In early February, Central Regional High School students protested after 14-year-old Adriana Kuch died by suicide shortly after a video of her being beaten in the hallways of the Ocean County high school went viral among students and the school community. He was asked if he has been in contact with Kuch's family. Tragedies such as this are reflective of an alarming increase in social, emotional and mental health challenges that young people across our state and around our nation have faced, exacerbated by the pandemic and other environmental stressors. / CBS New York. It prevents them from learning and feeling safe.". A 14 year-old student was attacked in the halls of Central Regional High School on Feb. 1. 'Tragic Loss:' NJ High School Student Dies After Head-On Crash - Patch 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The students told a Press reporter bullying is a significant issue at the school and believe school officials have not done enough to remedy it. "Hearing what happened to Adriana was absolutely disgusting, and you all should be ashamed of yourselves for being board members," one graduate of Central Regional High School said. I blame the girls and the school and the cops. The support from the students was appreciated by Adrianas father, who thinks he knows what led to his daughter's death. Four students have been charged in a New Jersey school hallway attack on a classmate who killed herself days later, prosecutors said. Before a packed Board of Education meeting, Central Regional HS students recount how they were bullied. New Bullying Claims at Central Regional Amid Outrage Over Death of The extensive course offerings and numerous extra-curricular activities at CRHS offer positive experiences for everyone. You are in school for one reason only and that is to learn. New Jersey teens suicide days after school hallway attack sparks walkouts. I will plead with you all to prioritize this issue, Isola testified, urging that more funds be provided for local districts to respond to mental health issues that can lead to suicide. Big ones. The district said in a statement that it is evaluating all current and past allegations of bullying.. A New Jersey superintendent has resigned after telling a news outlet personal information about a 14-year-old high school student who died by suicide earlier this month. The school has not issued any comment on the matter so far, only sending home a letter alerting parents to Adriana's death. All Rights Reserved. Adriana Kuch Fight Video Eyed in NJ Student Suicide - NBC New York Central Regional Schools Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanidesconfirmed the attack occurred and said he had seen the video. Video posted to social media last week showed several students viciously attacking Kuch as she was walking with her boyfriend in a school hallway. "She was like a daughter to me, she was at my house almost every day," said neighbor Roxanne. In 2019, the NJSBA published a 113-page report titled . Police did not respond to requests for information Tuesday. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, considered an "adverse childhood experience. Adriana Kuch died on Feb . Establish a toll-free hotline, operated by an outside party, for students to call anonymously if they wish if they feel threatened, physically or online.". Details. We also need to direct them to resources and to people that can help. He added, The NJSBA was heartbroken to hear of Adrianas death. Three students were suspended, the district confirmed. NEW JERSEY - Another community is grieving after a "tragic loss:" A New Jersey high school student died from her injuries in a head-on car crash this weekend. Rose Acerra, federal legislative chair of the New Jersey state PTA, said more such resources are needed in local schools. I'm still grieving over Adriana right now," student Hailie Engesser said. The Asbury Park Press does not name juveniles who die by suicide. I told them that I was having thoughts. The office also suggested the district work on programming and services for the students. Updated. Through the Childrens System of Care, parents can call 1-877-652-7624 to access mental health services or addiction treatment services for children and teens under the age of 21, or services for children and teens up to age 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. "I want the entire world to know what these animals did to my daughter," Michael Kuch said. BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. An NJ high school student's death by suicide last week has now led to charges against four students allegedly involved in a hallway attack caught on video that was posted on social media. Two days before, in a video reviewed by the Press, the 14-year-old can be seen being attacked by at least one other student inside the high school. His anger was reflected in the more than 200 students who protested via walkout throughout the school day, skipping class and demanding action. The superintendent had no comment when reached by NBC New York. He then helps the bruised and bloodied girl up. That's not enough for Kuch, who is demanding justice for his daughter. READ MORE:Father plans to take legal action against Bayville school's administration after daughter Adriana