Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Accused Littleton teacher arrested again
LONE TREE - A Littleton middle school teacher who was arrested earlier this month for allegedly molesting a boy at a swimming pool is facing more charges.
Ryan a relentless bully, parents and teachers say
With a bulky stature and a quick tongue, the Sauk Village school superintendent was not unlike a schoolyard bully — that is, if bullies came armed with a divide-and-conquer strategy, cunning brilliance and a bevy of district lawyers to back them up, parents and teachers said Tuesday.
Several parents and former staff members breathed a collective sigh of relief that School District 168 Supt. Thomas Ryan is charged with theft and will be held in Cook County Jail without the possibility of bail.
Several parents and former staff members breathed a collective sigh of relief that School District 168 Supt. Thomas Ryan is charged with theft and will be held in Cook County Jail without the possibility of bail.
Girls Testify Primary Teacher Touched Them
OGDEN A 6-year-old girl testified she didn't like her Primary teacher Aaron Marcos Montoya because he touched her.
The girl's testimony came on the opening day of Montoya's trial on charges of first-degree felony aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
The charges stem from allegations about Montoya's actions while he taught a Syracuse Primary class for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The girl's testimony came on the opening day of Montoya's trial on charges of first-degree felony aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
The charges stem from allegations about Montoya's actions while he taught a Syracuse Primary class for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Victims of school chief were really the children
Some folks enjoy pulling the wings off butterflies. Ryan tormented his weakest students.
Watching him squirm in the courtroom could be the closest thing to justice they will ever see.
Watching him squirm in the courtroom could be the closest thing to justice they will ever see.
Teacher Arrested for Spying on Girls
SHOCK AND OUTRAGE IN ANOTHER SCHUYLKILL COUNTY COMMUNITY WHERE A LONG-TIME HIGH SCHOOL COACH IS ACCUSED OF VIDEOTAPING GIRLS IN THEIR LOCKER ROOM.
DAN SHIELDS JUNIOR HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN AND CORRUPTION OF MINORS.
DAN SHIELDS JUNIOR HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN AND CORRUPTION OF MINORS.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Coach charged with videotaping girls in school locker room
POTTSVILLE, Pa. - The Roman Catholic Diocece of Allentown has suspended a high school gym teacher charged with videotaping partially clad teenage girls in the school locker room.
Daniel M. Shields Jr., a longtime teacher and track coach at Nativity BVM High School in Pottsville, was charged Tuesday after police received a videotape that showed three Nativity students in various stages of undress.
The tape had Shields' handwriting on it, and was labeled with the names of the girls and dated "5/25/05," according to police.
Detective Steven Guers told a district judge at Shields' arraignment Tuesday that the tape was made "surreptitiously" and had both Shields' voice and image on it.
One of the girls on the tape told about it when she learned of its existence, according to court papers.
Shields, 61, was charged with two felony counts of sexual abuse of children and other offenses. He was released after posting $5,000 cash bail.
Daniel M. Shields Jr., a longtime teacher and track coach at Nativity BVM High School in Pottsville, was charged Tuesday after police received a videotape that showed three Nativity students in various stages of undress.
The tape had Shields' handwriting on it, and was labeled with the names of the girls and dated "5/25/05," according to police.
Detective Steven Guers told a district judge at Shields' arraignment Tuesday that the tape was made "surreptitiously" and had both Shields' voice and image on it.
One of the girls on the tape told about it when she learned of its existence, according to court papers.
Shields, 61, was charged with two felony counts of sexual abuse of children and other offenses. He was released after posting $5,000 cash bail.
Teacher is jailed over sex lessons
A married primary school teacher who gave a 14-year-old boy sex lessons at her home has been jailed for 15 months.
Hannah Grice (32), who had pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault on the teenager at an earlier hearing, had sex with the boy on a number of occasions during their year-long relationship, Stafford Crown Court was told.
Grice, the mother of two children, aged eight and two, was also ordered to sign on to the sex offenders' register for ten years.
Simon Rippon, prosecuting, told the court: "The boy knew she was a school teacher and knew her prior to the incident and would engage in pleasantries with her. He developed a schoolboy crush on her.
Hannah Grice (32), who had pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault on the teenager at an earlier hearing, had sex with the boy on a number of occasions during their year-long relationship, Stafford Crown Court was told.
Grice, the mother of two children, aged eight and two, was also ordered to sign on to the sex offenders' register for ten years.
Simon Rippon, prosecuting, told the court: "The boy knew she was a school teacher and knew her prior to the incident and would engage in pleasantries with her. He developed a schoolboy crush on her.
Music teacher charged with sex assault of pupil
A music teacher at a parochial school on Chicago's Northwest Side was suspended from his job Monday, two days after he was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old pupil at the school.
Sexual misconduct triggers most teacher license revocations
At least 77 men and women school employees, from New York City to the smallest rural districts, lost their licenses over the past five years for sexual misconduct involving students. That's according to records obtained by The Associated Press under the state Freedom of Information Law.
Beyond brief scandals in local headlines, the records show sex with students and sex-related offenses are by far the most common reason licenses are revoked or denied.
Many of the teachers, principals, aides and coaches abused children for months or years before their licenses were revoked. Rather than one-time sexual assaults, most are termed "sexual relationships" that can last months.
The state records mirror the growing concern nationwide about sexual abuse of children in schools.
Beyond brief scandals in local headlines, the records show sex with students and sex-related offenses are by far the most common reason licenses are revoked or denied.
Many of the teachers, principals, aides and coaches abused children for months or years before their licenses were revoked. Rather than one-time sexual assaults, most are termed "sexual relationships" that can last months.
The state records mirror the growing concern nationwide about sexual abuse of children in schools.
Sex with students equals losing licenses
ALBANY - Nicholas Provanzana was the kind of teacher administrators, fellow teachers and students at Washingtonville High School loved - "the coolest teacher alive," according to one music student's Internet posting in 2003.
They didn't know he had pleaded guilty to "offensive touching" of a minor in New Jersey after a night of heavy drinking and sex games in 2000 with two girl students, according to New York state records. He served 60 days in jail and was on five years probation when he began teaching at Washingtonville, in the Hudson Valley, according to state education records.
They didn't know he had pleaded guilty to "offensive touching" of a minor in New Jersey after a night of heavy drinking and sex games in 2000 with two girl students, according to New York state records. He served 60 days in jail and was on five years probation when he began teaching at Washingtonville, in the Hudson Valley, according to state education records.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Teacher charged in sex case
A teacher at Vincent Massey high school is facing criminal charges after he allegedly had sex with one of his 15-year-old female students on school property.
Experts: Adults coax teens into sex for power
Teenage girls who get romantically involved with adults may feel that they are in love or that they brought it upon themselves.
Neither is true, experts said.
This kind of April-August relationship is one of criminal abuse.
Neither is true, experts said.
This kind of April-August relationship is one of criminal abuse.
THE THREAT IN OUR SCHOOLS
In the last 18 months, more than a dozen teachers in Western New York have been arrested on or convicted of a variety of sexual offense charges involving children - a rate far higher than in previous periods, according to a survey of media reports.
Most of the cases involve direct sexual contact with children, in many cases, repeatedly.
Most of the cases involve direct sexual contact with children, in many cases, repeatedly.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Teacher Accused Of Statutory Rape To Plead Not Guilty
The lawyer representing a teacher at a Bayside high school charged with statutory rape says he is innocent and will plead not guilty.
Francisco Aguilar, 28, a substitute Spanish teacher at Benjamin Cardozo High School, was arrested August 3rd and charged with having sex with a 16-year-old student twice at his Flushing home six weeks ago—becoming the third teacher from a Bayside school accused of a sex-related crime in the last year.
Francisco Aguilar, 28, a substitute Spanish teacher at Benjamin Cardozo High School, was arrested August 3rd and charged with having sex with a 16-year-old student twice at his Flushing home six weeks ago—becoming the third teacher from a Bayside school accused of a sex-related crime in the last year.
Tampa school gets another sexual abuse suit
TAMPA - Joining a string of other allegations in three years against Tampa's Mary Help of Christians School, a former student sued the school Wednesday, saying he was sexually abused by two Salesian brothers while he was a seventh-grader in 1982.
The suit is the sixth since 2002 accusing a priest or teacher at the school of sexually molesting a boy in his care.
The suit is the sixth since 2002 accusing a priest or teacher at the school of sexually molesting a boy in his care.
Former Student Sues District Over Right To Defend Yourself
HOUSTON -- A Houston-area teenager is suing his former school district over a brutal assault at school. He claims he ended up in a hospital because he was afraid to fight back, and he wants the policy to change, Local 2 reported Thursday.
Matthew Meloy said when four students jumped him and beat him at Hastings High School in September 2003, he did not defend himself because of the district's zero-tolerance policy on fighting.
The 6-foot-3-inch, 215-pound senior was on the baseball team. Then 17 years old, he was walking a frightened younger student to class when he was attacked.
Meloy's jaw was shattered and wired back together. Two years later, he still has problems eating.
Matthew Meloy said when four students jumped him and beat him at Hastings High School in September 2003, he did not defend himself because of the district's zero-tolerance policy on fighting.
The 6-foot-3-inch, 215-pound senior was on the baseball team. Then 17 years old, he was walking a frightened younger student to class when he was attacked.
Meloy's jaw was shattered and wired back together. Two years later, he still has problems eating.
Teacher, school officials named in abuse claim
LOVINGSTON, Va. The mother of girl who was sexually assaulted by her teacher is suing the teacher and three Nelson County school administrators.
The lawsuit -- filed yesterday in Nelson County Circuit Court -- seeks ten-point-seven (m) million dollars in damages from 36-year-old Michael Allee of Lynchburg. He pleaded guilty eight months ago to misdemeanor charges of sexual battery and assault and battery in a plea deal.
The lawsuit -- filed yesterday in Nelson County Circuit Court -- seeks ten-point-seven (m) million dollars in damages from 36-year-old Michael Allee of Lynchburg. He pleaded guilty eight months ago to misdemeanor charges of sexual battery and assault and battery in a plea deal.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
School employees charged in drug case
A federal grand jury in Miami has returned an 84-count indictment charging 29 persons, mostly Miami-Dade County Public Schools employees, with conspiracy to possess the pain killer OxyContin with the intent to distribute and to obtain the drug with counterfeit or fraudulent prescriptions.
Student Sex Cases Cause Most Teacher License Revocations
Nicholas Provanzana was the kind of teacher administrators, fellow teachers and students at Washingtonville High School loved - "the coolest teacher alive," according to one music student's Internet posting in 2003.
They didn't know he had pleaded guilty to "offensive touching" of a minor in New Jersey after a night of heavy drinking and sex games in 2000 with two female students, according to New York State records. He served 60 days in jail and was on five years' probation when he began teaching at Washingtonville, in the Hudson Valley, according to state education records.
They didn't know he had pleaded guilty to "offensive touching" of a minor in New Jersey after a night of heavy drinking and sex games in 2000 with two female students, according to New York State records. He served 60 days in jail and was on five years' probation when he began teaching at Washingtonville, in the Hudson Valley, according to state education records.
Male Spanish Teacher Charged in Queens Rape
“A Current Affair” isn’t reporting this one.
It’s not on the front page of the New York Post either although the venue is Queens.
Katie Couric isn’t interviewing Queens DA Richard Brown about the case.
Maybe it’s because it’s not a Catholic school under the microscope, attorney John Aretakis and Albany County District Attorney David Soares aren’t pandering to the press in this case and it’s not a female teacher who has been arrested.
A Benjamin N. Cardozo High School teacher has been charged with twice raping and sexually abusing a 16-year-old student at his Flushing residence six weeks ago.
