By Matthew Monks
“All we know is somebody was drinking in school,” said Lakia Owens, a 12-year-old seventh grader at Intermediate School 231. “It makes no sense to drink in the school because it's a waste of time.”
The Breaking News Network, which monitors police and fire lines, reported what it called a “mass casualty” incident at the school and said it was not known what the students had consumed.
School officials would not comment, but the Daily News reported that two girls smuggled two 16-ounce water bottles of alcohol into the school. A student who did not give her name said the bottles were filled with RemyRed, a fruit juice and cognac mix sold in vibrant pink and blue glass bottles.
Lakia said four eighth-grade students, including three girls and a boy, had a booze party behind the stage in the auditorium. The spot is a popular place to go for kids when they cut class, she said.
The student reported seeing several girls crying in the afternoon, apparently upset they got busted.
Another student said they deserved whatever punishment they received.
“Its making our school look bad,” said Brittney Jones, 12, a seventh grader. “They need to take that to McDonald's or something.”
IS 231 has about 1,500 students in grades six through eight and is located at 145-00 Springfield Blvd. Its curriculum focuses on business, technology and performing arts, according to the Department of Education's Web site.
An emergency crew was dispatched to investigate after receiving a call about some apparently tipsy students around noon.
The News reported that a teacher confiscated the alcohol during an assembly about 11 a.m. The students, who were not sickened, were released to their parents, the paper reported.
Reach reporter Matthew Monks by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