Kuch died by suicide. Kuch's family says the school . Please enter valid email address to continue. In the wake of the death of a student at Central Regional High School in Ocean County, Acting Commissioner of Education Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan and state Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer issued a joint statement Feb. 13. Reachhim at jstrupp@gannettnj.com and at 732-413-3840. The county and state education departments approved the separation agreement on Tuesday, according to a resolution approved by the board. The four students involved in the assault have been suspended, Central Regional School District Superintendent TriantafillosParlapanides said. The . New Jersey school superintendent resigns after 14-year-old student's suicide By Emma Tucker and Nicki Brown, CNN Updated 10:10 AM EST, Mon February 13, 2023 Link Copied! First published on February 15, 2023 / 5:50 PM. The school sent two letters home to parents about Adriana Kuch's death, one on Monday, the first school day after she took her life, and another one Wednesday, the same day hundreds of students voiced their outrage at the administration over Kuch's case by walking out of classrooms en masse - from the first bell to the last bell. 866-202-HELP. Listen Here. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The father confirmed his daughter was the person initially attacked in the video. "I was bullied out of the school by not only students but teachers," one student said. That student's mother told NBC New York she had to send her daughter to an out-of-district school after her attackers were suspended for just 10 days. He claims there was a ringleader who gathered a posse around his daughter. Dr. Timothy Purnell, executive director and CEO of the New Jersey School Boards Association, joined the NJDOE and the NJDCF in expressing condolences to the Kuch family, as well as to Adrianas friends, classmates and her school community. The school district's superintendent resigned amid the fallout from Adriana's death. 4 Central Regional High School Students Charged in Attack on Adriana Another man, Sean O'Brien, says his daughter Brianna was bulled at the school for months before he pulled her out. Adriana Kuch was a 14-year-old freshman at Central Regional High School in Bayville, New Jersey. His 12-year-old plans to be a business magnate. "We're terrified we're going to get picked on and bullied and jumped. On TikTok, Snapchat and sending her direct messages.. He told the news station he thinks bullying drove his daughter to die by suicide. Since Kuchs death, more students at the high school have forward with accusations of bullying. "I would actually like to teach the people who bully what theyre actually doing and how it affects. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults in the United States, Gopal said prior to the hearing. Teachers Memorial Site: Notable Deaths & Obituaries Parents protest outside N.J. in wake of student's death by suicide, Father plans to take legal action against Bayville school's administration after daughter Adriana Kuch died by suicide, Another bullying accusation at Central Regional High School, where 14-year-old student Adriana Kuch was bullied before taking her life, Central Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Triantafillos Parlapanides resigns days after student Adriana Kuch's death by suicide. Parents told CBS2 the acting superintendent and the board of education should all resign. Adriana's death has put a spotlight on bullying not just at her own high school but across the country. To any young people who may feel as if they are struggling, please know you matter and you are not alone. One student was charged with aggravated assault, while two were charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and one was charged with harassment, according to The Associated Press. ", My emotions are sadness and anger, said the father, adding he is considering legal action. Iona Leslie, a Red Bank Regional High School senior, relayed the story of a friend who was suicidal two years ago and received help from that schools youth services center, dubbed The Source. While authorities have not publicly connected the attack video post to Kuch's death, her father Michael has. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form or by any means without permission in writing from NJSBA. Kuch's father, Michael Kuch, said this week that Ocean County prosecutors told him they planned to file criminal charges against at least three of the girls seen on video attacking his daughter last month. The attack was captured on video that was later spread among students and residents on social media. The same problems are still going on as when I was there.. BAYVILLE, N.J. -- Parents finally got a chance to speak their minds on Thursday night, nearly two weeks after the tragic death of a high school student in Ocean County. I want you to grasp that mental health has no boundaries.. Then one girl grabs her by the hair. That wont change in an LIV-PGA Tour world, FDA approves new drug to protect young kids from RSV, Watchdog calls for House committee to uninvite RFK Jr. after his comments are blasted as antisemitic, Braves Acua is on pace to set new baseball