By Miles Layton

PLYMOUTH — A fight on the campus of Washington County High School Wednesday morning prompted school officials to place the high school and a nearby elementary school on a brief soft lockdown as administrators and law enforcement responded to the situation.

According to a statement from Washington County Schools, the incident unfolded early in the school day and was quickly brought under control by school staff and authorities.

“Yesterday morning, Washington County High School and Washington County Elementary School were briefly placed on a soft lockdown following a fight that occurred on the high school campus,” the district said.

A soft lockdown is a precautionary, exterior-focused school safety procedure activated when there is a potential, non-imminent threat nearby, such as police activity or a suspect in the neighborhood. Unlike a hard lockdown, classes continue normally inside. Exterior doors are locked, no one may enter or leave, and outdoor activities are cancelled.

School administrators, school resource officers and staff responded immediately once the altercation began.

“School administrators, SRO’s and staff responded quickly, and the situation was brought under control within a short period of time,” the district stated.

Out of caution, officials implemented safety procedures while the situation was addressed.

“Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of students and staff, both schools implemented safety protocols while the incident was addressed,” the district said.

School officials emphasized that the lockdown was precautionary and that the situation did not pose an ongoing threat once staff intervened.

“At no time were students or staff in immediate danger once school officials intervened,” the district added.

District leaders also indicated that the altercation may have been tied to events that occurred in the community the night before.

“District officials believe the altercation may have been connected to events that occurred in the community the previous evening,” the statement said.

Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate those events, including a deadly shooting that occurred Tuesday night.

“Law enforcement is continuing to investigate those matters, including a separate shooting incident last night that tragically resulted in the death of a student,” the district said.

Authorities have not yet released additional details about the shooting or how it may be connected to the fight.

School officials stressed that violence will not be tolerated on campus and that disciplinary action will follow the district’s established policies.

“Washington County Schools wants to be clear that violence has no place in our schools,” the district said. “Incidents of this nature are taken very seriously.”

Officials said administrative discipline and potential legal consequences will be determined as the investigation continues.

“Appropriate administrative actions will be taken in accordance with district policy, and law enforcement will determine whether any criminal charges are warranted,” the district stated.

District leaders reiterated that protecting students and staff remains their top concern.

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority,” the statement said. “We appreciate the continued cooperation, support, and understanding of our families and the community as we work together to address these difficult circumstances.”

The impact of the incident extended beyond Wednesday’s school day. Late Wednesday evening, district officials announced that all schools in the county would be closed Thursday.

“Due to the incident that occurred at Washington County High School yesterday and its resulting impact, all Washington County Schools will be closed today, March 12,” the district said. “Staff will have an optional teacher workday.”

Local leaders also addressed the broader concerns about violence in the community following the incidents.

Thursday morning, Plymouth Mayor Crystal Davis issued a statement calling for unity and community involvement in response to recent events.

“Recent acts of violence in our community have deeply affected many families and neighbors,” Davis said. “As a town, we must come together with strength, compassion, and a shared commitment to peace.”

She emphasized that the community should not allow violence to define it.

“Violence cannot define who we are,” Davis said. “Instead, we must channel our energy into building a safer and stronger Plymouth for everyone.”

Davis said progress will require cooperation among residents, community groups and law enforcement agencies.

“This means listening to one another, supporting our youth, strengthening partnerships with law enforcement, and working together to address the concerns that affect our neighborhoods,” she said.

The mayor encouraged residents to actively participate in strengthening the community and providing positive opportunities for young people.

“I encourage every resident to be part of the solution, through community engagement, mentorship, positive activities for our young people, and open dialogue about how we can improve our town,” Davis said.

“When we unite around a common purpose, we create opportunities for healing, growth, and progress,” she added.

Davis concluded by reaffirming the community’s commitment to safety.

“The safety and well-being of our community remain a top priority,” she said. “Together, we can turn moments of challenge into opportunities for positive change.”