High School Paddling Allegations Not Found to Be True

The superintendent of school said reports that freshmen were paddled on the first were not found to be true.

“The Administration met with all seniors immediately when these allegations arose and began a full two-day investigation,” Superintendent Lynne Celli said in a prepared statement. 

The superintendent reiterated this in a phone interview, saying there was no evidence that students paddled other students, or that students were paddled at all.

Someone did have a paddle.

“Appropriate discipline was imposed for the possession of a paddle,” she said. “Other allegations beyond this were investigated and were not substantiated.”

The superintendent said walking the welcome tunnel is a tradition for freshmen at the high school on the first day.

Freshmen enter the school and the upper class members' welcome include high-fives, chants and spraying silly-string, the superintendent said.

The Administration had previously met with class officers to set ground rules for the first day and it was made clear that actions of this sort (paddling) were unequivocally prohibited.  

“The safety and comfort of Swampscott High School students is the Administration’s top priority, and as in this case, any incidents will be fully investigated and dealt with swiftly and appropriately,” the superintendent said.