Fight at Amherst Regional Middle School prompts shelter-in-place, ongoing investigation

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - A fight involving multiple students at Amherst Regional Middle School on Thursday afternoon led to injuries among staff members, requiring police intervention and prompting a shelter-in-place.

According to a statement from Superintendent Dr. Xi of the Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools, the incident occurred on Thursday, May 1st, during school hours and escalated when caregivers of the students involved arrived on campus and became part of the conflict.

School officials issued a shelter-in-place order and contacted the Amherst Police Department. Officers worked alongside school staff to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of students and employees.

“I want to be clear, This kind of behavior is deeply concerning and not reflective of the safe, respectful, and student-centered environment we strive to create each day,” Dr. Xi said in a message to families and the school community.

A parent whose daughter was involved in the incident says, "Since day one its always been a problem either with the students or the staff and it makes me feel like a failure for trying to convince my daughter that everything is going to be good at this school and now shes being attacked" says Dekeitria Wiggins.

"My daughter was assaulted by five girls in the bathroom and it wasn't disclosed to me by the staff members at all about what happened. She needed to be emergency removed. From my understanding she was defending a friend and trying to separate them from assaulting her friend. Once they did that, that's when they all pounced on her" says Wiggins.

Details on the extent of the injuries and the number of individuals involved have not yet been released. The school district, in collaboration with local law enforcement, has launched an ongoing investigation into the events leading up to and during the incident. Dr. Xi emphasized that students' and staff safety remains a top priority and that the district is taking the matter seriously. “We are currently working with staff and local authorities to fully understand the circumstances and will share additional information as we are able,” she said.

Dr. Xi called on the broader community to reflect on how conflicts are managed, especially in front of children. “Our children are watching us—how we handle conflict, how we treat one another, and how we show up in difficult moments,” she wrote. “It’s on all of us to model respectful and productive ways to engage, even when emotions are high.”

In response to the incident, the school district plans to introduce a Caregiver Code of Conduct in the coming weeks. The document will outline expectations for how families and school staff can work together constructively, particularly on school property.

The school district has encouraged families with concerns to contact the Amherst Regional Middle School administrative team or the superintendent’s office directly.

22News will continue to update this story as soon as new information becomes available.