MONROE — The principal of Masuk High School in Monroe sent a message to parents Friday in the wake of the suspension of a student after a fight over controversial social media posts.
Principal Joe Kobza reiterated concerns for the safety of students and talked about working with the police to determine there was no direct threat to students or the school. You can read the full message below.
Students at Masuk are taking the unusual step of asking school district leaders to remove and re-locate one of their fellow students. This all comes after what many describe as disturbing behavior on social media — with posts targeted toward minorities and the disabled.
The Monroe Police Department is involved and investigating alleged threatening behavior from the student. A spokesperson for the school said the student has been suspended.
Here is the message sent by Kobza:
Dear Masuk Families,
I send this e-mail because as you know, one of my primary goals is to be as open and transparent with you in any and all communication. As a school community, we continue to deal with the disturbing social media posts that have cast our high school in the media spotlight. As with any situation, there are some rumors and some misinformation circulating, so I want to make sure that you get the latest update directly from me.
On Thursday of this week I, along with other administrators and guidance staff, cleared our schedules for the day to meet with each and every grade level here at the high school to speak directly with our students. We discussed Masuk’s mission statement and core values of passion, perseverance, pride and responsibility. I emphasized responsibility and explained the importance of being a responsible ally in any given situation, especially ones that impact the Masuk community.
Following the class meetings, I met one on one with a number of students. I was extremely impressed with their abilities to express their concerns and process the week’s events in a mature and responsible manner.
I hope you will continue to have conversations with your students as we work through this difficult time as a school community.
It is also important to note, that at no point have we, or the Monroe Police Department determined any direct threat to the Monroe Public Schools, or any individual associated with it. Please be aware of the fact that we are continuing to work closely with the Monroe Police Department and other town agencies to ensure the safety of our students, which is everyone’s primary focus.
Should you have any further questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact me via e-mail (jkobza@moroeps.org) at any time or call the school directly (203-452-5823).
Sincerely,
Joe Kobza
Principal, Masuk High School