The Queens district attorney’s office has identified the defendant as Francisco Aguilar, 28, of 152-18 Union Turnpike. Aguilar has been charged with two counts of rape in the third degree, two counts of sexual misconduct, one count of endangering the welfare of a child, and two counts of sexual abuse in the third degree.
It’s not on the front page of the New York Post either although the venue is Queens.
Katie Couric isn’t interviewing Queens DA Richard Brown about the case.
Maybe it’s because it’s not a Catholic school under the microscope, attorney John Aretakis and Albany County District Attorney David Soares aren’t pandering to the press in this case and it’s not a female teacher who has been arrested.
A Benjamin N. Cardozo High School teacher has been charged with twice raping and sexually abusing a 16-year-old student at his Flushing residence six weeks ago.
The Queens district attorney’s office has identified the defendant as Francisco Aguilar, 28, of 152-18 Union Turnpike. Aguilar has been charged with two counts of rape in the third degree, two counts of sexual misconduct, one count of endangering the welfare of a child, and two counts of sexual abuse in the third degree.
Board reprimands Oregon teacher for licking students' wounds
BEND, Ore. – A state board voted to publicly reprimand a Central Linn High School teacher and football coach for licking the bleeding wounds of several student athletes.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
N.Y. Teacher Accused of Raping Boy
ALBANY, N.Y. — A 42-year-old teacher at a Catholic school who was charged with rape for allegedly having sex with an underage male student posted a $20,000 bond Tuesday and was released from jail.
Friday, July 29, 2005
School Bus Driver Pleads Not Guilty To Rape Charge
A Lexington school bus driver pleaded not guilty Monday to raping a teenage girl.
Terry O'Neal, who has been driving a Fayette County school bus for the past four years, was arrested Friday and made his first court appearance Monday morning. O'Neal is charged with rape, sodomy and unlawful transaction with a minor.
Terry O'Neal, who has been driving a Fayette County school bus for the past four years, was arrested Friday and made his first court appearance Monday morning. O'Neal is charged with rape, sodomy and unlawful transaction with a minor.
Franklin High teacher indicted on rape charge
A Superior Court grand jury has indicted a former Franklin High School teacher on a charge of raping a 14-year-old female student.
On one occasion, she said Massey took her to his former apartment on Mark Drive in Milford, while his pregnant wife was out, and forced her to perform oral sex on him, according to police.
Massey is also accused of raising the girl's failing math grade after the oral sex, police say.
On one occasion, she said Massey took her to his former apartment on Mark Drive in Milford, while his pregnant wife was out, and forced her to perform oral sex on him, according to police.
Massey is also accused of raising the girl's failing math grade after the oral sex, police say.
Teacher gets 90 days in jail, probation in sex abuse case
BLOOMINGTON -- A former elementary school teacher was sentenced Monday to 36 months of probation and 90 days in jail for having consensual sex with a 16-year-old girl.
Ex-teacher sentenced for sex crimes
PRINCETON - Former Mercer County school teacher/coach Danny Perkins wiped tears from his face Monday as Judge John R. Frazier sentenced him to a maximum of 55 years in prison for sexual abuse of students in his trust in a Matoaka school.
Forum speakers offer suspensions 'voices'
DURHAM -- When Paulette Thorpe's grandson was suspended from Carrington Middle School for writing graffiti on the walls, she begged school officials not to kick him out of school for 10 days.
She said her grandson would scrub the wall himself, or go to Saturday school detention as punishment. But her pleas fell on deaf ears, she said.
"This zero tolerance thing is not logical in the real world," Thorpe said Wednesday night. "He was out of school for 10 days for graffiti, a small thing that has nothing to do with violence. But it was like he had murdered somebody."
She said her grandson would scrub the wall himself, or go to Saturday school detention as punishment. But her pleas fell on deaf ears, she said.
"This zero tolerance thing is not logical in the real world," Thorpe said Wednesday night. "He was out of school for 10 days for graffiti, a small thing that has nothing to do with violence. But it was like he had murdered somebody."
Teacher's on kid-porn rap
A GRADE 5 Oshawa teacher appeared in court yesterday after being charged with sexual exploitation, and making and possessing child porn.
Neighbors Shocked To Find Child Predator In Their Midst
Neighbors of a schoolteacher nabbed in a sex sting were “shocked” to find that an accused child predator has been living in their community.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Suspension rates remain stubbornly high
at Palm Beach County schools. Five years after a national organization criticized the Palm Beach County School District's suspension policies, the numbers haven't changed: More than one in 10 middle- and high-school students still are being suspended from school.
Child molester near you? He may be a respected community member
“Part of his shtick was that he got me to feel like I was a part of it,” she said. “Then he told me that if I told anyone it would hurt many people, especially my parents. So I took responsibility for keeping the secret and protecting my parents. I took responsibility for protecting him too.”
She also didn’t think anyone would believe her.
“You know as a child that this person is an outstanding member of the community. They’re leaders in the church. They’re respected leaders in the community,” she said. “Do you think anyone is going to believe the word of a child over that of a respected adult?”
She also didn’t think anyone would believe her.
“You know as a child that this person is an outstanding member of the community. They’re leaders in the church. They’re respected leaders in the community,” she said. “Do you think anyone is going to believe the word of a child over that of a respected adult?”
Former Teacher Accused of Sex Abuse in Court
A former Clark County middle school teacher accused of abusing children did not make a court appearance on Monday after being missing for more than a week.
Sergeant Russell Shoemaker with the Metro Sexual Assault says they had been looking for Mark Horton since July 15.
Sergeant Russell Shoemaker with the Metro Sexual Assault says they had been looking for Mark Horton since July 15.
I Don't Feel Sorry For Him
I've been following the Gordon Thomas sexual abuse trial over the past months and was glad to see that he received another three years for his crimes, on top of the nine years he was already sentenced to.
For twenty years, Thomas, an elementary school teacher, sexually abused young girls. Some of his victims were only 12 years old. His actions , I'm sure have caused extreme distress for these women. The lasting effects of sexual abuse go on and on, affecting the lives of the victims long after the sexual abuse has stopped.
For twenty years, Thomas, an elementary school teacher, sexually abused young girls. Some of his victims were only 12 years old. His actions , I'm sure have caused extreme distress for these women. The lasting effects of sexual abuse go on and on, affecting the lives of the victims long after the sexual abuse has stopped.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Teacher Arrested In Attempt To Lure Child Into Liaison
A Queens man who was characterized as a model teacher was arrested Wednesday for allegedly luring a 13-year-old child to meet him for a liaison.
Teacher charged
MOUNT PLEASANT — A former high school vocal music teacher has been charged with sexual abuse after admitting he kissed and touched a female student last month on school property.
Two More Girls Raped At Macheke
Two more girls at Macheke Primary School have revealed that they were raped, bringing to eight the number of pupils raped by a school teacher or unidentified people so far as police investigations intensify.
Teacher faces sex abuse charges
“If this is true, it just makes me sick to my stomach. It should be next to impossible for something like this to happen,” Grindel said. “They are still just kids.”
EDUCATION ON LOCKDOWN
Study: ‘Take no Prisoners’ Approach to School Discipline Pushing Children from Schoolhouse to Jailhouse
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Boy, 11, describes sex acts with former Boynton Beach teacher
It started with the 11-year-old boy and his former music teacher slow dancing to Boyz II Men in her classroom at Rolling Green Elementary School in Boynton Beach, the young man told attorneys.
It graduated to kissing and gentle touches by teacher Carol Flannigan.
Finally, during a sleepover at her Boca Raton home, Flannigan took the boy's virginity while his siblings slumbered in another room, he said.
--
Teach your children well. What a sickening story!
It graduated to kissing and gentle touches by teacher Carol Flannigan.
Finally, during a sleepover at her Boca Raton home, Flannigan took the boy's virginity while his siblings slumbered in another room, he said.
--
Teach your children well. What a sickening story!
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Local band teacher back in court
Buena Vista Township — (07/20/05)--More sexual misconduct charges have been leveled against a local teacher accused of having sex with her students.
Former Buena Vista School District band teacher Laura Findlay was back in court Wednesday and there are also other new developments involving her case.
In addition to two more charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct against Findlay, there's another alleged victim -- a sixth -- that claims she coerced them into having sexual relations with her.
Because of the sensitive nature of the case, we won't see or hear from the alleged victims. The details of this case are graphic.
Findlay, 30, now faces a total of 22 charges of first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly performing oral sex and having sex with six male students at Ricker Middle School, who, at the time were all 14 years old.
Former Buena Vista School District band teacher Laura Findlay was back in court Wednesday and there are also other new developments involving her case.
In addition to two more charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct against Findlay, there's another alleged victim -- a sixth -- that claims she coerced them into having sexual relations with her.
Because of the sensitive nature of the case, we won't see or hear from the alleged victims. The details of this case are graphic.
Findlay, 30, now faces a total of 22 charges of first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly performing oral sex and having sex with six male students at Ricker Middle School, who, at the time were all 14 years old.
Accused molester was former Florida school teacher
ORLANDO, Fla. The man accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old British tourist in a hotel elevator this week was a former middle school teacher who recently lost his certificate for allegedly fondling a girl at another hotel.
Carl Moore, 36, of Kissimmee, had worked at Neptune Middle School in Osceola County before losing his license for failing to report within 48 hours a 2002 arrest for allegedly groping a 17-year-old girl at a hotel pool, according to documents from the Florida Department of Education. The final order for revocation was signed February 5.
Moore has faced several child sex abuse allegations, including a September 2002 arrest for allegedly reaching under the shirt of tourist less than 12 years old in yet another hotel elevator. More recently, he was arrested June 26 outside the same hotel after allegedly trying to hide at 3 a.m.
Investigators say Moore is not a registered sex offender in Florida. Though the victim picked Moore out of a lineup, charges in the September 2002 arrest were dropped after she failed to show for deposition or trial and prosecutors were forced to dismiss the case.
He was charged only with providing false identification to a police officer who responded to the June suspicious persons call.
However, after Monday's alleged incident, Moore faces attempted sexual battery, false imprisonment and lewd molestation charges.
Carl Moore, 36, of Kissimmee, had worked at Neptune Middle School in Osceola County before losing his license for failing to report within 48 hours a 2002 arrest for allegedly groping a 17-year-old girl at a hotel pool, according to documents from the Florida Department of Education. The final order for revocation was signed February 5.
Moore has faced several child sex abuse allegations, including a September 2002 arrest for allegedly reaching under the shirt of tourist less than 12 years old in yet another hotel elevator. More recently, he was arrested June 26 outside the same hotel after allegedly trying to hide at 3 a.m.
Investigators say Moore is not a registered sex offender in Florida. Though the victim picked Moore out of a lineup, charges in the September 2002 arrest were dropped after she failed to show for deposition or trial and prosecutors were forced to dismiss the case.
He was charged only with providing false identification to a police officer who responded to the June suspicious persons call.
However, after Monday's alleged incident, Moore faces attempted sexual battery, false imprisonment and lewd molestation charges.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Teacher's arrested in kiddie porn sting
A Brooklyn high school teacher was busted yesterday for allegedly E-mailing child porn to a man in Florida, police said.
Craig Roffman, 29, was arrested after police executing a search warrant at his Park Slope apartment found smut on his personal computer.
Roffman, an English teacher at Brooklyn's James Madison High School for less than three years, was snared after cops in Palm Beach, Fla., discovered lewd E-mails from him on a man's computer there, authorities said.
School officials said they would begin proceedings to fire Roffman immediately.
"We're moving to terminate this employee," said Education Department spokesman Keith Kalb. "He will not return in the fall."
