Fight btw BCC & WJ students after game @ 8:30 Friday night

[Anonymous]

Sports Illustrated 2022 article:

“Violence at high school football games a nationwide issue amid referee shortage”

“Two high schools in Maryland suspended their football seasons Saturday after a massive brawl broke out between players and coaches during their game Friday night and spilled out into the parking lot when it was double-forfeited.”

https://highschool.si.com/national/2022/09/22/violence-at-high-school-football-games-a-nationwide-issue-amid-referee-shortage

“In the midst of a critical shortage of officials due to unruly behavior by coaches, players and spectators, there was a string of violent outbursts last week at high school football games across the country.

A national survey showed 46% of officials "have felt unsafe or feared for their safety due to spectator, coach, administrator or player behavior." It's easy to see why so many feel this way when you take a look at the current state of affairs in high school sports.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BCC parent here. There need to be consequences/punishment for all involved, regardless of school or race. AND there needs to be help for these kids who have so much anger and aggression. Expelling them from school and putting him in jail isn’t going to solve the problem, as they’ll just continue the cycle of aggression/arrest when they come out. Black or white, these kids clearly need help.

Actually, expelling him from school will keep the other kids safe, and putting him in jail will keep the community safe from him. I believe that does in fact “solve” the problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BCC parent here. There need to be consequences/punishment for all involved, regardless of school or race. AND there needs to be help for these kids who have so much anger and aggression. Expelling them from school and putting him in jail isn’t going to solve the problem, as they’ll just continue the cycle of aggression/arrest when they come out. Black or white, these kids clearly need help.

Actually, expelling him from school will keep the other kids safe, and putting him in jail will keep the community safe from him. I believe that does in fact “solve” the problem.

As long kids don’t just get shuffled from MCPS school to school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Again, WJ students were being jumped and beaten, stomped on...etc. It's now come out (video proof) that the same group of thugs attacking the WJ student at the metro also then attacked a student wearing a BCC shirt in the same area. Based on other reports of students in the area, these large groups attacking were likely not at the game and/or only BCC students (if at all).

DC kids?

Silver Spring kids?

Perhaps.

WTF? What is this even supposed to mean?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BCC parent here. There need to be consequences/punishment for all involved, regardless of school or race. AND there needs to be help for these kids who have so much anger and aggression. Expelling them from school and putting him in jail isn’t going to solve the problem, as they’ll just continue the cycle of aggression/arrest when they come out. Black or white, these kids clearly need help.

Actually, expelling him from school will keep the other kids safe, and putting him in jail will keep the community safe from him. I believe that does in fact “solve” the problem.

As long kids don’t just get shuffled from MCPS school to school.

Unless the problem is the culture at these specific schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sports Illustrated 2022 article:

“Violence at high school football games a nationwide issue amid referee shortage”

“Two high schools in Maryland suspended their football seasons Saturday after a massive brawl broke out between players and coaches during their game Friday night and spilled out into the parking lot when it was double-forfeited.”

https://highschool.si.com/national/2022/09/22/violence-at-high-school-football-games-a-nationwide-issue-amid-referee-shortage

“In the midst of a critical shortage of officials due to unruly behavior by coaches, players and spectators, there was a string of violent outbursts last week at high school football games across the country.

A national survey showed 46% of officials "have felt unsafe or feared for their safety due to spectator, coach, administrator or player behavior." It's easy to see why so many feel this way when you take a look at the current state of affairs in high school sports.”

Also, Atlanta is taking action both on and off the field:

“Now high school-aged students will need to show a valid student ID from the schools involved in the game to get into the stadium. Middle school-aged children and younger will need to be accompanied by an adult.

The stadium has also put in place a clear bag policy and capped attendance at 1,500 people.

"We'll have plenty of school resource officers on the premises to monitor the site not just what's going on inside the stadium but what's going on outside as well," Watson said.

Clayton County Public Schools said after the shooting that they will continue to use weapon-detection devices at games and take other steps to keep students and staff safe, including moving up start times.

The district is also no longer allowing tailgating in parking lots and will not allow anyone into the games after the third quarter.

