METHUEN, Mass. (AP) – Ten students who broke into Methuen High School, released hundreds of crickets and scattered some dead fish can avoid criminal charges by apologizing, paying for the cleanup and working for the school department. Under an agreement approved by police, the students agreed to send letters to the principal, perform community service for the school department and pay $300 each.

If completed by Sept. 1, the complaints of trespassing and injury to a school will be dismissed, said First Assistant Court Magistrate Maria Teresa Abascal. But at a hearing in Lawrence District Court this week, Abascal warned that if any one of the 10 does not comply or gets in any further trouble, all 10 will be charged.

In addition to leaving the crickets and fish in the school on May 19, police said the vandals drew lewd images, broke a jar of mayonnaise, scattered desks, discharged a fire extinguisher and urinated on a rug.

They were suspended for 10 days and banned from graduation ceremonies and senior-class activities.

Over the border, a senior prank at Londonderry, N.H, High School turned serious this month when at least 132 students trashed the school’s lobby. Students threw toilet paper, turned over teachers’ desks and urinated on a bathroom wall, according to the principal.

The students were ordered to fulfill three community service hours on school grounds so they could participate in graduation. School officials said everyone finished the chores on time, and graduated with their class.

AP-ES-06-19-04 1542EDT