Craig Roffman, 29, was arrested after police executing a search warrant at his Park Slope apartment found smut on his personal computer.
Roffman, an English teacher at Brooklyn's James Madison High School for less than three years, was snared after cops in Palm Beach, Fla., discovered lewd E-mails from him on a man's computer there, authorities said.
School officials said they would begin proceedings to fire Roffman immediately.
"We're moving to terminate this employee," said Education Department spokesman Keith Kalb. "He will not return in the fall."
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Court: teacher-student kiss a felony
A teacher who "French kisses" a student over the age of 16 still has committed an illegal sex act under state law, the Kansas Court of Appeals has ruled.
The court ruled on the appeal of Lori Lynn Stout, 32, a former teacher and coach at Wellington High School. She had been found guilty by a Sumner County jury of unlawful sexual relations.
The case involved her relationship with a 16-year-old female student.
The court ruled on the appeal of Lori Lynn Stout, 32, a former teacher and coach at Wellington High School. She had been found guilty by a Sumner County jury of unlawful sexual relations.
The case involved her relationship with a 16-year-old female student.
Driver's Ed Teacher on Trial for Sexual Assault
The abuse allegedly took place during driver's education instruction.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Teacher accused of sex with pupil at Cedar Crest
The 33-year-old Cornwall man, a former Cedar Crest Middle School social-studies teacher, has been arrested and charged with various offenses related to a sexual relationship police say he was carrying on with a girl beginning when she was 13 and in seventh grade.
Fleming has been accused of having inappropriate contact with the girl in a laundry list of locations, including his home, her father’s house, her mother’s house, the school and the woods behind the school. He is also accused of convincing the girl, who was raised a Christian, to become an atheist, police said.
Fleming has been accused of having inappropriate contact with the girl in a laundry list of locations, including his home, her father’s house, her mother’s house, the school and the woods behind the school. He is also accused of convincing the girl, who was raised a Christian, to become an atheist, police said.
Community stunned as HS coach charged with spanking players
A Staten Island coach and community figure has been arrested on charges of spanking teenage boys if they missed their basketball shots, officials said.
Former county music teacher arrested
A former Augusta County music teacher was arrested in California last month on charges involving the alleged sexual abuse of a Beverley Manor Middle School student.
Teacher set for court date; Molestation suspect worked for charter school
Bobby W. Kennedy Jr., a 26-year-old Queen Creek resident, is charged with two counts of sexual molestation and one count of sexual abuse in connection with incidents that occurred at the Apache Junction charter school.
Teacher in Trouble
A trial date has been set for a former Kanawha County teacher accused of sexually abusing a cheerleader while she was serving detention.
Thirty-eight-year-old Rodney Newhouse of Ripley Monday pleaded not guilty to first-degree sexual abuse, sexual abuse by a guardian and attempted second-degree sexual assault. He was indicted last month by a Kanawha County grand jury.
Thirty-eight-year-old Rodney Newhouse of Ripley Monday pleaded not guilty to first-degree sexual abuse, sexual abuse by a guardian and attempted second-degree sexual assault. He was indicted last month by a Kanawha County grand jury.
Monday, July 04, 2005
Friday, June 24, 2005
Teacher guilty of child-sex charges
"It's morally wrong. It's legally wrong," Jay said. "On top of that, we're not just talking about any old 29- or 30-year-old man. It's a teacher in a position of power, a position of trust."
Band teacher admits sex with students
"This was corruption of minors of a sexual nature," said Assistant District Attorney Barbara Ashcroft. "I think the defendant’s behavior is a flagrant disregard for his role as a mentor for these students. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. Parents trust their children’s teachers. He violated that trust."
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Rape in China: A Nightmare for 26 Pupils
A teacher raped 26 fourth- and fifth-grade girls, attacking some of them more than once, parents and officials say.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Parents, Police Talk About Suspected Teacher Sex Abuse
KING COUNTY - Concerned parents in Enumclaw met with police and counselors Thursday night to talk about the investigation into a teacher accused of inappropriately touching a fourth grade girl.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Rolling Green teacher's abuse trial postponed for tests on letters
The trial of a former Rolling Green Elementary School music teacher accused of carrying on a sexual relationship with an 11-year-old has been postponed so that DNA tests can be conducted on two letters recently found taped underneath the woman's desk.
Flannigan, 50, could face life in prison if convicted of capital sexual battery. Authorities allege that beginning in June 2002, Flannigan began a sexual relationship with the boy, who was once her student. Flannigan is also accused of simultaneously carrying on an affair with the child's father, according to court documents related to a civil lawsuit brought by the boy's parents.
Flannigan, 50, could face life in prison if convicted of capital sexual battery. Authorities allege that beginning in June 2002, Flannigan began a sexual relationship with the boy, who was once her student. Flannigan is also accused of simultaneously carrying on an affair with the child's father, according to court documents related to a civil lawsuit brought by the boy's parents.
Former MH teacher gets probation for sexual assault
Former Mountain Home High School teacher Robert Starr, 64, received 10 years' probation Tuesday for sexual assault involving a student of his in the classroom.
Teacher abused boy in front of class, court told
Patrick Curran, 59, a teacher at St John’s National School, Temple Street, Sligo since 1966, is on trial for 237 counts of indecently assaulting 10 different boys over an 18-year period.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
On the 'sin' of sending kids to public school
Author shares harsh campus realities, urges parents to pull children.
Schools defend polling 6th-graders on oral sex
Shrewsbury, Mass., school officials are defending as a vital way to stay informed about health risks a survey passed out to 11- and 12-year-olds that included questions about oral sex.
But the father of one 12-year-old student said his daughter is too young to be asked how many oral sex partners she's had.
But the father of one 12-year-old student said his daughter is too young to be asked how many oral sex partners she's had.
Teen Charged With Vomiting On Teacher
OLATHE, Kan. -- A Kansas student faces a misdemeanor charge after throwing up on his Spanish teacher on the last day of school.
Johnson County, Kan., prosecutors have charged the boy with battery against a school teacher, and ordered him to juvenile court on July 1.
The boy's father said he believes what his son told him -- that the stress of final exams made him ill.
But the boy's teacher at Olathe Northwest, David Young, called the youngster's actions "outrageous," and said he's pleased with the support he's received.
Johnson County, Kan., prosecutors have charged the boy with battery against a school teacher, and ordered him to juvenile court on July 1.
The boy's father said he believes what his son told him -- that the stress of final exams made him ill.
But the boy's teacher at Olathe Northwest, David Young, called the youngster's actions "outrageous," and said he's pleased with the support he's received.
Teacher arraigned on charges of sex abuse
MARCOLA - Students in Dustin Timothy Beck's science class had a substitute teacher Thursday, the day the popular Mohawk High School teacher was arraigned on sexual abuse charges in Lane County Circuit Court.
Beck was arrested Wednesday after Lane County sheriff's detectives served a search warrant at his house. He remained in the Lane County Jail on Thursday evening on a charge of first-degree sodomy and three counts of third-degree sexual abuse.
He is accused of sexually assaulting two students between 1999 and 2004.
Beck was arrested Wednesday after Lane County sheriff's detectives served a search warrant at his house. He remained in the Lane County Jail on Thursday evening on a charge of first-degree sodomy and three counts of third-degree sexual abuse.
He is accused of sexually assaulting two students between 1999 and 2004.
Teacher gets 364 days for kissing boys
Woman, 26, pleaded guilty to child endangerment
Published in the Asbury Park Press 06/11/05
TOMS RIVER — A former Toms River Regional district elementary school teacher, who engaged in kissing and inappropriate conduct and conversations with two sixth-grade boys in 2003 and 2004, was sentenced Friday to 364 days in the Ocean County Jail by Superior Court Judge Edward J. Turnbach.
As part of a plea bargain agreement, Robin Gialanella, 26, of Oak Glen Road pleaded guilty to two counts of child endangerment. She must register as a sex offender under Megan's Law, will be under lifetime supervision and must surrender her New Jersey teaching certificate. She must also continue psychotherapy during her incarceration.
Gialanella kissed the boys, who were 11 and 12 years of age and sixth-graders at the Silver Bay Elementary School, where Gialanella was a math teacher. She also allowed both boys to touch her buttocks.
The incidents took place between September 2003 and May 2004, both on and off campus.
Parents said the abuse went on for eight months. She also contacted the two boys after being ordered not to by the court.
Published in the Asbury Park Press 06/11/05
TOMS RIVER — A former Toms River Regional district elementary school teacher, who engaged in kissing and inappropriate conduct and conversations with two sixth-grade boys in 2003 and 2004, was sentenced Friday to 364 days in the Ocean County Jail by Superior Court Judge Edward J. Turnbach.
As part of a plea bargain agreement, Robin Gialanella, 26, of Oak Glen Road pleaded guilty to two counts of child endangerment. She must register as a sex offender under Megan's Law, will be under lifetime supervision and must surrender her New Jersey teaching certificate. She must also continue psychotherapy during her incarceration.
Gialanella kissed the boys, who were 11 and 12 years of age and sixth-graders at the Silver Bay Elementary School, where Gialanella was a math teacher. She also allowed both boys to touch her buttocks.
The incidents took place between September 2003 and May 2004, both on and off campus.
Parents said the abuse went on for eight months. She also contacted the two boys after being ordered not to by the court.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Mohawk High School teacher facing sexual abuse charges
MARCOLA, Ore. (AP) — A high school science teacher from this Willamette Valley town is facing sexual abuse charges.
Dustin Beck, 32, was arraigned Thursday in Lane County Circuit Court, and is being held at the Lane County Jail on charges of sodomy and sexual abuse charges.
He is accused of sexually assaulting two female students between 1999 and 2004.
Dustin Beck, 32, was arraigned Thursday in Lane County Circuit Court, and is being held at the Lane County Jail on charges of sodomy and sexual abuse charges.
He is accused of sexually assaulting two female students between 1999 and 2004.
York Teacher Charged With Misconduct With Students
A York school teacher has been arrested and charged with alleged misconduct with female students.
Edward Fullum is a gym teacher at Hannah Penn Middle School, News 8 reported.
Fullum is charged with four counts of indecent assault, corruption of minors and unlawful contact with minors.
He is also charged with harassment.
Also cited in the investigation is the York School District. York police allege the district failed to properly report suspected sexual abuse. That would be a violation of the state's Child Protective Services Act.
The school district had no comment.
Edward Fullum is a gym teacher at Hannah Penn Middle School, News 8 reported.
Fullum is charged with four counts of indecent assault, corruption of minors and unlawful contact with minors.
He is also charged with harassment.
Also cited in the investigation is the York School District. York police allege the district failed to properly report suspected sexual abuse. That would be a violation of the state's Child Protective Services Act.
The school district had no comment.
Former high school coach turns himself in
A former Venice High School coach accused of molesting students 25 years ago turned himself in this morning, and this time he was taken into custody.
62-year-old James LaMorte Sr. tried to surrender Wednesday night, but the Sarasota County Jail didn't have a record of his arrest warrant and he was turned away.
When the former Venice High teacher and swim coach turned himself in today, he was arrested and he had his first court appearance this afternoon.
Investigators say LaMorte wasn't arrested Wednesday, because the arrest warrant hadn't reached the jail yet. It was because of a mix-up in statutes.
5 former students are accusing him of sexually abusing them 25 years ago. Prosecutors originally thought LaMorte couldn't be charged because of the statute of limitations. Now they say an obscure law discounts that when the accused is a public servant, and the state maintains teachers are public servants.
In court today, one prosecutor told the judge why LaMorte should be thrown in jail.
State Prosecutor: "All five victims are afraid for their safety…their also probably among the most traumatized victims I’ve ever seen."