standard for power-speed dominance, 'Smokeageddon' was unprecedented. Then they start shoving her, dragging her almost along the ground on her knees, raking her against the red school lockers, the white soles of her shoes the only part of her visible underneath her attackers at various points. NJ Suicide Prevention Hopeline:Specialists are available for confidential telephone counseling and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students at the school held a rally for Adriana in protest of the school's lack of response. The first communication on Monday more or less informed the school community of Kuch's passing, offered its heartfelt condolences to her family and friends and advised people of crisis counseling and other resources. "This school's never done anything. Rachel Simmons, an educator and bestselling author of books including "Odd Girl Out," said bullying at school is a danger to kids that deserves to be taken seriously. on Kuch, who took her own life at her home 48 hours after video of the bullying, Air quality alerts issued as AQI nears hazardous' levels from Canadian wildfire smoke, Edward Caban named 1st Hispanic NYPD commissioner, Feb. 8 Letter to Central Regional High School Community, Tania Kinsella becomes first woman of color named first deputy commissioner of NYPD, She Was in Fear for Her Life:' Shannan Gilbert's Sister Blasts Suffolk Cops Over Gilgo Probe. It. 1:00. Dad of NJ girl who committed suicide after school beatdown said her New Jersey High Schools It also provided information on available counseling and crisis professionals, stating please know that you are never alone in the world and there is always support during bad times to help change things for the better.. Parlapanides, 50, will also be paid out for his accumulated but unused vacation and sick time, a maximum total of more than $30,000. NJDOE and NJDCF Offer Condolences, Resources After Death of Central You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visitSpeakingOfSuicide.com/resourcesfor additional resources. Education Committee Chair Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth, called the hearing following Kuchs suicide, which has created an emotional discussion of mental health issues and an uproar over alleged bullying in New Jersey schools. To everyone, please know that suicide is never the answer. "A kid is assaulted with a weapon and their policy is not to call the police or file a report," said Michael Kuch. Parents, students hope for change after superintendent resigns at Police said they responded to a call . Follow him on Twitter at @joestrupp, Central Regional HS students recount how they were bullied. BAYVILLE, N.J. -- Parents finally got a chance to speak their minds on Thursday night, nearly two weeks after thetragic death of a high school student in Ocean County. She also worked at CBS 2 New York from 2004 to 2016. Adriana seemed to have been an especially loved student. There also was no comment from the county prosecutor either, but Kuch said he has been told criminal charges are being filed against at least three of the four students involved. The Press typically does not name teenage victims of suicide. The New Jersey Department of Education and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families remain committed to providing the resources, training and tools necessary to support young people experiencing stress or anxiety, and to help prevent additional loss of life. Adriana Kuch, 14, a freshman at Central Regional High School in Bayville, New Jersey, died by suicide on Feb. 3, two days after she was allegedly beaten by fellow students at the school, her father Michael Kuch told local ABC affiliate WABC-TV. Christine Sloan is an Emmy Award-winning reporter, who covers New Jersey for CBS 2 New York. Kuch's family members were the ones who found her dead on Feb. 3. Were here to protest the whole situation, said Grace Onello, an 18-year-old senior at the school. Contact Mike Davis at mdavis@gannettnj.com or @byMikeDavis on Twitter. Students at a New Jersey high school are outraged at the administration who they say are dropping the ball on a serious issue: bullying. IE 11 is not supported. The protest came in response to the death of Adriana Kuch. She was found . The school superintendent, Dr. Triantafillos Parlapanides, resigned, but not before he blamed Kuchs suicide on her family, according to reporting by the New York Post. They didnt do anything, Arnold said of the school administration. Stefan Jeremiah for NY Post "It's a travesty that [the bullying is]. 'Culture of violence':Lawsuit filed months ago details bullying issues at Shore school before teen died. