NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Security changes are coming to Menchville High School in Newport News, after students from another school entered the building and attacked and injured a Menchville student on Friday.
In a letter to families obtained by 13News Now, Menchville High Principal Lisa Egolf said four girls who attend a school in Hampton entered the building during school hours.
Before the second lunch period, one of the girls attacked a Menchville student. The group then ran out of the building and drove away.
The student’s injuries were minor and treated by a school nurse.
A preliminary investigation revealed three of the girls entered the building near the main office. Menchville High students opened the door for them, assuming they went to their school.
Mandy Welcher said her children go to Menchville High School and that they try to avoid the fights at the school.
“My daughter does not want to go into the lunchroom. She usually just eats in the hallway because a lot of the chaos happens in the lunchroom," said Welcher.
Newport News Police and Newport News Public Schools are investigating the incident. As of Saturday, they’ve identified three of the girls.
School officials say one will face assault charges and all four will be charged with trespassing. They could face other charges, according to a separate email to families from NNPS.
School division leaders said security changes at Menchville High will include assigning security officers to monitor students and visitors coming in and out of the main entrance, and increased presence in hallways.
Security protocols will also be reviewed with all students and staff.