Churchill gang activity surfaced in November

"The problems and behaviors of this small group of students surfaced in early November," Winston Churchill High School Principal Joan Benz wrote parents on January 4.

"Numerous individual conferences with the students and their parents have occurred in the past two months, often before and after suspensions for intimidating behaviors, abusive language and fighting. These behaviors were directed at other students, staff members and members of the Montgomery County Police Department. Similar assaults and threats have continued in various parts of our community.

"On November 14, 2006, I required the identified students and their parents to attend a mediation meeting conducted by four members of the Montgomery County Police Department. The lead officer was an Inspector with the Gang Unit. Parents were made aware that the behaviors exhibited, intimidation, group retaliation, wearing of certain colors, and lack of respect for any authority aligned with police knowledge of gang development and recent increased activity across the County. On December 4, 2006, the same panel of officers presented gang related information to the Churchill staff to make them aware of these increased activities in the community and in our school."