not involve all 50 students.
"[Students] were trying to help people and it made it seem like they were all fighting," said the student. "Everyone was trying to help their friends basically."
He elaborated on the mood at the school, after several students said that walking through the halls has been nerve racking amid the tension and fighting.
"It's not like a junior is saying, 'We're going to get this senior,'" he said. "It's been one incident that has sparked an entire mood that people have been getting into altercations. It does not necessarily have to do with juniors and seniors, but because of the aura around the school, altercations have been taking place." Others said that parents have to create a dialogue with their kids, adding that administrators can only do so much.
"Parents need to find out if their child is putting up a front, by putting on a smiling face at home and then threatening people," one student said, adding that many students make threats by sending text messages and using Myspace.com Web pages, among others. "Your problems start at home. Go home and speak to your kids."
Still, a few students - and parents - said that security and school administrators have to do a better job of weeding out the trouble makers - some of whom they said are already back in the school - while a few said that security are too friendly with the kids and are ineffective.
"It was a riot during sixth period," said one senior. "There's no need for it. I love these security guards but they have to be stronger. I have a future and I'd like to go live it before I get jumped in the hall."
A few students said that they are apprehensive about reporting threats made by other students to administrators or teachers.
Knors and Britto said that students do have an avenue if they are having trouble with a student in school, whether by bringing it to the attention of her office and through Reportit.com, among other suggestions.
"We try to investigate without making students feel uncomfortable," Knors said. "Students here will tell you if they need to talk to us, they can."
One parent said he felt that there is a lack of leadership at Baldwin High and that the banning of electronic devices and other measures send the wrong message to kids (see "Zero tolerance," below).
"I think the kids feel that there is no real leadership," the parent said. "We all appreciate it's a big school, but what we are lacking is visible leadership. That is what is going to give the kids comfort, not zero tolerance for BlackBerrys."
At a Board of Education meeting on March 14, the day after the community forum, a few parents brought up the issue and made their concerns clear.
"There are a lot of good things going on in this district educationally and I wish a lot more kids would take the opportunities being given to them," said parent Linda Kralstein, who became visibly emotional. "However, I am contemplating moving because of the behavior that I see going on. Last night, we went through a blame game. We're blaming the parents, we're blaming the kids and we're blaming the security guards. There are a handful of kids that are having problems in one way or another and these problems need to be addressed early on."
Board members said they are conscious of what happened and are working with the school as the investigation continues, saying that they understand the concerns of parents.
"I also want to assure you that not only do we hear you, we are living it too," said board member Mary Clark. "There are at least two of us here that have kids in the high school, so we understand. We're not trying to push this under the rug like other people have said. We will do our best to try to get to the bottom of the original incident but also to try to make sure it will never happen again. We can't promise it but believe me nobody is taking this lightly and every aspect is being looked at."
Dana Williams contributed to this story. Comments about it? Baldwineditor@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 207.
