Academy Park High School fights raising safety concerns; Sharon Hill police investigating

SHARON HILL, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — A series of unruly outbursts and constant fighting between high schoolers at Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania has administrators and police officers trying to figure out how to calm tempers.

Teachers and staff say there have been numerous riots this week, escalating into outright brawls, raising safety concerns and disrupting the learning environment.

Action News this week received several videos of fights at the school leading to a lockdown.

A video shows a group of male students participating in a fight while dozens more watch. A staff member attempted to intervene, as did a school resource officer.

Last month, 10 students were arrested after a series of fights broke out during a protest over a new dress code.

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“I have seen a progressive decline over the years. It’s like the mob mentality – a person starts acting like they’re all in on it. But it’s frustrating that you almost don’t get alerted anymore,” an Academy Park High school parent told Action News.

Southeast DelCo School superintendent Brenda G. Wynder says an investigation is ongoing.

Wynder also blames problems initiated outside the school grounds for what is happening inside.

The district provided this statement to Action News:

“The school and district administration is investigating recent incidents involving multiple students. Currently we believe that community initiated problems have been brought into our schools. The district takes these issues very seriously and those involved will receive appropriate consequences, up to and including expulsion, being justified. We will not tolerate the actions of a few students who disrupt the education of the remaining students. The Board is aware of the issues and is working with administration to provide a safe learning environment for our staff and students. “

“That is absolutely the worst. I have a feeling the seniors are not ready for college. They will tell you. I don’t know what they are doing to make it better now. I don’t know if they’re trying to implement something for the future, but something better definitely has to happen, like it is now,” said another parent.

The investigation into what triggered the fighting is ongoing. Police say they are viewing the videos.