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. More:Lawsuit filed months ago details bullying issues at Shore school before teen died. READ MORE:Father plans to take legal action against Bayville school's administration after daughter Adriana Kuch died by suicide. "I am grateful and encouraged by the genuine, sincere and heartfelt experiences that so many have shared with us through these difficult weeks.". We've also left messages for the assistant superintendent. Friends and family of Bayville's Adriana Kuch, a freshman at Central Regional High School in Berkeley Township, prepared to honor her memory later Friday as fallout over video of the horrific attack, and how the school handled both the attack and the existence of the footage, continue to mount. Its amazing to me that they havent made any strides to conquer this problem since Ive been there, Keiser said. She said Tuesday on NewsNations CUOMO that she was the target of harassment numerous times, including when she was thrown down a stairwell and punched in the face. "What hurt Adriana was the embarrassment and humiliation. The Berkeley Township Police Department did not immediately return a request for comment. And suspensions will not do anything to stop it.. Asbury Park Press. Central Regional High School students protest bullying, walk out Well, guess what, its not preschool anymore. (NewsNation) Current and former students of Central Regional High School are speaking out following the death of Adriana Kuch, a 14-year-old student at the New Jersey school who killed herself after a video of her being bullied and beaten was posted online. ", Another student said he wanted those involved in the hallway attack "criminally charged because some girl killed herself because of their actions.". The 14-year-old girl at its center is dead. school superintendent, Dr. Triantafillos Parlapanides, resigned, Parents at school where boy, 6, shot teacher prepare to sue, Man banned from national parks for 'packrafting', Report: Titan sub operator ignored warnings, Uber charges California couple $30K for one ride, Mallory Beach wrongful death lawsuit reaches settlement, House Oversight hearing on UAPs to be held July 26: Reps confirm, 4-year-old girl dies after choking on food at Costco, Unhealthy air quality lingers across parts of U.S. from drifting Canadian wildfire smoke, Alabama woman returns home after search, but no word from police on where shed been, Golf has long been about making connections. BERKELEY About 40 students at Central Regional High School staged a walkout to protest what they called a pattern of bullying in the district and a lack of effort to address it. Who is Rex Heuermann, the Massapequa man arrested in connection to Gilgo Beach murders? RARITAN TWP., NJ - A student at Hunterdon Central High School died yesterday, and Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Moore has been in contact with his family and . Student after student after student came forward to share stories of bullying by fellow students and even staff. We have a lot of work ahead, Gopal said. NEW YORK (AP) A Democratic watchdog group has called for a U.S. House committee to rescind an invitation to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after the Democratic presidential candidate was filmed falsely suggesting COVID-19 could have been ethnically targeted to spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. The attack was filmed and later spread on social media. School officials said faculty and staff will get more training on recognizing bullying. A friend of Kuch also told NBC Today that bullying is an everyday occurrence and that administrators are generally dismissive when reports are made. What we know now about bullying at Central Regional High School What is clear is the community is scarred by the tragedy. Kuch told NBC New York there had been an issue involving his daughter and one of the girls "for a couple of years.". We hope that schools throughout New Jersey will consult these resources and implement best practices to ensure that we help every student who needs it, Purnell said. HOYLAKE, England (AP) The chill Aussie vibe of Cameron Smith gave way to more emotion than he expected Monday while taking part in one of many royal and ancient traditions at the British Open. Central Regional student death: Ex-superintendent gets $100k payout It is the students, but theyre not even asked to stop. All rights reserved. I was not prepared for this issue and my friend didnt even go to Red Bank Regional High School, but The Source was able to help her.. Superintendent Jeffrey Moore sent a letter. He believes that bullying drove his daughter to suicide. The Ocean County prosecutor released a statement Friday, saying the office has discussed the matter with the superintendent in the morning and talked about ways to improve district response to incidents. Superintendent Dr. Triantafillos Parlapanides resigned soon after Adriana's death. Central Regional, meanwhile, has announced a steering committee would be formed to review school policies and said a review of the district cell phone policy and other rules is being conducted. Its a marvelous time to unleash your imagination and creativity. Students speak out about bullying after fellow student dies by suicide A bit []. If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of self-harm, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline by dialing 988. Students at a New Jersey high school are speaking out after a fellow student died by suicide following reports of bullying. Parents, students hope for change after superintendent resigns at Central Regional School District. Thats how Daniel Keiser remembers his time at the high school. "I had to fend for myself because I was at the darkest point in my life and you completely abandoned me," student Echo McNichols added. Other students were present during the melee and at least one was filming on their phone. Adriana Kuch, 14, was found dead in her Bayville home on Feb. 3. The student's. Some were parents with students in the school. Dismissal was early and a bit chaotic that day, and the district said it would not permit further rallies without prior administrative approval, citing its concern for the "health, safety and well-being for all students.". 