And we are heartened that the district and the paper are reporting the incident. And that this accused was arrested.
Students need to know that this is NOT acceptable behavior in school -
or anywhere else for that matter.
or anywhere else for that matter.
Now we wonder which of the alternative programs that Superintendent Contreras touted last week will be the one to help this child? And what supports and interventions will take place in her home? And while she is getting the help and support she needs to behave appropriately in school and out of school, how do we keep other students and teachers safe?
Syracuse City School District take note...
This is high profile. You've been on a media blitz about all the programs that are in place to help kids like this one. Don't let her down. We will be watching.
Yes, SOOOO many incidents do not see the light of day..IF ONLY we could get them ALL documented and reported....only THEN would the public experience the depth of aggression and violence that WE experience..We all know about violence in middle and high schools (sadly, most people accept it as 'business as usual") BUT, the shocking violence and aggression that we now experience in elementary schools is the REAL story here....the spread of disrespect, aggression and violence that WE experience every day from K, 1, 2 + children is shocking and should be THE WAKE UP CALL for the community!!!! I can think of at least 4 incidents in my elementary school involving a VIOLENT ATTACK from a K,1,2 student on another, where the victim required a Dr. and/or hospital visit ....and NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN and the child was put RIGHT BACK into the same classroom - sometimes with the same student they assaulted - NO COUNSELING or ANY other supports given. I, for the life of me, don't understand why these parents don't go to the media or call the police themselves!!! SOOOOO many violent incidents NOT reported and/or swept under the rug...that's part of the reason why the behaviors spread/escalate!!!! I'm sorry, I believe we are DOOMED.........
ReplyDeleteYou forgot to mention that it is always the teacher's fault! If the teachers could manage their class and make the lessons more engaging these situations would not happen!
DeleteIt was a minor injury but a serious situation. The real alarming thing is that this type of incident occurs on a regular basis but doesn't get reported. I suspect that because the police were called, the media picked it up on the scanner otherwise it would be just another day in school. Of course the super will make sure that procedure is followed on this incident. All eyes are on her. What should be alarming is the number of times that violent acts and or threats of violent acts happen on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteThe super likes to tell the community through the press about all her wonderful programs. Those programs provide services to very few students and for many of our students, they are too little too late.
The first step is to set some clear limits and expectations. If you are violent, or threaten violence (kick doors, punch lockers, swear and threaten / usually done all at once in a menacing way) you should be suspended, evaluated and a plan should be put in place to address the exhibited aggression. If it can't be managed at the home school, set up a behavior school with real programs that helps these students. A program that you must successfully complete in order to return to your home school.
Currently kids are assigned to programs for a period of time. Sometimes they never bother to report. Once there "time is up" they return to the home school.
Smoke an mirrors. The super is spinning things but those of us on the inside know what's really going on if anyone cares to ask.
I was under the impression that the district WAS NOT forthcoming at first. It was only when the media got involved that the dirt was aired. I'm sorry, but I don't think that "minor abrasions" to the STOMACH are part of the job description for a teacher. I'm appalled that this could happen. The schools are definitely not safe places for anyone. I wouldn't want my child to be exposed to this, would you? Also, there was an incident at Roberts with a hypodermic needle that also WAS NOT reported, to the parents of Roberts or anyone else. So, do you really think anything has changed, despite the BS proposed by the queen.
ReplyDeletePlease do not forget to mention that it is always the teacher's fault for not being able to manage their class and that their data is not going up because we do not know how to manage or engage students! Students are generally returned and repremanded by administrators for not being effective!
ReplyDeleteI am a teacher who HAS spoken out..I have written 2 letters that were printed in my own name in the PS and on Syracuse.com. Until we get MORE staff (I'm talking not only teachers, but T.A.'s, custodial workers, cafeteria workers, volunteer grandparents to rally and SPEAK OUT the public will never know the depth and breadth of the problems - We need people of all colors to speak out....white teachers are labeled as racist, middle-class and out-of-touch. I know many people of color who see the reality of what is happening. Why can't we get a contingent of all groups - black, white, hispanic..EVERYONE who works in schools and see the horrors..maybe then the community will believe what the reality is...The STA is always looking for people, like my colleague, Bonnie N., who wrote a letter and read it at a BOE meeting to speak out. She, and I, have not had any retributions from our speaking out. Don't we believe that there is safety in numbers (if you are tenured, of course) and that Contreras is being pushed against the ropes? If you are not afraid - speak out - the Post Standard
ReplyDeleteWANTS teachers and staff to speak out..Get a group together in your school...have someone speak out..but STAND TOGETHER AS A GROUP.......It is our only hope- pressure NOW!!!!!
Please see the letter to the editor by William Scott posted today to Syracuse.com.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the commentary written by W. Scott at Syracuse.com, I would suggest that you contact your school board and its superintendent and insist that an immediate program be instated to protect students and teachers.
ReplyDelete