What causes people to start fights?
Throughout the second semester, fights have been increasing and staff at JMS have provided some insight into why this could be happening.
The counselor, Laura Gutierrez, gave information on why fights start.
Ms. Gutierrez said she believes the most common reason fights start is that people believe lies or want to create problems with other students.
She also gave information on how students feel before and after a fight. She said, “Before the fight, they feel all worked up, mad, and frustrated, focusing on trying to find the person they want to fight and resolving it as a physical problem. After the fight, people feel frustrated and still mad; others regret what they did, some cry or are upset because they know the consequences.”
She also wants us as a community to help, as she said that “some students don’t like to report because they think they are snitching, but you can pass a note or something, or I can be anonymous or find a way to report it. Another thing is to add a peer mediation program so students can help resolve conflicts with peers.”
Assistant Principal Eric Brito also gave more ideas on why fights may start.
Brito said, “Something that causes fights is people talking on social media and posting online, people having arguments online.”
He also said that he believes that if we want to stop these fights, we all need to focus on the Wayfinder lessons, as they show how to control our feelings and avoid getting physical when arguing.
Brito then elaborated even more on what he said. He said, “The consequences separate the people so they don’t fight. After that, we met with the parents and discussed what started the fight and its background. There are other consequences, which are morning detention, lunch detention, and at the end of the day, parents have to pick up the student.”
After two weeks, the school administration makes a plan with the student to avoid getting into fights, and if the student does not show improvement, the detention will be extended. If the student still does not improve, it will result in a suspension.
Assistant Principal Wendy Perez also shared her thoughts on the subject as she said, “Something that causes fights is people being scared and people bullying others online, calling them names, and and they do it because they think they won’t get me, and some people get so upset and can’t hold back the feelings. Another thing that people start fights over is jealousy and betrayal and people’s feeling get hurt, emotionally and physically, and they react in different ways and it can result in a fight.”
She also let us know more possible consequences as she stated, “We take away their privilege of walking in the hallway. They get escorted to the restroom or class. Also, if your behavior improves, you can go outside for lunch detention. Another thing is the parent conference and talking about the problem.:
