A Middlesex County high school plans to punish students who took part in an elaborate senior prank that left a big mess in the building and forced the cancellation of classes on Thursday.
South River High School is asking students to pay a $150 fine and perform five hours of community service, among other penalties, according to a “graduation participation contract” sent to parents Friday.
The families must agree to the contract for students to participate in their graduation ceremony next week.
The pranksters also would be banned from two end-of-year traditions — the senior clap out and the senior barbecue — and forbidden from using the high school’s courtyards for the remainder of the school year, according to the deal.
But, the seniors would be allowed to attend the June 19 graduation ceremony at the high school and avoid referrals for possible criminal charges, according to a copy of the contract obtained by NJ Advance Media.
At the graduation ceremony, the students involved in Wednesday’s prank will be issued an empty diploma folder, pending completion of the community service requirement, the school district said.
Parents and students have until Monday to sign off on the deal.
South River High School identified approximately 50 students — or about a quarter of the approximately 200-member senior class — who allegedly participated in the prank.
School officials identified them using images from surveillance cameras at the school, principal Jamie Kinard wrote in a letter to parents.
A video provided to WABC7 showed rolls of toilet paper thrown throughout the high school gym. It also showed desks, chairs and other furniture piled in the school hallways.
“I am writing to inform you that, regretfully, your child was involved in the incident that occurred on the evening of Wednesday‚ June 11,” Kinard wrote to parents.
“On that evening, approximately 50 South River High School students unlawfully entered the high school under false pretenses and engaged in acts of vandalism and mischief throughout the building,” Kinard wrote.
Students are accused of trashing South River High School by moving furniture into the hallways and throwing toilet paper as part of a senior prank.ABC7
His letter did not say how the students gained access to the building.
“Their actions resulted in significant disruption to the learning environment. As a result, your child is required to meet the requirements outlined in the attached agreement,” Kinard wrote.
South River Mayor Peter Guindi told NJ Advance Media the mess left by students made it look “like a house robbery where someone walks in and throws everything all over the place.”
If students agree to the contract, the $150 fine is due by Wednesday, the school district told parents. The money must be paid to the school district.
“If you have any questions, please feel free to set up a time to meet with me. I am confident we will work together to ensure this incident serves as an important learning opportunity for your child,” Kinard wrote.
Students are accused of throwing toilet paper and moving furniture at South River High School as part of a senior prank that forced the school to close.ABC7
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Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.