On Monday, October 14, 2024, HHS experienced its first fight of the school year. The incident sent waves of disappointment through the halls, as many students had hoped we’d make it through the year fight-free, showing just how much we’ve grown as a school.
HHS Principal Mr. David Williams sprung into action, separating the two students involved in the altercation in the first-floor boys’ bathroom.
“Violence is not tolerated at HHS,” Williams stated. “It was a choice made by those students, not something unavoidable. I hope we can help them learn from their mistakes.”
A survey from the National Center for Education Statistics found that around 46% of schools across the country have seen an increase in fights and violence.
When Williams became principal in 2022, he asked students and staff what changes they most wanted to see at school. The top concern? Fighting. Since that time, physical fights have decreased by an impressive 96%.
“We are now proud to be one of the safest schools in St. Louis County,” Williams said. “In 2022 there were approximately 45 fights. In 2023 that number dropped to 13, and last year there were only two. I’m proud of everything our students and staff have done to ensure we continue to have a safe school and I hope those numbers continue to decrease.”
Matthew Dodson, an 11th grader, was
a freshman when Williams started as principal.
“I think Williams has really changed our school for the better,” Dodson said. “I’ve seen so much change with how my peers react to confrontation.”
Sophomore Emma Case noticed the difference, especially compared to her middle school experience. She reflected on the shift, noting how HHS feels more peaceful now.
“We had so many fights in middle school,” Case shared. “I didn’t even know half the kids who got into fights, and it seemed like there was a fight every month. It’s so different now that I’m in high school, it feels a lot friendlier.”
Miss Brooke Barfield, a Communication Arts and Drama teacher, has been with HHS for 21 years. She’s seen the culture shift over the years.
“Kids who fought before Williams’ arrival would treat the suspension as more of a vacation than a punishment, they didn’t really learn from their mistakes that way,” Barfield said. “I’ve seen so much change throughout my years teaching here, and I think the most change I’ve seen has been with Williams becoming our principal.”
When students are involved in fighting or other violent behaviors, they face suspension and are sometimes placed in a new alternative program called Structured Time for Reflective Improvement & Personal Educational Success (STRIPES). The STRIPES program is an alternative placement that is used instead of long term suspension. When students are placed into the STRIPES program, an Individual Success Plan is created that may include restorative meetings, community service, tutoring, counseling & mentorship. Successful completion of the STRIPES program is determined by academics, attendance, and behavior goals.
“I’m a strong advocate for restorative discipline, but that does not happen without accountability,“ said Williams. “The vast majority of students who return to school after completing the STRIPES program thrive and become productive and valuable members of our school community.”
Senior Jaelyn Williams went through the STRIPES program during the spring semester of 2022, in his sophomore year. Williamds is now thriving at HHS. He has become a leader among his peers, excelling in several honors, AP, and dual credit classes.
“I would definitely say it was a big mindset shift,” Williams said. “It gave me a lot of time to think, and ask myself if this is who I want to be. Fighting in any situation is now the last thing on my mind. Instead of feeling like I need to prove myself, I look to resolve my problems by talking.”
