Three children ages 12, 13 and 14 have been charged with felonies in the extensive vandalism of a Port Orange elementary school over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.

  • 3 children charged with felonies in extensive school vandalism
  • Port Orange Horizon Elementary damaged over holiday weekend
  • Children face charges of felony burglary, felony vandalism
  • Almost half of student body was displaced Tuesday due to damage

Classrooms at Horizon Elementary School on Hidden Lake Drive were so severely damaged that administrators were forced to move almost half of the student body to other areas of the school for Tuesday classes.

Port Orange Police said the children are students at a nearby middle school and live near Horizon. Investigators determined they entered the elementary school several times over the holiday weekend and damaged about 18 classrooms.

The vandalism included flooding and graffiti, plus damage to carpets, tile, cabinetry, furniture and computers. Pictures released by Port Orange Police showed toppled bins full of supplies; buckets of paint splattered and poured over desks, walls and laptops; cabinets emptied; bashed equipment; and soaked paperwork, among others.

"It’s a very big shame these kids have to be traumatized by this. Let’s be realistic to them -- this is their school, this is their safe haven when they’re away from home, and away from their parents," said Toni Griffin, a family friend.

The three children are being charged with felony burglary and felony vandalism.

"I think it’s so cruel. Why would they? Especially (at) an elementary school -- what did this school do to them?" said Jackie Cooney, a grandmother.

Some classrooms were cleaned up and fixed the next day, and others were moved to other areas of the school.

Police said Volusia County Schools is still estimating the cost of the damage and will handle any discipline.

“(I’m) disgusted and disappointed that somebody would do that to classrooms,” parent Cassie Reyes said. “As a teacher and a mom, just why would you mess with somebody’s classroom and their learning environment? Because now, instead of the teacher being about whatever she was going to do, you have to change it when you’re not in your own classroom."

"Let them clean this school pick up the papers rake the leaves whatever let them have chores do what they need to do punish them," said Griffin.

County school administrators on Tuesday said cleanup crews got five of 18 damaged classrooms back up and running. They said it would likely take several more days to clean up the others.

The school's principal Gary Harms said he's so thankful for the outpouring of support from businesses and people in the community.

Harms added money and giftcards are great so teachers can purchase materials they need.  

Per Nancy Wait Volusia County School District PIO regarding donations:

Many businesses, organizations and individuals have donated supplies and provided gift cards for teachers to purchase materials. If anyone would like to donate, please contact the school directly at 386-322-6150 or mail/deliver to 4751 Hidden Lake Drive, Port Orange, FL 32128.

Supplies are welcome, but monetary donations and gift cards are also appreciated so teachers can purchase specific instructional materials and supplies they need. Checks should denote they are specifically for the Horizon vandal to ensure the monies will only be spent for this purpose.