We tried to contact the state attorney's office to find out what went wrong with the arrest warrant, but our calls were not returned.
LaMorte is out on a hundred thousand dollars bond. He's charged with sexual battery and two lewd and lascivious acts.
62-year-old James LaMorte Sr. tried to surrender Wednesday night, but the Sarasota County Jail didn't have a record of his arrest warrant and he was turned away.
When the former Venice High teacher and swim coach turned himself in today, he was arrested and he had his first court appearance this afternoon.
Investigators say LaMorte wasn't arrested Wednesday, because the arrest warrant hadn't reached the jail yet. It was because of a mix-up in statutes.
5 former students are accusing him of sexually abusing them 25 years ago. Prosecutors originally thought LaMorte couldn't be charged because of the statute of limitations. Now they say an obscure law discounts that when the accused is a public servant, and the state maintains teachers are public servants.
In court today, one prosecutor told the judge why LaMorte should be thrown in jail.
State Prosecutor: "All five victims are afraid for their safety…their also probably among the most traumatized victims I’ve ever seen."
We tried to contact the state attorney's office to find out what went wrong with the arrest warrant, but our calls were not returned.
LaMorte is out on a hundred thousand dollars bond. He's charged with sexual battery and two lewd and lascivious acts.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Sarasota High coach arrested
Article published Jun 7, 2005
Sarasota High coach arrested
The two charges against Walter Gilbert of sexual battery on a minor stem from the investigation of a co-worker.
By SARAH ABRUZZESE
SARASOTA -- A Sarasota High School assistant football coach and campus aide has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a student.
Walter Gilbert was arrested and released on a $25,000 bail Monday after being charged with two counts of sexual battery of a minor. Gilbert said Monday that he is "innocent."
The charges stem from an investigation into Gilbert's co-worker, John A. Jones, who was arrested three weeks ago on charges of raping a 17-year-old student at Sarasota High School.
According to police reports:
Gilbert, 52, began the relationship with the student at the beginning of the school year by flirting with her and kissing her. He even bought her three pairs of thong underwear and asked to take pictures of her in them.
Gilbert had Jones serve as lookout when he had sex with the girl. Jones, 40, had sex with the girl after Gilbert "had Jones participate on one occasion by having sex with the victim while all three were in a room."
Both Gilbert, who began working for the school district in 1999, and Jones have been suspended.
"If the charges are substantiated, there is no response other than to say the behavior was an abhorrent criminal violation of the code of conduct," said Bob Earley, an associate superintendent of schools for Sarasota County.
After his family brought him home from the county jail, Gilbert said, "one word," emphasizing it as he held up a finger: "Innocent."
Gilbert is enshrined in the American Football Association's Minor League/Semi-Pro Hall of Fame. He was the fourth member to be inducted under the youth football category. He is president of the Sarasota Ringling Redskins football league and is a past president of the Sarasota NAACP. Gilbert's cousin and one of his former players, Larry Kennedy Jr., describes Gilbert as a mentor and "my family."
"It's hard to believe. I don't know the girl or anything like that. It is a hard story to believe because he is not that kind of guy," said Kennedy, a former free agent for the Miami Dolphins.
Three years ago, Gilbert sued the city after police slammed him to the ground during an arrest on a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice.
It took 28 stitches to close cuts on Gilbert's lips and above his right eye after the police tackled him. He also broke a bone in his leg when he fell.
The charge was dropped after the state attorney's office ruled that the officers had no reason to stop Gilbert in the first place.
Sarasota High coach arrested
The two charges against Walter Gilbert of sexual battery on a minor stem from the investigation of a co-worker.
By SARAH ABRUZZESE
SARASOTA -- A Sarasota High School assistant football coach and campus aide has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a student.
Walter Gilbert was arrested and released on a $25,000 bail Monday after being charged with two counts of sexual battery of a minor. Gilbert said Monday that he is "innocent."
The charges stem from an investigation into Gilbert's co-worker, John A. Jones, who was arrested three weeks ago on charges of raping a 17-year-old student at Sarasota High School.
According to police reports:
Gilbert, 52, began the relationship with the student at the beginning of the school year by flirting with her and kissing her. He even bought her three pairs of thong underwear and asked to take pictures of her in them.
Gilbert had Jones serve as lookout when he had sex with the girl. Jones, 40, had sex with the girl after Gilbert "had Jones participate on one occasion by having sex with the victim while all three were in a room."
Both Gilbert, who began working for the school district in 1999, and Jones have been suspended.
"If the charges are substantiated, there is no response other than to say the behavior was an abhorrent criminal violation of the code of conduct," said Bob Earley, an associate superintendent of schools for Sarasota County.
After his family brought him home from the county jail, Gilbert said, "one word," emphasizing it as he held up a finger: "Innocent."
Gilbert is enshrined in the American Football Association's Minor League/Semi-Pro Hall of Fame. He was the fourth member to be inducted under the youth football category. He is president of the Sarasota Ringling Redskins football league and is a past president of the Sarasota NAACP. Gilbert's cousin and one of his former players, Larry Kennedy Jr., describes Gilbert as a mentor and "my family."
"It's hard to believe. I don't know the girl or anything like that. It is a hard story to believe because he is not that kind of guy," said Kennedy, a former free agent for the Miami Dolphins.
Three years ago, Gilbert sued the city after police slammed him to the ground during an arrest on a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice.
It took 28 stitches to close cuts on Gilbert's lips and above his right eye after the police tackled him. He also broke a bone in his leg when he fell.
The charge was dropped after the state attorney's office ruled that the officers had no reason to stop Gilbert in the first place.
Saturday, June 04, 2005
10-year-old forced to lick teacher's toes
A 10-year-old Atlanta-area boy was forced to kiss and lick his teacher's toes.
And though the teacher, Jody Kilpatrick of Temple Elementary School in Carroll County, has apologized for the incident, a preliminary investigation found no criminal intent since she apparently received no sexual gratification from the physical contact.
The child told investigators his classmates physically restrained him and forced him to kiss his teacher’s feet – and the teacher went along with the abuse.
"Ms. Kilpatrick asked [my son], did he want to see her toes, and he was, like, okay, I'll look at your toes," explained Denise Strozier, the boy's mother. "So, a student that was his friend and another student took his hands and put them down, behind his back, and she stood there and allowed these children to push my son to the ground, and he licked her toes. And she gave him candy."
Later, the teacher, as well as one of the students, signed the child's yearbook, with messages openly joking about what happened that day.
Chief Deputy Brad Robinson told a local TV news crew that investigators have concluded, preliminarily, that the teacher's intent was not criminal because there is no evidence she sought to derive any sexual gratification, which he said is key to prosecutors seeking to prove wrongdoing in cases involving physical contact between teachers and children.
But Strozier wants the teacher fired.
"Outrage doesn’t begin to describe how I feel right now," she said. "It’s like a game to her. It’s a joke to her."
Robinson believes Strozier's complaint is an issue for the school board to address rather than the sheriff's office.
The Carroll County school superintendent’s office is investigating, and declined to comment.
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission's code of ethics for teachers states "An educator should demonstrate conduct that follows generally recognized professional standards." Unethical conduct includes "committing any act of child abuse" and "encouraging an inappropriate physical relationship."
"I don't know what to say. I'm just literally dumb-founded that this has happened in my son's school," Strozier said.
The Carroll County district attorney’s office will make the final decision on whether to indict the teacher later this month. The school board will decide whether to discipline her.
And though the teacher, Jody Kilpatrick of Temple Elementary School in Carroll County, has apologized for the incident, a preliminary investigation found no criminal intent since she apparently received no sexual gratification from the physical contact.
The child told investigators his classmates physically restrained him and forced him to kiss his teacher’s feet – and the teacher went along with the abuse.
"Ms. Kilpatrick asked [my son], did he want to see her toes, and he was, like, okay, I'll look at your toes," explained Denise Strozier, the boy's mother. "So, a student that was his friend and another student took his hands and put them down, behind his back, and she stood there and allowed these children to push my son to the ground, and he licked her toes. And she gave him candy."
Later, the teacher, as well as one of the students, signed the child's yearbook, with messages openly joking about what happened that day.
Chief Deputy Brad Robinson told a local TV news crew that investigators have concluded, preliminarily, that the teacher's intent was not criminal because there is no evidence she sought to derive any sexual gratification, which he said is key to prosecutors seeking to prove wrongdoing in cases involving physical contact between teachers and children.
But Strozier wants the teacher fired.
"Outrage doesn’t begin to describe how I feel right now," she said. "It’s like a game to her. It’s a joke to her."
Robinson believes Strozier's complaint is an issue for the school board to address rather than the sheriff's office.
The Carroll County school superintendent’s office is investigating, and declined to comment.
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission's code of ethics for teachers states "An educator should demonstrate conduct that follows generally recognized professional standards." Unethical conduct includes "committing any act of child abuse" and "encouraging an inappropriate physical relationship."
"I don't know what to say. I'm just literally dumb-founded that this has happened in my son's school," Strozier said.
The Carroll County district attorney’s office will make the final decision on whether to indict the teacher later this month. The school board will decide whether to discipline her.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Government Schools Producing Legions of the Ignorant
Evidence continues mounting that government schools are failing in their most fundamental responsibilities.
One of the latest examples comes from New York City, where an incredible 81% of eighth-graders flunked the state's basic social studies exam last year.
Even worse, the scores have gone down every year since the testing began in 2001. In 2001-02 the failure rate was “only” 62%.
Across the state of New York the scores were also horrendous, though not as bad as NYC. 55% of the state’s eighth-graders flunked, up from 35% in 2001-02.
The test measures knowledge of basic history and government
A sample question:
“European Jews and other groups were killed in large numbers by Nazi Germany during World War II. Which term refers to this situation?”
1. appeasement
2. blitzkrieg
3. containment
4. Holocaust
Government education officials disagreed as to why the scores were so appalling. Some said it was due to widespread student ignorance of history and government.
But J.C. Brizard, New York City’s executive director for high schools, has a different theory. He said that the problem may be that many students, while knowledgeable about history, are simply not capable of reading and understanding the questions on the test.
"They have trouble comprehending what they are reading," Brizard said.
Well, that’s reassuring.
One of the latest examples comes from New York City, where an incredible 81% of eighth-graders flunked the state's basic social studies exam last year.
Even worse, the scores have gone down every year since the testing began in 2001. In 2001-02 the failure rate was “only” 62%.
Across the state of New York the scores were also horrendous, though not as bad as NYC. 55% of the state’s eighth-graders flunked, up from 35% in 2001-02.
The test measures knowledge of basic history and government
A sample question:
“European Jews and other groups were killed in large numbers by Nazi Germany during World War II. Which term refers to this situation?”
1. appeasement
2. blitzkrieg
3. containment
4. Holocaust
Government education officials disagreed as to why the scores were so appalling. Some said it was due to widespread student ignorance of history and government.
But J.C. Brizard, New York City’s executive director for high schools, has a different theory. He said that the problem may be that many students, while knowledgeable about history, are simply not capable of reading and understanding the questions on the test.
"They have trouble comprehending what they are reading," Brizard said.
Well, that’s reassuring.
Two students suspended for donning 'vagina' T-shirts
WINONA, Minn. — Two Winona high school students were suspended yesterday after breaking a week-old rule against wearing T-shirts inspired by the Vagina Monologues play.
One was Carrie Rethlefsen, 18, who touched off a high-profile free-speech debate at the high school in February when she continued to wear a button that read “I (heart) my vagina” despite the threats of school officials who called it offensive.
Students rallied to her cause, and yesterday about 45 of them gathered in front of the school before class. Several women wore “I (heart) my vagina” shirts while male students wore a version that said, “I support your vagina.”
