Game, Not Gunfire, Was Source of Loud Noise on School Bus Transporting Woodson Students Home, Education Says

  • Staff Consortium
  • January 11, 2020
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John H. Woodson Junior High School on St. Croix By. THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

ST. CROIX — John H. Woodson Jr. High School students en route to Sion Farm and the surrounding neighborhoods on a school bus Friday afternoon were returned to the campus following the discharge of a game locally known as ‘pop shots’ while the bus was in transit, the Department of Education has clarified.

Although the loud sound that generates from the game when it is thrown onto a hard surface is startling and can resemble other, similar sounds, rumors circulating on social media that gunfire had erupted on the school bus are false, Woodson Principal Henry Mark said.

Mr. Mark said no one took responsibility for the incident when the bus returned to the campus around 3:25 p.m., resulting in the disembarking of the bus and students being required to arrange alternate transportation home. This disciplinary action is consistent with rules governing school bus safety.   

School bus service on the Sion Farm route from Woodson Jr. High will not be suspended and is expected to resume on Monday, January 13.

Discussions will be held with students to reinforce the importance of following safety rules while being transported on the school bus, Mr. Mark said.

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