Year ends on troubling note

Student pranks draw fire department twice in less than a week Warwick — Smoke bombs put an end to the school year on Tuesday at Warwick Valley High School as a small group of students set off the three devises at dismissal. “This wasn’t as destructive as last year’s incidents,” said Dr. Frank Greenhall, superintendent of Warwick schools, “but it was more serious. Anytime anyone sets off a smoke bomb it is dangerous.” Smoke bombs, which are considered fireworks that give off colored smoke, can catch fire if set off near paper products. That did not happen last week or this week. However, the fire department had to be called in both times and used outtake fans to remove the smoke from the building. Both Greenhall and Warwick Police Chief Tom McGovern said these are not harmless pranks. No one was arrested, however. “Anything that interferes with the lives of others is not harmless,” said Greenhall. “I feel bad we keep bothering the volunteer fire department. There is so much potential danger here.” “This is such a huge waste of resources,” said McGovern, “all because of childish behavior. This is costing everyone money that can be better spent elsewhere.” The added police, Greenhall pointed out, had a very positive impact on the students. And the cost is less than the damage caused last year. Different, but still troubling Both also agreed this is not on the scale of what has occurred in past years. Last year four students were arrested after a food fight became violent, with students throwing chairs and overturning tables. One worker cleaning up the mess slipped and hurt her back. The year before, one student was arrested when a food fight and water balloon fight lasted through three lunch periods. Some called it a riot. This year, police presence built up gradually over the last week of school, at the request of the district, until there were six officers at the school on Tuesday. Despite the increased presence, one student set off a smoke bomb on Friday, setting off the smoke sensors and bringing the Warwick Fire Department to the high school. The school was evacuated. Police arrested a 16-year-old student, who was charged with misdemeanor reckless endangerment. A stink bomb was detonated in the school on Monday and another one found in a locker before it was set off, thanks to a tip from a student, according to Greenhall. Tuesday’s incident, although not destructive and thought to be more of a prank, continues a tradition that Greenhall wants to stop. “You know, I sense the climate changing,” he said. “Most students don’t find this stuff funny.” The district certainly does not find it funny at all. Measures to discipline the students involved have been taken swiftly. Two students have been identified with cameras in the hallways and the district is working on identifying a third. Although the smoke bombs were set off in the senior hallway, it was not all seniors involved, Greenhall said. Superintendent hearings have been set for Monday, which could result in extended suspensions for those involved, up to one full year. “We want everyone to know we are not playing around here,” said Greenhall. “It is disruptive and dangerous to the large majority of students who do not find it funny. This year it was a very small group of kids involved. They will find a very swift, strict handling of this whole situation.”