Columbia Public Schools (CPS) has sent a letter to eighth-grade track families after this week’s altercation at Rock Bridge high school involving students.
CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark says it happened Tuesday at an 8th grade middle school track meet. She tells 939 the Eagle that despite rumors, there were no weapons and that it involved what he describes as a very small number of students. Baumstark says they are juveniles and that student information is closed under Missouri law.
Ms. Baumstark says there were words exchanged between several students and that an altercation between a small group of students happened that required adult intervention. Ms. Baumstark says it was resolved quickly and that the students who were allegedly involved will receive appropriate consequences from the school and from MSHSAA for their behavior. She also says there was a separate disturbance that occurred off-campus nearby and that law enforcement was called to address that.
939 the Eagle also contacted Columbia Police, who referred us to CPS. Our news partner KMIZ reports three juveniles were detained.
Here is the text of the letter that CPS send families of eighth grade middle school track participants:
Yesterday, we experienced an unfortunate incident at our meet. There were words exchanged between several students and an altercation between a small group of students occurred that required adult intervention. We recognize this incident, which took place toward the end of our meet, may have been alarming. It was resolved quickly and the students involved will receive appropriate consequences from both the school and MSHSAA for their behavior. Additionally, there was a separate nearby disturbance that took place off campus and law enforcement was called to address that matter.
Apart from this, the meet took place without incident and nearly all our students demonstrated good sportsmanship and followed the intended spirit of competition. These meets are a great opportunity for our young athletes to compete. Participation in athletics in Columbia Public Schools is an important and valuable extension of the educational experience for our students. Students must demonstrate good citizenship to participate in MSHSAA and school-sponsored activities, including athletics. Students and families are provided with a handbook that outlines the participation expectations at the beginning of the athletic season and must agree to these rules to participate. I have included a link to the handbook below as a reminder of expectations when participating in practice and competition and representing our school.
Middle School Athletic Handbook
Please help us ensure that our schools and school-sponsored events and activities remain safe havens for our students and families. Remind your student of the expectations and please reinforce good sportsmanship and the value of positive interactions with other athletes. Thank you for your continued support of our school, students, and our district. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me or our school principal