School administrators said last week that students could wear the shirts and similar buttons outside the school, but would be asked to turn their T-shirts inside-out or remove the buttons before going to class.
Those who didn’t would get a one-day suspension, according to a letter the principal sent to students’ homes last week. Some students carried signs yesterday that said, “We respect authority, but we question authority.”
Rethlefsen told reporters she knew she would be suspended but wore her shirt inside anyway to support the issues of female sexuality and sexual violence against women discussed in the play.
She said she planned to spend her day off from school appearing on talk-radio shows. “I think the shirts made their statement,” Rethlefsen said after walking out of the school with a pink disciplinary slip in her hand.
Another student, Katelyn Delvaux, also refused to conceal her T-shirt and was sent home. No further information about her was immediately available.
Late last week school officials said they would let students start a women’s issues group, bring in a speaker on issues of importance to women and set up a table at the school where a local woman’s advocacy group would provide information — but students who wore buttons or T-shirts with the word “vagina” into the school would be punished.
Charles Samuelson, executive director of the Minnesota Chapter of the ACLU, said that it wasn’t clear the girls would have won a legal fight, since officials have a right to maintain order in the school.
Court cases have established that students have free-expression rights, but other rulings have said those rights can be trumped if school officials have a “reasonable” fear the message will be disruptive, Samuelson said.
Yesterday morning, a line of teachers stood in front of the school and at other entrances. Some police officers were nearby. Minutes before classes were to begin at 9 a.m., Assistant Principal Ben Johnson stood near the doors with a bullhorn.
Johnson, set to retire in a couple of months after 37 years in the district, looked at Rethlefsen and the other students gathered nearby.
“They are good kids,” he said. “They just have a different view of what’s appropriate. We just feel differently about a particular word being used in school.”
One was Carrie Rethlefsen, 18, who touched off a high-profile free-speech debate at the high school in February when she continued to wear a button that read “I (heart) my vagina” despite the threats of school officials who called it offensive.
Students rallied to her cause, and yesterday about 45 of them gathered in front of the school before class. Several women wore “I (heart) my vagina” shirts while male students wore a version that said, “I support your vagina.”
School administrators said last week that students could wear the shirts and similar buttons outside the school, but would be asked to turn their T-shirts inside-out or remove the buttons before going to class.
Those who didn’t would get a one-day suspension, according to a letter the principal sent to students’ homes last week. Some students carried signs yesterday that said, “We respect authority, but we question authority.”
Rethlefsen told reporters she knew she would be suspended but wore her shirt inside anyway to support the issues of female sexuality and sexual violence against women discussed in the play.
She said she planned to spend her day off from school appearing on talk-radio shows. “I think the shirts made their statement,” Rethlefsen said after walking out of the school with a pink disciplinary slip in her hand.
Another student, Katelyn Delvaux, also refused to conceal her T-shirt and was sent home. No further information about her was immediately available.
Late last week school officials said they would let students start a women’s issues group, bring in a speaker on issues of importance to women and set up a table at the school where a local woman’s advocacy group would provide information — but students who wore buttons or T-shirts with the word “vagina” into the school would be punished.
Charles Samuelson, executive director of the Minnesota Chapter of the ACLU, said that it wasn’t clear the girls would have won a legal fight, since officials have a right to maintain order in the school.
Court cases have established that students have free-expression rights, but other rulings have said those rights can be trumped if school officials have a “reasonable” fear the message will be disruptive, Samuelson said.
Yesterday morning, a line of teachers stood in front of the school and at other entrances. Some police officers were nearby. Minutes before classes were to begin at 9 a.m., Assistant Principal Ben Johnson stood near the doors with a bullhorn.
Johnson, set to retire in a couple of months after 37 years in the district, looked at Rethlefsen and the other students gathered nearby.
“They are good kids,” he said. “They just have a different view of what’s appropriate. We just feel differently about a particular word being used in school.”
Teen suspended for wearing 'freedom of expression' T-shirt
TIFTON, Ga. — A teenager was back in class on May 6 after receiving a one-day suspension for wearing a T-shirt with slogans including “freedom of expression” and “don’t drink and drive” that school administrators considered disruptive.
Hanna Smith, 18, a junior at Tift County High School, said Principal Mike Duck told her that if she wore the shirt again she would be suspended for the remainder of the year.
The principal was arrested six years ago for DUI and running a stop sign, The Tifton Gazette said May 6 in a story on Smith’s suspension. Duck made a public apology for the DUI and was himself suspended for five days.
Smith’s mother, Tracy Fletcher, said she would defend her daughter’s right to express herself, even if it meant hiring an attorney and taking the case to court.
“They want everyone to fit into a mold, and there’s no room for individuality. These kids are our future, I think they should be treated with a little more respect. Their opinions count. Their thoughts count,” Fletcher said.
The principal confirmed that Smith was back in class on May 6 without the banned T-shirt, which also had a peace symbol on the front and “Veritas,” which means truth, written on the back.
On May 6, Smith wore a different T-shirt, this one reading “Don’t Underestimate Individuality,” her mother said. The first letters of those words spell “DUI.” Her mother said the teen planned to wear the banned T-shirt again today.
Duck said he could not comment on the suspension.
“We can’t discuss children and their issue,” he said. “It’s a matter of privacy and protection of their rights.”
The school system’s dress code forbids disruptive clothing, grooming and symbols. Principals decide what’s disruptive.
“I have an obligation to maintain an orderly environment,” Duck said. “The courts give me the authority and the right to make those decisions and as long as I’m sitting in this chair that’s what I’m going to do.”
There have been other recent controversies in the school over students’ T-shirts, the Gazette reported. In one instance, a student was asked to change or be suspended for wearing a shirt bearing an anarchy symbol. In response, 40 students, including Smith, came to school the next day wearing shirts bearing various “freedom” slogans, the newspaper said.
Smith said she learned about constitutional rights, such as freedom of expression, in class and wishes school officials would honor them.
“I think it’s silly that we can’t practice the freedoms that they teach us here,” Smith said. “You would think that school officials would have respect for the law and people’s rights, or at least they should.”
Hanna Smith, 18, a junior at Tift County High School, said Principal Mike Duck told her that if she wore the shirt again she would be suspended for the remainder of the year.
The principal was arrested six years ago for DUI and running a stop sign, The Tifton Gazette said May 6 in a story on Smith’s suspension. Duck made a public apology for the DUI and was himself suspended for five days.
Smith’s mother, Tracy Fletcher, said she would defend her daughter’s right to express herself, even if it meant hiring an attorney and taking the case to court.
“They want everyone to fit into a mold, and there’s no room for individuality. These kids are our future, I think they should be treated with a little more respect. Their opinions count. Their thoughts count,” Fletcher said.
The principal confirmed that Smith was back in class on May 6 without the banned T-shirt, which also had a peace symbol on the front and “Veritas,” which means truth, written on the back.
On May 6, Smith wore a different T-shirt, this one reading “Don’t Underestimate Individuality,” her mother said. The first letters of those words spell “DUI.” Her mother said the teen planned to wear the banned T-shirt again today.
Duck said he could not comment on the suspension.
“We can’t discuss children and their issue,” he said. “It’s a matter of privacy and protection of their rights.”
The school system’s dress code forbids disruptive clothing, grooming and symbols. Principals decide what’s disruptive.
“I have an obligation to maintain an orderly environment,” Duck said. “The courts give me the authority and the right to make those decisions and as long as I’m sitting in this chair that’s what I’m going to do.”
There have been other recent controversies in the school over students’ T-shirts, the Gazette reported. In one instance, a student was asked to change or be suspended for wearing a shirt bearing an anarchy symbol. In response, 40 students, including Smith, came to school the next day wearing shirts bearing various “freedom” slogans, the newspaper said.
Smith said she learned about constitutional rights, such as freedom of expression, in class and wishes school officials would honor them.
“I think it’s silly that we can’t practice the freedoms that they teach us here,” Smith said. “You would think that school officials would have respect for the law and people’s rights, or at least they should.”
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Bus driver, students arrested for fighting
PUNTA GORDA - A Charlotte County school bus driver and two students were arrested Wednesday by Charlotte County Sheriff's deputies stemming from an incident that occurred on a bus Tuesday afternoon.
According to a CCSO report, bus driver Albert M. Taylor told deputies he was having a problem with several students on his bus. Taylor, 66, stopped the vehicle to speak with the students who were causing the disturbance; he used a seat belt to restrain one of the students involved and contacted CCSO.
Several other students became upset with Taylor following his actions.
At one point Taylor asked a 13-year-old student to come speak with him at the front of the bus and he refused. Taylor then walked to the rear of the bus to get the juvenile. The student's 15-year-old brother jumped into the aisle and headed for Taylor, yelling vulgarities at the driver as he walked towards the 13-year-old.
Taylor then turned around and slapped the 15-year-old boy in the face and grabbed him by the throat. The 13-year-old then headed toward Taylor as the driver went back toward his seat at the front of the bus.
The 15-year-old followed and an altercation began when the juvenile pushed Taylor in the chest and hit him in the face. The 13-year-old also got involved and hit Taylor in his right side.
A video camera on the bus recorded the entire incident and is currently in the custody of CCSO as the investigation continues.
Wednesday afternoon CCSO deputies arrested Taylor on a charge of simple battery on a juvenile, a misdemeanor.
The 13 and 15-year-old brothers were also arrested and charged with felony assault or battery on a specified official or employee. The juveniles are both students at Punta Gorda Middle School.
Taylor posted bond and was released; the two juveniles were booked and released to their parents.
According to a CCSO report, bus driver Albert M. Taylor told deputies he was having a problem with several students on his bus. Taylor, 66, stopped the vehicle to speak with the students who were causing the disturbance; he used a seat belt to restrain one of the students involved and contacted CCSO.
Several other students became upset with Taylor following his actions.
At one point Taylor asked a 13-year-old student to come speak with him at the front of the bus and he refused. Taylor then walked to the rear of the bus to get the juvenile. The student's 15-year-old brother jumped into the aisle and headed for Taylor, yelling vulgarities at the driver as he walked towards the 13-year-old.
Taylor then turned around and slapped the 15-year-old boy in the face and grabbed him by the throat. The 13-year-old then headed toward Taylor as the driver went back toward his seat at the front of the bus.
The 15-year-old followed and an altercation began when the juvenile pushed Taylor in the chest and hit him in the face. The 13-year-old also got involved and hit Taylor in his right side.
A video camera on the bus recorded the entire incident and is currently in the custody of CCSO as the investigation continues.
Wednesday afternoon CCSO deputies arrested Taylor on a charge of simple battery on a juvenile, a misdemeanor.
The 13 and 15-year-old brothers were also arrested and charged with felony assault or battery on a specified official or employee. The juveniles are both students at Punta Gorda Middle School.
Taylor posted bond and was released; the two juveniles were booked and released to their parents.
School guard arrested on sexual battery charges
Police have arrested a school security guard for what police say were sexual incidents that happened at Sarasota High School.
The girl who complained is a student.
40-year-old John Jones has been employed since 1992 as a campus security monitor at Sarasota High School. He is one of a half dozen men and women the school hires to patrol hallways, bathrooms and campus grounds to ensure student safety.
The student, who police say is younger than 18, told them she had sex with Jones twice while school was in session. Police say she told them one incident was in an empty school hallway, and a second incident was in a janitor's room. The incidents began as kissing and ended with intercourse.
Sarasota police say it was the girl who reported the incidents to them.
A background check shows Jones has no previous convictions. He is being held without bond on two charges of sexual battery.
The principal hires security monitors, and their job requires a high school diploma and a criminal background check.
