Eleven recently graduated students unlawfully entered Newton High School early Monday morning and caused intentional damage to the inside of the building, according to USD 373. The district said the incident appeared to be part of a senior prank, but it went far beyond mischief.

USD 373 Director of Communications Carly Stavola said the damage was not harmless and that the school’s security camera system captured what happened. The district referred the case to local law enforcement for investigation.

Stavola said, “Unfortunately, the incident involved intentional damage to the interior of the building and went beyond what would be considered harmless misconduct.” The district did not say what was damaged or how extensive the repair bill may be.

The incident matters today because the school year has already turned toward graduation-season celebrations, and this one is now a criminal investigation rather than a prank gone too far. By saying it will not release further details, the district is signaling that the next developments are likely to come from law enforcement, not school officials.

For the graduates involved, the risk is no longer just discipline or embarrassment. The question now is what investigators conclude from the video, and whether the damage inside Newton High School leads to charges.