Multiple fights during first week back at Schenectady High

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -City and school police officers worked together to break up multiple fights at Schenectady High School on Tuesday. This is the district's first full week of classes.

"I don't believe there were any injuries that had occurred in regards to the fights themselves," explained Lieutenant Ryan Macherone. "During the incident, officers did detain one individual. That individual was not arrested; they were released on-scene and at this time, the school district is working on what will be a disciplinary action. Further from there, no charges were filed."

Three Schenectady High students met with NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski after dismissal on Wednesday and said there was a hold-in-place during 4th period due to the fights. After 30 minutes, they said the hold ended but 5 minutes later, another hold was called.

"A staff member was screaming on the announcements for us to run into a classroom," said Ian.

"It really does make me think that something bad's happening. If they're panicked, I'm going to start panicking and that's what happened with other people in my class," described Caitlin Stuart.

As a parent to a 12th grader, Meghan Wheeler said she was relieved to get texts from her child during the incidents. However, students are supposed to keep their phones in receptacles as part of a new cell phone policy.

"I don't as a parent consent to that policy. This may be the only way that someone can call for help. I'm at that time hearing sirens; my student's texting me from school," argued Wheeler.

School administrators say there were rumors about weapons but police say they did not find any. "Even if there wasn't any weapons, I still don't think it was okay for them to make it seem like everything was fine because it was not fine," stated Amari Gross.