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More Staff Members On-Duty At High School Following Brawl That Left Teacher Unconscious

By Greg Argos and David Spunt

WYNCOTE, Pa. (CBS) -- Eight additional staff members are on-duty Thursday at Cheltenham High School following two fights that broke out at the school.

One of the fights involved two sisters and two friends.

One teacher tried to break up the fight and was knocked unconscious. The Cheltenham School District told CBS3 that a total of seven teachers were hurt and three safety officers were injured in the fight.

Teacher Linda Jones was among those hospitalized.

"She's very emotional about it and shes very worried about her own health. Shes the sole caretaker for her 85-year-old mother," Paul Gottlieb with the Pennsylvania State Education Association told Eyewitness News.

All four students involved were taken into custody. One of the students arrested has been identified by Cheltenham Police as 18-year-old Amber Nicole Lewis. She has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault and Reckless Endangerment. Officials say she is out of jail on $10,000 cash bail.

Police: Teacher Hospitalized Following Brawl Involving Four High School Students

"The atmosphere in class today was very sad. We all felt affected," said senior Saturn Darang.

"Most of the classes too we talked about what we can change and what we can do, and how can we talk more about our feelings so this stuff like this doesn't happen," he continued.

CBS3 obtained an internal school climate report administered by the Cheltenham Educator's Association, the teacher's union which represents faculty at the school. The report paints of bleak picture of safety within the school.

In the survey teachers complain about being harassed by students. One writes, "Outside of my classroom, I believe I am not safe. I do not believe the district will act to protect my, or my students' safety."

Another teacher states, "The students know there are few, if any, consequences for negative behaviors."

Paul Gottlieb, a union representative told CBS3 union members met with school officials this morning.

 

 

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