NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Four students were charged after several fights broke out last week at Menchville High School in Newport News.
The students, three of whom are minors, were charged with assault by mob, while an 18-year-old faces an additional charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a spokesperson from the Newport News Police Department said.
A protective order was issued on behalf of the victim, police said.
RELATED: Parent questions school security after fights break out at Menchville High School in Newport News
According to a school division spokeswoman, several students fought at Menchville High School on Thursday after a pep rally in the school's gym. The school's security officers and administrators broke up the fight.
Menchville High School Principal Lisa Egolf sent a letter to families on Friday. She told families the students involved would not be returning to the school.
She wrote, "I recognize the concern and uneasiness that this incident has caused our students, families, and staff. I feel the same way."
Egolf then encouraged families to talk to their children, and for students to come up with their own ideas on how to improve school safety protocols.
Those in the Menchville community said they want the discussions to start at home.
"I've always told my husband they need to involve parents more. I think parents are their first teachers and they need some education on how to handle the situations and the kids," said one woman.
The school notified the parents of the fight and that no one was hurt. On Friday morning, another fight broke out. A spokeswoman with the division said that school administrators responded quickly, and again no one was hurt.