Three serious incidents — an alleged classroom assault, a string of deliberate Chromebook breakages and a social-media feud that allegedly escalated into a threat with a firearm — left school staff flat-footed this week and put administrators, parents and deputies working overtime.
Kick in the Gym: Alleged Assault, Probation Hits Follow
Deputies were called to Ironton High School after a student reported being kicked “really hard” on the way out of the gym by another teen who lives in a local group home. The victim told deputies the blow left a bruise “the size of a softball.” After gathering statements, investigators spoke with the teen’s probation officer, who confirmed the juvenile will face a probation violation in addition to an assault charge. The suspect was returned to the group home pending the outcome of the case.
Chromebook Rage: Three School Laptops Destroyed
Administrators say a South Point middle-school student has destroyed three school-issued Chromebooks this school year — two of them recently punched or elbowed so badly they were declared unusable and turned in for repair. School officials told deputies they’ve sent multiple certified letters to the student’s home seeking a parent conference, but have had no response. The school is asking for $600 to cover the damage or is recommending an equivalent amount of community service from the student.
Social Media Fight Turns into Alleged Gun Threat
An Ironton high-school student reported that a peer repeatedly posted photos and messages about her online, and that confrontation over the posts escalated. The reporting student says the other teen told her he’d been “waiting to kill someone” and even said, “Let me grab my gun, hold up.” Screenshots of harassing messages were provided to deputies. When investigators met with the student who allegedly made the threats — with the parent present — he gave a statement disputing parts of the claims and saying the other student had also been harassing him. Photos and text exchanges were attached to the report and the incident remains under investigation.
What Schools and Parents Should Know
These episodes highlight two common threads: digital fights spill quickly into the real world, and device-damage or vandalism is rarely “just a kid being a kid.” Schools say screenshots and witnesses are critical evidence; they urge parents to check devices and social accounts and to report threats immediately to school officials and law enforcement. Administrators also reminded families that repeated or violent behavior can lead to disciplinary action — up to restitution, community service or criminal charges depending on the severity.
If you’re a parent in the district: make sure your child knows to report threats, keep a record of harassing messages, and talk with school counselors if an incident leaves them shaken. School staff are reminding families that guidance counselors are available and that the district will work with law enforcement when threats or serious assaults are reported.