The school board says that men and women hired as school security monitors in the future will be required to hold a license requiring specialized training. Also, instead of being hired by the schools' principal, they will be hired by a school security director. That's a transition that is already underway.
The girl who complained is a student.
40-year-old John Jones has been employed since 1992 as a campus security monitor at Sarasota High School. He is one of a half dozen men and women the school hires to patrol hallways, bathrooms and campus grounds to ensure student safety.
The student, who police say is younger than 18, told them she had sex with Jones twice while school was in session. Police say she told them one incident was in an empty school hallway, and a second incident was in a janitor's room. The incidents began as kissing and ended with intercourse.
Sarasota police say it was the girl who reported the incidents to them.
A background check shows Jones has no previous convictions. He is being held without bond on two charges of sexual battery.
The principal hires security monitors, and their job requires a high school diploma and a criminal background check.
The school board says that men and women hired as school security monitors in the future will be required to hold a license requiring specialized training. Also, instead of being hired by the schools' principal, they will be hired by a school security director. That's a transition that is already underway.
Friday, May 06, 2005
School Mistakes Huge Burrito for a Weapon
A call about a possible weapon at a middle school prompted police to put armed officers on rooftops, close nearby streets and lock down the school. All over a giant burrito.
Someone called authorities Thursday after seeing a boy carrying something long and wrapped into Marshall Junior High.
The drama ended two hours later when the suspicious item was identified as a 30-inch burrito filled with steak, guacamole, lettuce, salsa and jalapenos and wrapped inside tin foil and a white T-shirt.
"I didn't know whether to laugh or cry," school Principal Diana Russell said.
State police, Clovis police and the Curry County Sheriff's Department arrived at the school shortly after 8:30 a.m. They searched the premises and determined there was no immediate danger.
In the meantime, more than 30 parents, alerted by a radio report, descended on the school. Visibly shaken, they gathered around in a semi-circle, straining their necks, awaiting news.
"There needs to be security before the kids walk through the door," said Heather Black, whose son attends the school.
After the lockdown was lifted but before the burrito was identified as the culprit, parents pulled 75 students out of school, Russell said.
Russell said the mystery was solved after she brought everyone in the school together in the auditorium to explain what was going on.
"The kid was sitting there as I'm describing this (report of a student with a suspicious package) and he's thinking, 'Oh, my gosh, they're talking about my burrito.'"
Afterward, eighth-grader Michael Morrissey approached her.
"He said, 'I think I'm the person they saw,'" Russell said.
The burrito was part of Morrissey's extra-credit assignment to create commercial advertising for a product.
"We had to make up a product and it could have been anything. I made up a restaurant that specialized in oddly large burritos," Morrissey said.
After students heard the description of what police were looking for, he and his friends began to make the connection. He then took the burrito to the office.
"The police saw it and everyone just started laughing. It was a laughter of relief," Morrissey said.
"Oh, and I have a new nickname now. It's Burrito Boy."
Someone called authorities Thursday after seeing a boy carrying something long and wrapped into Marshall Junior High.
The drama ended two hours later when the suspicious item was identified as a 30-inch burrito filled with steak, guacamole, lettuce, salsa and jalapenos and wrapped inside tin foil and a white T-shirt.
"I didn't know whether to laugh or cry," school Principal Diana Russell said.
State police, Clovis police and the Curry County Sheriff's Department arrived at the school shortly after 8:30 a.m. They searched the premises and determined there was no immediate danger.
In the meantime, more than 30 parents, alerted by a radio report, descended on the school. Visibly shaken, they gathered around in a semi-circle, straining their necks, awaiting news.
"There needs to be security before the kids walk through the door," said Heather Black, whose son attends the school.
After the lockdown was lifted but before the burrito was identified as the culprit, parents pulled 75 students out of school, Russell said.
Russell said the mystery was solved after she brought everyone in the school together in the auditorium to explain what was going on.
"The kid was sitting there as I'm describing this (report of a student with a suspicious package) and he's thinking, 'Oh, my gosh, they're talking about my burrito.'"
Afterward, eighth-grader Michael Morrissey approached her.
"He said, 'I think I'm the person they saw,'" Russell said.
The burrito was part of Morrissey's extra-credit assignment to create commercial advertising for a product.
"We had to make up a product and it could have been anything. I made up a restaurant that specialized in oddly large burritos," Morrissey said.
After students heard the description of what police were looking for, he and his friends began to make the connection. He then took the burrito to the office.
"The police saw it and everyone just started laughing. It was a laughter of relief," Morrissey said.
"Oh, and I have a new nickname now. It's Burrito Boy."
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Florida middle school student arrested for poisoning music teacher
TAMPA, Fla. A 14-year-old Florida girl has been arrested for allegedly poisoning her music teacher with lemonade spiked with marker board cleaner.
Tampa police say the teacher became sick and was treated at a hospital, but suffered no other ill effects.
The middle school student's being held in a juvenile assessment center on a felony poisoning charge.
The girl allegedly told police she put the cleaner into the teacher's drink because she was angry because the teacher wouldn't let her leave class to go to the restroom.
Tampa police say the teacher became sick and was treated at a hospital, but suffered no other ill effects.
The middle school student's being held in a juvenile assessment center on a felony poisoning charge.
The girl allegedly told police she put the cleaner into the teacher's drink because she was angry because the teacher wouldn't let her leave class to go to the restroom.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Bullies shamed by friends of schoolboy found hanged himself
16 April 2005
A 12-year-old boy found hanging at his family home was driven to kill himself by school bullies, his friends have claimed.
They have set up an internet website in memory of Nathan Jones, from Essex, which condemns the pupils they claim are responsible for his death. The centrepiece of the site is a poem aimed at the bullies entitled "Because of You", listing the moments in life that Nathan would never experience.
One of his classmates says: "I hope the bullies who pushed him to this are happy. How can they live with themselves?"
Other tributes on the site read: "I don't know why they bullied him. He was a lovely boy"; and "Nathan was driven into where he is now by bullies. I hope he's happier in heaven."
Nathan, a pupil at King's Wood school in Romford, was found hanging at his family home last week. He was pronounced dead in hospital an hour later. His family have thanked his friends for setting up the tribute to him but are too upset to comment about the bullying claims.
Jeff Stafford, a governor at King's Wood school, said: "Many rumours are being spread at the moment but we will not know the circumstances in which Nathan died until the inquest is completed.
"Bullying does not occur any more or less in King's Wood than any other school. It is a shock.
"He was on the school council, a drama group member and an active fund-raiser. This is what makes his death so mystifying."
Geoff Starns, council cabinet member for children's services at the London Borough of Havering, said: "The death of Nathan is tragic. The full facts are still being ascertained and the police have not yet concluded their inquiries. Our thoughts are with the family and those who were close to Nathan at this sad time."
The charity ChildLine said its latest figures showed the number of desperate children calling its hotline about bullying had reached record proportions. Last year more than 31,000 victims turned to the free helpline - up from 21,000 the year before. More than 25 per cent of those who called had turned to their teachers first but felt that their fears were not being taken seriously. They also said that bullying no longer stopped at the school gates, with many being hounded in their homes through text messages.
Between 16 and 20 children under the age of 16 are thought to commit suicide every year because of bullying.
The Government has launched a crackdown on bullying, setting up nine regional education conferences at which teachers can share experiences and adopt the best anti-bullying strategies. Schools have been told to devise their own strategies, and to make sure all pupils are aware of them.
'Because of you' - a poetic tribute
"Because of you - he never done his GCSEs to get the results he wanted.
Because of you - he never got a first job.
Because of you - he never got to say 'I do'.
Because of you - he never got to have a family of his own.
Because of you - he never got to own his own house.
Because of you - he never got to share the wonderful moments that could have been.
Because of you - you destroyed him, his family and his friends' lives.
Because of you - you pushed him too far.
Because of you - you took away his smile.
Because of you - you caused him unnecessary pain.
Because of you - our lives will never be the same.
Because of you - our tears will never fade.
Because of you - you made a young boy take his own life, just for fun.
Because of you - he never got to live his dreams.
Selfish people did this to Nathan and now no one's life will ever be the same.
Because of you."
A 12-year-old boy found hanging at his family home was driven to kill himself by school bullies, his friends have claimed.
They have set up an internet website in memory of Nathan Jones, from Essex, which condemns the pupils they claim are responsible for his death. The centrepiece of the site is a poem aimed at the bullies entitled "Because of You", listing the moments in life that Nathan would never experience.
One of his classmates says: "I hope the bullies who pushed him to this are happy. How can they live with themselves?"
Other tributes on the site read: "I don't know why they bullied him. He was a lovely boy"; and "Nathan was driven into where he is now by bullies. I hope he's happier in heaven."
Nathan, a pupil at King's Wood school in Romford, was found hanging at his family home last week. He was pronounced dead in hospital an hour later. His family have thanked his friends for setting up the tribute to him but are too upset to comment about the bullying claims.
Jeff Stafford, a governor at King's Wood school, said: "Many rumours are being spread at the moment but we will not know the circumstances in which Nathan died until the inquest is completed.
"Bullying does not occur any more or less in King's Wood than any other school. It is a shock.
"He was on the school council, a drama group member and an active fund-raiser. This is what makes his death so mystifying."
Geoff Starns, council cabinet member for children's services at the London Borough of Havering, said: "The death of Nathan is tragic. The full facts are still being ascertained and the police have not yet concluded their inquiries. Our thoughts are with the family and those who were close to Nathan at this sad time."
The charity ChildLine said its latest figures showed the number of desperate children calling its hotline about bullying had reached record proportions. Last year more than 31,000 victims turned to the free helpline - up from 21,000 the year before. More than 25 per cent of those who called had turned to their teachers first but felt that their fears were not being taken seriously. They also said that bullying no longer stopped at the school gates, with many being hounded in their homes through text messages.
Between 16 and 20 children under the age of 16 are thought to commit suicide every year because of bullying.
The Government has launched a crackdown on bullying, setting up nine regional education conferences at which teachers can share experiences and adopt the best anti-bullying strategies. Schools have been told to devise their own strategies, and to make sure all pupils are aware of them.
'Because of you' - a poetic tribute
"Because of you - he never done his GCSEs to get the results he wanted.
Because of you - he never got a first job.
Because of you - he never got to say 'I do'.
Because of you - he never got to have a family of his own.
Because of you - he never got to own his own house.
Because of you - he never got to share the wonderful moments that could have been.
Because of you - you destroyed him, his family and his friends' lives.
Because of you - you pushed him too far.
Because of you - you took away his smile.
Because of you - you caused him unnecessary pain.
Because of you - our lives will never be the same.
Because of you - our tears will never fade.
Because of you - you made a young boy take his own life, just for fun.
Because of you - he never got to live his dreams.
Selfish people did this to Nathan and now no one's life will ever be the same.
Because of you."
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Bullying can push students over edge
HOLLY -- Anti-bullying programs in schools can be effective, but experts say they're fighting a tide of violent culture on television, in the movies and on video games.
"A very substantial percentage of the population views bullying as a rite of passage," said Ted Feinberg, assistant executive director of the National Association of School Psychologists in Bethesda, Md. "It's going to take a while to change behavior."
Just this week, a 14-year-old student at Holly High School was charged for threatening terrorism for compiling a "kill list" of 12 people, including his mother. Acquaintances said the youth had been bullied repeatedly. His arrest came one day before a previously scheduled refresher course for staff on handling the bully issue.
The teasing and bullying went on despite the school's involvement in the School Violence Program of Oakland County, run by Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca's office. It's the only one of its kind run by a prosecutor's office in Michigan and has helped coordinate efforts to address and head off such aggressive behavior and school violence. Gorcyca believes the program is responsible for a significant reduction in bullying incidents, based on a survey of county schools.
