Officials: Stress fueled altercation

Arguments and fights can start for any reason, but Jamestown Public Schools officials pinpointed Wednesday’s altercation down to a few.

Stress and anxiety were likely some of the factors contributing to Wednesday’s incident at Jamestown High School.

Two students argued in the cafeteria area around lunchtime Wednesday and an altercation ensued involving about five students, said Jamestown Police Chief Dave Donegan.

By the time police arrived, the altercation was over and students involved were in the principal’s office.

The incident is still under investigation, Donegan said.

The school held classes as usual Thursday, but requested police presence for about an hour as students arrived in the morning, Jamestown High School Principal Bill Nold said.

“Nobody’s in danger, but the perception is sometimes the biggest problem,” he said.

Nold and the police department fielded calls from parents and concerned citizens regarding the incident and the safety of the students attending class Thursday.

“Students are just as safe here today as they have been any other day,” Nold said.

But while the school doesn’t anticipate future incidents, students stress levels are high.

Now is one of the hardest times ever to be an adolescent, Nold said. And to add to the pressures of finals and graduation, James-town High School students have dealt with flood issues since March and the recent death of a fellow student.

Tanner Moore, 16, died Monday at Jamestown Hospital.

“I think that’s, in a big part, what manifested itself yesterday (Wednesday),” Nold said.

Students are fueled by emotions and misinformation, Nold said. And reactions like Wednesday’s are unfortunate, but are sometimes how people deal with stress.

“Understand that the way you feel in times of stress is normal,” said Wayne Lemen, psychologist for the district.

Symptoms vary, but could include fatigue, nausea, confusion, guilt, grief, withdrawal or emotional outbursts.

If they persist longer than the symptoms of others, seek medical attention, he said.

“When people are emotionally charged, I believe it’s a time when we don’t use good judgment,” Nold said.

Parents and concerned citizens can help students cope by keeping a routine, said Gayle Nelson, guidance counselor at James-town High School. Sleep, eating three meals a day and getting physical activity can help, she said. And, helping others can help too.

“Be patient and kind to each other,” she said. “Everybody has been through something horrible.”

The National Association of School Psychologists recommends talking with others, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and drugs and keeping a journal after a traumatic event or critical incident.

For more information, visit the National Association of School Psycologists Web site at http://www.nasponline.org.

Sun reporter Katie Ryan can be reached at 701-952-8454 or by e-mail at kryan@jamestownsun.com

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