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/gwinnett-clayton-county-schools-safety-measures-violence-high-school-football-games

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was at the game and security seemed very good. Student fans were in dedicated sections at opposite ends of the stadium. WJ student fans left just before game ended, and BCC student fans asked to stay after for 15 mins and performance of (terrific) student dance group. Plenty of security on site.

I disagree and was also at the game. I left slightly early along with many kids. It was pretty clear that MoCo needed much more police presence on the street by that point.

Not enough police anymore to provide necessary security.

My child was at the game and hanging out in Bethesdalast night. She said there were tons of police officers everywhere around Bethesda Row. The problem here isn’t a lack of officers but perhaps too many on the Bethesda Row side and not enough by the metro, where there have been fights before.

They were dealing with a robbery over there around the same time. The problem isn’t the police. It’s the kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not the result of the pandemic or the removal of SROs -- at least those factors cannot bear the entire blame.
Maybe it's time these schools stop playing each other.

This was the note sent in January 2020:

Dear Walter Johnson High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase Community Members,

We wanted to alert our communities that after the basketball game at B-CC there were several altercations among the students. Both schools had administrators, security and police present. Despite these measures, altercations still broke out on and off campus, eventually resulting in three arrests. We believe these incidents were a continuation of vandalism on both campuses earlier in the week. Apparently, B-CC students spray painted the WJ shed that the seniors paint as a tradition going into their senior year. In retaliation, apparently WJ students spray painted the brick building and the school’s electronic sign at B-CC. These acts resulted in thousands of dollars of damage to the schools and a full police investigation. These acts are all completely unacceptable and both schools will work collaboratively to determine the facts and administer appropriate consequences. At any school event safety is our top concern and our expectation is always that students will follow all school rules and laws in order to assure they are able to enjoy school events with their peers. Please speak to your children about the importance of school rules and their key role in helping all school events be fun, safe and enjoyable activities.

Sincerely,
Shelton Mooney
Acting Principal, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

Jennifer Baker
Principal, Walter Johnson High School

Interesting how Whitman manages to avoid this insanity. They are a Bethesda school as well.

Sorry, but it's a Whitman problem too -- From last October:

Dear Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Walt Whitman High School Families,

Over the past several days, the Montgomery County Police Department and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) have received messages from community members in regard to the decision to move Friday’s football game start time from 6:30pm to 4:00pm. We are writing to explain the important rationale behind this decision and provide you with an update. After collaborating with MCPD, MCPS Department of Systemwide Safety and hearing from the school community, we have adjusted the start time of the game. The new adjusted start time will be 5:00pm.

Earlier this week, leaders from both Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Walt Whitman High Schools, MCPS Department of Systemwide Safety, and MCPD, met based on a shared interest in ensuring school and community safety before, during, and after the upcoming game between the two schools. This conversation was in line with our weekly review of all athletic events for the purposes of safety as outlined in our new Athletics Safety Plan. MCPS has made a commitment, as part of that plan, to review any matter that may impact the safety of players or spectators. Rivalries, recent incidents of violence, social media postings and more are just some of the factors that help inform any decisions concerning staffing, time changes, and police support for our athletic events.

The long standing rivalry between Walt Whitman and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High Schools has at times resulted in increased student activity in downtown Bethesda and civil and criminal disruptions. Subsequently, an earlier start time was recommended to deter students from engaging in unsafe behavior. This change aligns with the guidelines outlined in the MCPS Athletics Safety Plan to enhance game management and safe operations at athletic events. This decision was made in collaboration with both high schools and community partners and aligns with a history in both school communities of changing start times for athletic contests.

Each of the partners considered the impact of the change on the school community, including student athletes and their families. We understand that any adjustment to schedules can cause complications and we appreciate your support in recognizing our collective priorities and commitments to the safety of our students and community. We hope that this background information and the factors that informed our decisions to shift the game time to 5:00pm better informs our school communities.

We are looking forward to a spirited and enjoyable fall afternoon this Friday.

Sincerely,

Dr. Shelton Mooney

Principal, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School



Dr. Robert W. Dodd

Principal, Walt Whitman High School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PLEASE - Focus on punishing any perpetrators- not the teams, schools and families who enjoyed the game and were peaceful. BCC, WJ, their football teams and their students are not responsible for the bad actions of a few individuals. Don't give "bad apples" power to destroy everyone else's enjoyable football season. Punish those actually involved. That's actually holding kids accountable for their own actions which is what we should be teaching.