Holly school officials, however, said they simply didn't know about bullying directed at the teen who was arrested.
While bullying has existed longer than schools themselves, the practice has come under intense scrutiny in recent years and is blamed as a major contributor to school shootings such as Columbine, and more recently, this week's killing of seven students at a high school in Red Lake, Minn.
"One of the common areas that binds all of the school shooters together is all of them were the victim of bullying. Their lives were made miserable," Feinberg said. "What we have also found is many of them felt there is no other recourse to stop this behavior other than going home and getting a weapon and taking care of the bullies in a dramatic and final way."
Friends of the Holly High teen, who is from White Lake Township, say he was repeatedly teased and bullied at the school. "No one would leave him alone," said freshman Eddie Martin, 15.
More than 2,500 educators have been trained at 161 schools, including 56 high schools, in Oakland County since April 2001 under the county prosecutor's program, said Dan Cojanu, the county's supervisor of victims' services. Holly High participated in the program.
The program attempts to help educators identify and address potential bullying problems, but Holly High Principal Dave Nuss said he was not aware of bullying toward the charged teen.
"We are not aware of any bullying or teasing type of behavior with this student," said Nuss, adding that bullying cases come up "maybe once or twice every couple of years."
The school, which has about 1,400 students, deals with the cases by counseling the aggressor to show why their behavior is wrong, he said. If the behavior continues, the student's parents are called, and if it persists, the school takes disciplinary action, including suspension.
"Usually it works," Nuss said of the process. "Those rarely end up in disciplinary action. It is usually cleared up with counseling measures."
The county program, funded with the aid of a federal grant program, is in jeopardy after its funding was cut from the 2006 federal budget.
"The president has cut juvenile justice grants, from which we received our funds for the program," Gorcyca said. "It's such an important program, we can't let it end. I don't have the funds in my own budget to handle it. It's possible we will have to look elsewhere to keep it going. I might go to the schools themselves. Then the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Perhaps seek private funds, like corporate sponsorships to cover it.
"But with some of the things that are happening in our schools, it's clear there is a great need for such programs." Feinberg stressed that the programs are beginning to make an impact and should be spared.
"We know that kids are exposed to an enormous amount of violent stimuli on the Internet, television, movies and videos. There has been a desensitizing factor," he said. "Sometimes, the (bullying) victim finds a way to level the playing field. They see violence in the media and think that's how to deal with problems."
Nuss said he had never had any discipline problems with the teen and was surprised by the "kill list." He questioned whether the teen intended to follow through on the threats. "Up until now, he's been almost perfect," said Nuss, who earlier this year visited the teen in a local hospital after he injured his neck playing football for the school. "It was a surprise to many of us."
"I don't know what his intent was. That behavior seemed uncharacteristic," he said. "It is a very difficult time in society, and you can't make statements or write statements threatening the institution. There are no jokes in this regard. You can't use that kind of language. It's just a different type of world today."
The teen is being held in Children's Village awaiting a March 30 pretrial hearing. Police searched his home, but found no weapons. If convicted, he may be held at Children's Village until he is 19. An adult would face up to 20 years in prison on the charge. "He's paying dearly for his mistake," Nuss said.
Feinberg cautioned against a "knee-jerk" reaction and said the teen should be mentally evaluated before any judgment is made. (And put on PROZAC)
"It needs to be looked at instead of summarily deciding this kid is the next school shooter," he said. "A lot of kids' lives are being ruined by this. We need to take a close look at whether it is a viable threat; otherwise, we'll have a lot of false positives.
"Just simply punishing people runs the potential of creating a group of folks who use poor judgment and are incarcerated and learn what it really means to be a criminal."
"A very substantial percentage of the population views bullying as a rite of passage," said Ted Feinberg, assistant executive director of the National Association of School Psychologists in Bethesda, Md. "It's going to take a while to change behavior."
Just this week, a 14-year-old student at Holly High School was charged for threatening terrorism for compiling a "kill list" of 12 people, including his mother. Acquaintances said the youth had been bullied repeatedly. His arrest came one day before a previously scheduled refresher course for staff on handling the bully issue.
The teasing and bullying went on despite the school's involvement in the School Violence Program of Oakland County, run by Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca's office. It's the only one of its kind run by a prosecutor's office in Michigan and has helped coordinate efforts to address and head off such aggressive behavior and school violence. Gorcyca believes the program is responsible for a significant reduction in bullying incidents, based on a survey of county schools.
Holly school officials, however, said they simply didn't know about bullying directed at the teen who was arrested.
While bullying has existed longer than schools themselves, the practice has come under intense scrutiny in recent years and is blamed as a major contributor to school shootings such as Columbine, and more recently, this week's killing of seven students at a high school in Red Lake, Minn.
"One of the common areas that binds all of the school shooters together is all of them were the victim of bullying. Their lives were made miserable," Feinberg said. "What we have also found is many of them felt there is no other recourse to stop this behavior other than going home and getting a weapon and taking care of the bullies in a dramatic and final way."
Friends of the Holly High teen, who is from White Lake Township, say he was repeatedly teased and bullied at the school. "No one would leave him alone," said freshman Eddie Martin, 15.
More than 2,500 educators have been trained at 161 schools, including 56 high schools, in Oakland County since April 2001 under the county prosecutor's program, said Dan Cojanu, the county's supervisor of victims' services. Holly High participated in the program.
The program attempts to help educators identify and address potential bullying problems, but Holly High Principal Dave Nuss said he was not aware of bullying toward the charged teen.
"We are not aware of any bullying or teasing type of behavior with this student," said Nuss, adding that bullying cases come up "maybe once or twice every couple of years."
The school, which has about 1,400 students, deals with the cases by counseling the aggressor to show why their behavior is wrong, he said. If the behavior continues, the student's parents are called, and if it persists, the school takes disciplinary action, including suspension.
"Usually it works," Nuss said of the process. "Those rarely end up in disciplinary action. It is usually cleared up with counseling measures."
The county program, funded with the aid of a federal grant program, is in jeopardy after its funding was cut from the 2006 federal budget.
"The president has cut juvenile justice grants, from which we received our funds for the program," Gorcyca said. "It's such an important program, we can't let it end. I don't have the funds in my own budget to handle it. It's possible we will have to look elsewhere to keep it going. I might go to the schools themselves. Then the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Perhaps seek private funds, like corporate sponsorships to cover it.
"But with some of the things that are happening in our schools, it's clear there is a great need for such programs." Feinberg stressed that the programs are beginning to make an impact and should be spared.
"We know that kids are exposed to an enormous amount of violent stimuli on the Internet, television, movies and videos. There has been a desensitizing factor," he said. "Sometimes, the (bullying) victim finds a way to level the playing field. They see violence in the media and think that's how to deal with problems."
Nuss said he had never had any discipline problems with the teen and was surprised by the "kill list." He questioned whether the teen intended to follow through on the threats. "Up until now, he's been almost perfect," said Nuss, who earlier this year visited the teen in a local hospital after he injured his neck playing football for the school. "It was a surprise to many of us."
"I don't know what his intent was. That behavior seemed uncharacteristic," he said. "It is a very difficult time in society, and you can't make statements or write statements threatening the institution. There are no jokes in this regard. You can't use that kind of language. It's just a different type of world today."
The teen is being held in Children's Village awaiting a March 30 pretrial hearing. Police searched his home, but found no weapons. If convicted, he may be held at Children's Village until he is 19. An adult would face up to 20 years in prison on the charge. "He's paying dearly for his mistake," Nuss said.
Feinberg cautioned against a "knee-jerk" reaction and said the teen should be mentally evaluated before any judgment is made. (And put on PROZAC)
"It needs to be looked at instead of summarily deciding this kid is the next school shooter," he said. "A lot of kids' lives are being ruined by this. We need to take a close look at whether it is a viable threat; otherwise, we'll have a lot of false positives.
"Just simply punishing people runs the potential of creating a group of folks who use poor judgment and are incarcerated and learn what it really means to be a criminal."
Friday, March 25, 2005
Student Reinstated After Principal Flap
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A student who photographed his principal smoking outside a school building was allowed to return to class after initially being suspended for posting the photos on the Internet.
School district officials Wednesday reversed the suspension of sophomore Eliazar Velasquez and said principal Elaine Almagno was wrong to violate a state law that prohibits smoking within 25 feet of a school building.
"The school had no authority to punish him for the information he had up (on the Web site) or to require him to take down the site," said Superintendent Melody Johnson.
Johnson said school officials told her Velasquez was suspended because he disrupted the learning environment at the school by posting the photos on the Internet. She said she reinstated him after reviewing the incident.
Steven Brown of the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (news - web sites) had spoken to school officials on Velasquez's behalf.
Johnson said Almagno has apologized for the incident over the school's public address system.
School district officials Wednesday reversed the suspension of sophomore Eliazar Velasquez and said principal Elaine Almagno was wrong to violate a state law that prohibits smoking within 25 feet of a school building.
"The school had no authority to punish him for the information he had up (on the Web site) or to require him to take down the site," said Superintendent Melody Johnson.
Johnson said school officials told her Velasquez was suspended because he disrupted the learning environment at the school by posting the photos on the Internet. She said she reinstated him after reviewing the incident.
Steven Brown of the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (news - web sites) had spoken to school officials on Velasquez's behalf.
Johnson said Almagno has apologized for the incident over the school's public address system.
School Shooter Was On PROZAC
Redlake, Minn. -- Two days after a shooting rampage on the Indian reservation here left 10 dead, friends, relatives and neighbors of Jeff Weise -- the 16-year- old assailant -- began to sketch a portrait of a deeply disturbed youth who had been treated for depression in a psychiatric ward, lost several close family members, sketched gruesome scenes of armed warriors and was removed from the school where he gunned down most of his victims Monday.
"The clues were all there," said Kim Desjarlait, Weise's step-aunt, who lives in Minneapolis. "Everything was laid out, right there, for the school or the authorities in Red Lake to see it coming. I don't want to blame Red Lake, but did they not put two and two together? This kid was crying out, and those guys chose to ignore it. They need to start focusing on their kids."
On the Red Lake Indian Reservation, officials held a private prayer service Wednesday night and met to discuss when students might be able to return to school. Superintendent Stuart Desjarlait said it may take months for the high school to reopen because of the extensive damage from Monday's rampage. Five students, a teacher and a guard were killed at the school. Seven students were wounded and two remained in critical condition Wednesday at a hospital in Fargo, N.D.
Federal authorities said they were conducting autopsies on Weise and his nine victims, but FBI spokesman Paul McCabe said he did not anticipate releasing any information in the near future. Tribal leaders were even less forthcoming, strictly limiting reporters' movements.
Tensions rose throughout Wednesday, with some residents whispering fears that if they spoke to outsiders they would suffer retribution. Residents of neighboring communities offered cautionary tales about violence on the reservation, and the Justice Department created a task force to deal with gangs when Red Lake suffered five homicides in seven months in 2002. Because Red Lake is a closed reservation, it operates as a sovereign nation, running its own police force and dictating who may set foot on the property.
Those willing to be interviewed described Weise as a young man who drifted among various homes on the reservation, listening to heavy metal music, proclaiming his affinity for Adolf Hitler and periodically showing up at the high school, even though Stuart Desjarlait said that six months ago he had ordered Weise to stay at home for tutoring.
He was taking the antidepressant Prozac and at least once was hospitalized for suicidal tendencies, said Gayle Downwind, a cultural coordinator at Red Lake Middle School, who taught Weise. It was not uncommon for Weise to spend at least one night a week at her home. "He considered my house a safe place to be," she said.
