A 7th-grade student at Metz Middle School told school officials she was beaten and bloodied in a school hallway.
The 13-year-old victim spoke at the March 8 Manassas School Board meeting and recalled the attack in front of officials on live TV. She said another girl attacked her from behind and assaulted her. After beaten, she slipped on her blood as she tried to get up, the girl told officials.
A faculty member broke up the fight and took the victim to see the school nurse.
“The nurse told mom scratch on forehead, a nosebleed, and they never asked if dizzy or blacked out… she was more worried about getting blood off,” said the victim.
Later that night, the girl’s mother took her to a local hospital by her mother where doctors told her she suffered a concussion.
A school resource officer with Manassas Police was called following the attack. The officer investigated and was charged a 13-year-old girl with assault and battery, and she is expected to appear in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, said Manassas police spokeswoman Adrienne Helms.
The victim said a video of her attack appeared on the internet. Several who spoke at the School Board meeting claimed to have viewed the video.
Metz Middle School Principal Kimberly Buckheight said there had been three assaults at her school so far in 2016. Since the incident, she’s tasked guidance counselors to focus on intervention and anti-bullying efforts.
Teachers also now must take 15 minutes out of their daily planning period to patrol the hallways during a large class change. New security cameras were also added to the school, bringing the number up from 28 to 110.
Buckheight also addressed the video of the fight.
“Physical confrontation not a daily event at our school…viewing daily videos of events gives the idea that it’s ongoing,” said Buckheight.
School Board members said they’ve heard an earful from parents on the matter.
“The one common thing they wanted, more forthcoming communication,” said Ellen Purdy, Manassas School Board member.
“You failed to protect me, but you can help protect other students,” the victim told the School Board.
A video of the School Board meeting shows the speech the victim made to officials at 47:20. Buckheit’s presentation begins at 1:42:48.