Sure the football players were not guilty last night but don’t be so blind and to recognize the time they have also behaved poorly

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every WJ/BCC basketball and football game. Just means they'll impose more restrictions going forward.

It's just another strong indicator of MCPS decline when students at these schools act like gang members.

It’s likely because they ARE gang members.

Quite possibly.

Gang members don't give a darn about school rivalries

It was an opportunity for violence.

You think that kid was kicking the kid on the ground repeatedly, followed up with punches to the head out of team/school spirit? GTFOH. Lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sept 2

Dear Members of the Walter Johnson High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Communities,

This is a joint message from the principals of Walter Johnson High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High Schools.

Last night, Friday, September 1, B-CC hosted Walter Johnson for our first football game of the fall season. The game went well and was an exciting match. Our fans and attendees were great and everyone seemed to have a fun evening. The safety plans jointly made by both schools worked well on campus and all of the fans left school grounds safely.

Unfortunately, after the game there was a large gathering at the Bethesda Metro Station by many B-CC and Walter Johnson students. This gathering turned into fighting, which then resulted in some serious student injuries. This is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

There is also a mention on social media that a student may have been in possession of a weapon; this has not been confirmed and remains a part of the investigation.

The Montgomery County Police Department was engaged immediately and responded. They are currently investigating this incident as are the school administrators. These behaviors by students are dangerous, illegal and completely inappropriate. As individual students from both schools are identified appropriate disciplinary action, in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct, will be assigned

We will be sending more information out to our communities as the administrations from both schools work collaboratively with MCPS security, MCPS athletics and the Montgomery County police to complete the investigation and to help repair the harm that has been done. Together we must help our students understand how such disruptive actions impact our community.

We appreciate the support from our parents and guardians in helping us emphasize to students that their safety is always our priority, and that they play a critical role keeping our school events safe and fun for everyone.

Sincerely,

Shelton Mooney
Principal, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

Jennifer Baker
Principal, Walter Johnson High School

Man, as a DCC parent, I'm just glad it's not us for once. I'm stunned at the behavior though.

MCPS needs to make an example out of these kids. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not about football. Not about night game time. Not about police. Not about principals or coaches. Not BCC WJ rivalry. Systemic breakdown post-pandemic. Adolescents in crisis across the country. And, MOCO was the last district to open school doors during covid. Bigger issue, going to get bigger.

I don’t blame covid for this barbaric behavior. I blame kids being raised in a subcultural norm where it’s okay (in fact, expected) to react violently when you perceive (imagine?) you have been disrespected.

Ten bucks says the kids who committed the assault will allege the victim made a racist comment…as if that justifies kicking a girl in the head while she’s on laying on the ground.

Ding ding ding we have a winner.

I’ve said this here a million times before. The only way to solve the problem is to change this culture. But how does one do that when it’s considered racist to even mention it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not about football. Not about night game time. Not about police. Not about principals or coaches. Not BCC WJ rivalry. Systemic breakdown post-pandemic. Adolescents in crisis across the country. And, MOCO was the last district to open school doors during covid. Bigger issue, going to get bigger.

I don’t blame covid for this barbaric behavior. I blame kids being raised in a subcultural norm where it’s okay (in fact, expected) to react violently when you perceive (imagine?) you have been disrespected.

Ten bucks says the kids who committed the assault will allege the victim made a racist comment…as if that justifies kicking a girl in the head while she’s on laying on the ground.

Ding ding ding we have a winner.

I’ve said this here a million times before. The only way to solve the problem is to change this culture. But how does one do that when it’s considered racist to even mention it?

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Yikes, hope everyone is ok, esp the kid who seemed to be kicked in the head at the Bethesda metro. They really need to up security at games. Sad start to the year.

Did Kubrick direct this video? He wasn’t too far off with the ultraviolence and droogs and all.

[Anonymous]

At 9th orientation at the high school I teach at, some 9th graders showed up to orientation and their only questions were about fighting. This is basically a sport to these kids. It’s their only source of power and influence from what I can tell.