In his 16 years, Weise had lost many relatives. He was estranged from other family members and had a strained relationship with Daryl Lussier, the grandfather he killed at the start of Monday's rampage.
Family and friends said Weise's father, Daryl Lussier Jr., committed suicide in 1997. Two years later, a serious automobile accident killed a cousin and left Weise's mother partly paralyzed and brain damaged.
Then, about two years ago, "his other grandfather on his mom's side passed away," Kim Desjarlait told NBC's "Today" show. "You are dealing with three deaths within eight years. I think for a kid starting at 10 years old, that's a lot to take." At the time, she wanted to help raise Weise in Minneapolis, but he was sent to the reservation about 260 miles to the north.
In the sixth grade, Weise met Downwind's son, Sky Grant, and the two became close friends, often playing video games together. Grant recalled that Weise hated his mother and had a tendency to skip ahead to violent parts in movies they rented.
When Weise flunked eighth grade, he joined Downwind's special "Learning Center" program at the school. "He didn't function academically. He just sat there and drew pictures of army people with guns," she said. "He was a talented artist, but he drew terrible, terrible scenes."
Last June, Weise was suicidal. John Dudley, a part-time bus driver for the Red Lake health center, was called at the time to transport Weise to the hospital in Thief River Falls, about 60 miles from the reservation.
To some in the school, Weise was long a frightening figure, towering over many of the youngsters in all-black clothing. Because of recent bomb threats and other safety concerns, Red Lake High School insisted students secure a pass to go to the restroom, a requirement that agitated Weise, said Lee Ann Grant, Downwind's daughter, who had worked as a guard there since August.
(comment - Troubled Homelife + Troubled Child = Give Him Prozac A formula for disaster!)
"The clues were all there," said Kim Desjarlait, Weise's step-aunt, who lives in Minneapolis. "Everything was laid out, right there, for the school or the authorities in Red Lake to see it coming. I don't want to blame Red Lake, but did they not put two and two together? This kid was crying out, and those guys chose to ignore it. They need to start focusing on their kids."
On the Red Lake Indian Reservation, officials held a private prayer service Wednesday night and met to discuss when students might be able to return to school. Superintendent Stuart Desjarlait said it may take months for the high school to reopen because of the extensive damage from Monday's rampage. Five students, a teacher and a guard were killed at the school. Seven students were wounded and two remained in critical condition Wednesday at a hospital in Fargo, N.D.
Federal authorities said they were conducting autopsies on Weise and his nine victims, but FBI spokesman Paul McCabe said he did not anticipate releasing any information in the near future. Tribal leaders were even less forthcoming, strictly limiting reporters' movements.
Tensions rose throughout Wednesday, with some residents whispering fears that if they spoke to outsiders they would suffer retribution. Residents of neighboring communities offered cautionary tales about violence on the reservation, and the Justice Department created a task force to deal with gangs when Red Lake suffered five homicides in seven months in 2002. Because Red Lake is a closed reservation, it operates as a sovereign nation, running its own police force and dictating who may set foot on the property.
Those willing to be interviewed described Weise as a young man who drifted among various homes on the reservation, listening to heavy metal music, proclaiming his affinity for Adolf Hitler and periodically showing up at the high school, even though Stuart Desjarlait said that six months ago he had ordered Weise to stay at home for tutoring.
He was taking the antidepressant Prozac and at least once was hospitalized for suicidal tendencies, said Gayle Downwind, a cultural coordinator at Red Lake Middle School, who taught Weise. It was not uncommon for Weise to spend at least one night a week at her home. "He considered my house a safe place to be," she said.
In his 16 years, Weise had lost many relatives. He was estranged from other family members and had a strained relationship with Daryl Lussier, the grandfather he killed at the start of Monday's rampage.
Family and friends said Weise's father, Daryl Lussier Jr., committed suicide in 1997. Two years later, a serious automobile accident killed a cousin and left Weise's mother partly paralyzed and brain damaged.
Then, about two years ago, "his other grandfather on his mom's side passed away," Kim Desjarlait told NBC's "Today" show. "You are dealing with three deaths within eight years. I think for a kid starting at 10 years old, that's a lot to take." At the time, she wanted to help raise Weise in Minneapolis, but he was sent to the reservation about 260 miles to the north.
In the sixth grade, Weise met Downwind's son, Sky Grant, and the two became close friends, often playing video games together. Grant recalled that Weise hated his mother and had a tendency to skip ahead to violent parts in movies they rented.
When Weise flunked eighth grade, he joined Downwind's special "Learning Center" program at the school. "He didn't function academically. He just sat there and drew pictures of army people with guns," she said. "He was a talented artist, but he drew terrible, terrible scenes."
Last June, Weise was suicidal. John Dudley, a part-time bus driver for the Red Lake health center, was called at the time to transport Weise to the hospital in Thief River Falls, about 60 miles from the reservation.
To some in the school, Weise was long a frightening figure, towering over many of the youngsters in all-black clothing. Because of recent bomb threats and other safety concerns, Red Lake High School insisted students secure a pass to go to the restroom, a requirement that agitated Weise, said Lee Ann Grant, Downwind's daughter, who had worked as a guard there since August.
(comment - Troubled Homelife + Troubled Child = Give Him Prozac A formula for disaster!)
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Friday, March 18, 2005
5-year-old arrested after school outburst
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A 5-year-old girl was arrested, cuffed and put in back of a police cruiser after an outburst at school where she threw books and boxes, kicked a teacher in the shins, smashed a candy dish, hit an assistant principal in the stomach and drew on the walls.
The students were counting jelly beans as part of a math exercise at Fairmount Park Elementary School when the little girl began acting silly. That's when her teacher took away her jelly beans, outraging the child.
Minutes later, the 40-pound girl was in the back of a police cruiser, under arrest for battery. Her hands were bound with plastic ties, her ankles in handcuffs.
"I don't want to go to jail," she said moments after her arrest Monday.
No charges were filed and the girl went home with her mother.
While police say their actions were proper, school officials were not pleased with the outcome.
"We never want to have 5-year-old children arrested," said Michael Bessette, the district's Area III superintendent.
The district's campus police should have been called to help and not local police, he said.
Bessette said campus police routinely deal with children and are trained to calm them in such situations.
Under the district's code of student conduct, students are to be suspended for 10 days and recommended for expulsion for unprovoked attacks, even if they don't result in serious injury. But district spokesman Ron Stone said that rule wouldn't apply to kindergartners.
"She's been appropriately disciplined under the circumstances," he said.
The girl's mother, Inda Akins, said she is consulting an attorney.
"She's never going back to that school," Akins said. "They set my baby up."
The students were counting jelly beans as part of a math exercise at Fairmount Park Elementary School when the little girl began acting silly. That's when her teacher took away her jelly beans, outraging the child.
Minutes later, the 40-pound girl was in the back of a police cruiser, under arrest for battery. Her hands were bound with plastic ties, her ankles in handcuffs.
"I don't want to go to jail," she said moments after her arrest Monday.
No charges were filed and the girl went home with her mother.
While police say their actions were proper, school officials were not pleased with the outcome.
"We never want to have 5-year-old children arrested," said Michael Bessette, the district's Area III superintendent.
The district's campus police should have been called to help and not local police, he said.
Bessette said campus police routinely deal with children and are trained to calm them in such situations.
Under the district's code of student conduct, students are to be suspended for 10 days and recommended for expulsion for unprovoked attacks, even if they don't result in serious injury. But district spokesman Ron Stone said that rule wouldn't apply to kindergartners.
"She's been appropriately disciplined under the circumstances," he said.
The girl's mother, Inda Akins, said she is consulting an attorney.
"She's never going back to that school," Akins said. "They set my baby up."
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Cop shoots self in school in front of students!
He's the "only one professional enough to carry a Glock 40"! Good job dude!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Playground insults banned
Sexist insults are to be banned from the playground. Teachers are warned today that words such as "slag" and "slut" lead to boys feeling superior to girls and make domestic violence seem more acceptable.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Local teacher had affair with student and his father
Boca Raton resident Carol Flannigan, a music teacher at a Boynton Beach public school, not only slept with an 11-year-old former student, but also had a sexual relationship with the boy’s father at the same time, according to a deposition filed this week in Palm Beach County Circuit Court.
Flannigan, a music teacher in Rolling Green Elementary in Boynton Beach, is awaiting trial on one count of capital sex assault on a child under 12 and one count of lewd or lascivious assault stemming from her alleged relationship with the man’s son. The first count carries a mandatory life sentence.
http://www.bocaratonnews.com/index.php?src=news&prid=11025&category=Local%20News
Flannigan, a music teacher in Rolling Green Elementary in Boynton Beach, is awaiting trial on one count of capital sex assault on a child under 12 and one count of lewd or lascivious assault stemming from her alleged relationship with the man’s son. The first count carries a mandatory life sentence.
http://www.bocaratonnews.com/index.php?src=news&prid=11025&category=Local%20News
Friday, March 04, 2005
Police Arrest 8-Year-Old After Alleged Outburst in Williamsburg Elementary School
AP) - James City County Police arrested an eight-year-old boy who allegedly had a violent outburst in school.
Authorities say he head-butted his teacher and kicked an assistant principal when he was told he couldn't go outside to play with other students.
The four-foot pupil was led away from Williamsburg's Rawls Byrd Elementary School in handcuffs Tuesday and charged with disorderly conduct and assault and battery.
Major Stan Stout says the student began tossing chairs and turning over desks after a teacher - and later the assistant principal - tried to stop him from joining his classmates.
The child was later released to his parents.
http://www.wavy.com/global/story.asp?s=3030689&ClientType=Printable
Authorities say he head-butted his teacher and kicked an assistant principal when he was told he couldn't go outside to play with other students.
The four-foot pupil was led away from Williamsburg's Rawls Byrd Elementary School in handcuffs Tuesday and charged with disorderly conduct and assault and battery.
Major Stan Stout says the student began tossing chairs and turning over desks after a teacher - and later the assistant principal - tried to stop him from joining his classmates.
The child was later released to his parents.
http://www.wavy.com/global/story.asp?s=3030689&ClientType=Printable
Suffer The Children
While this story does not fall into the teacher-school horror story area that this blog will focus on, it is itself a horror-hell story. Suffer the little children indeed:
66 face child sex ring trial
ANGERS, France -- Sixty-six men and women are standing trial in western France in a harrowing and massive pedophilia case.
Prosecutors allege that children aged 6 months to 14 years old were raped by their parents or offered to other adults in exchange for small amounts of money or parcels of food, AP reported.
http://www-cgi.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/03/03/france.trial/
66 face child sex ring trial
ANGERS, France -- Sixty-six men and women are standing trial in western France in a harrowing and massive pedophilia case.
Prosecutors allege that children aged 6 months to 14 years old were raped by their parents or offered to other adults in exchange for small amounts of money or parcels of food, AP reported.
http://www-cgi.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/03/03/france.trial/
Teacher Accused of Sex Abuse
A Braxton County middle school teacher is in police custody after allegedly confessing to sexual misconduct with five of her students.
Toni Lynn Woods, 37, of Strange Creek was arrested Wednesday on eight counts of sexual assault.
State Police said several students reported they had been treated or touched inappropriately.
In the criminal compliant filed against Woods, she admitted she had sexual intercourse with three students a total of four times.
She also admitted to performing oral sex on two different juveniles a total of four times.
Toni Lynn Woods, 37, of Strange Creek was arrested Wednesday on eight counts of sexual assault.
State Police said several students reported they had been treated or touched inappropriately.
In the criminal compliant filed against Woods, she admitted she had sexual intercourse with three students a total of four times.
She also admitted to performing oral sex on two different juveniles a total of four times.
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