4 students charged in N.J. school hallway attack on girl who killed More:Anger, anguish erupt as Central Regional community confronts BOE on bullying. Parents, students and community members attend a Central Regional School District Board of Education meeting in Bayville, N.J., Feb. 16, 2023. U.S. officials on Monday approved the first long-acting drug to protect babies and toddlers against a respiratory virus that sends tens of thousands of American children to the hospital each year. George Floyd Ben Crump Law. Friends and family of Bayville's Adriana Kuch, a freshman at Central Regional High School in Berkeley Township, prepared to honor her memory later Friday as fallout over video of the. One death by suicide is one too many, Purnell said. BERKELEY - Several hundred angry students and parents demanded answers and offered criticism, some through tears, of the Central Regional School District bullying policies during a school board meeting Thursday night that occurred in the wake of a student's recent suicide. An NJ high school student's death by suicide last week has now led to charges against four students allegedly involved in a hallway attack caught on video that was posted on social media Kyle Herrig, executive director of the Congressional Integrity Project, [], ATLANTA (AP) Ronald Acua Jr. is on pace to do more than just join an elite 40-40 club in baseball history. Of the four players who have delivered seasons with at least 40 homers and 40 stolen []. Students have been, and will always be, the primary focus . If you or a loved one are thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for help, 24 hours a day. Average Students Per School in Neighboring States; Pennsylvania: 325.43: New Jersey: 384.133: Delaware: 436.412: New York: . Hunterdon Central Teens Share Stories Regarding Student Deaths READ MORE:Central Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Triantafillos Parlapanides resigns days after student Adriana Kuch's death by suicide. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The students at Central Regional High School in Berkeley Township walked out of their classrooms on Wednesday, upset and angry over the suicide death of 14-year-old Adriana Kuch. Her father is livid that police werent called after the school attack. The father said the issues began on Wednesday, Feb. 2 when his daughter and her boyfriend were walking in the schools hallway and were attacked. That is still a law enforcement issue, they have a lot of emotions going on there.. Education is a life-long endeavor, and CRHS provides you an excellent opportunity to learn skills and knowledge necessary for success in the 21st century. The tragedy has struck a nerve with those who say they have witnessed a culture of violence at Central Regional High. Others have children who will one day attend the high school. He said three students allegedly involved were suspended for an extended period of time., There is no place for that in school, it is ridiculous, the superintendent said about the attack. Read More. How did this start? Michael Kuch unleashed his own social media messaging, saying he took Adriana Kuch to the cops right after the incident. District Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides said the response at Central Regional was in line with policy, telling NBC New York that it's standard practice for the school to notify the police. We take that very seriously, we have nothing to hide, we are here for the kids, we are here for the parents, the school cant do it alone.. Sophomore Olivia ODea told CBS New York she experienced physical assault and humiliation when she was a freshman last year. The Asbury Park Press typically does not name teenage victims of suicide. Kuch appeared to have been a loved student and community member. On Thursday, the local school board, the Central Regional School District Board of Education, held its first meeting since Adriana's death. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 'Culture of violence':Lawsuit filed months ago details bullying issues at Shore school before teen died. It was only on the day of his daughters graduation that Keiser believes any attempts were made to warn students against bullying or harassment. In the wake of the death of a student at Central Regional High School in Ocean County, Acting Commissioner of Education Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan and state Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer issued a joint statement Feb. 13. Central Regional NJ: Bullying on rise before student death I was actually holding back some tears. Central Regional School District superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides stepped down less than two weeks after freshman Adriana Kuch took her own life following a vicious episode of. 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