At JHop, the frequency of fighting is ballooning.

I was a bystander in several incidents. I have seen rushing and fighting up the stairs, people screaming and administrators and police officers ordering the students to get inside immediately.

This and other incidents can involve crimes, weapons, strong language, vandalizing and other things that make our school environment feel dangerous.

Events like this are not safe, and many other things at this school aren’t either.

In the hallways at the school, you can see people running, crowding in the common areas and people pushing each other around. Students are slamming bathroom stalls doors, throwing paper towels and yelling, which can frighten or overwhelm others.

Last month, there was a serious rumor of a threat against the school. Administrators and the police investigated the threat after a student reported it. Principal Brittnee Scott sent an email and urged all students to report any incidents anonymously through the “See Something, Say Something” app, tell a teachers, or to call her at 727-893-2400 during school hours.

All of this can put unnecessary pressure on students and their parents. We need to recognize that these things are not safe, and students, teachers and administrators must unite to do something about it.

We don’t want our school to be dangerous because of situations like this. Being safe at school is important for our future. It can impact our entire lives. I want students to have the safest environment possible.

Solutions to prevent fighting:

Adults

Post signs that say “no fights”

Adults can talk to students about why fighting is bad

More supervisors in different areas of the school

Students

Students should talk about their problems and use conflict resolution skills because they are less aggressive than fighting.

Also, students should tell adults if they hear rumors of a fight

Students should listen to adults when they explain why fighting is not safe