Oklahoma School suspends most sixth-graders for mass rowdiness; 'You'd be shocked,' principal says

Associated Press ^ | 3-26-04

[Oldeconomybuyer]

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A public school suspended nearly all of its sixth-graders for class disruptions and a cafeteria ruckus this week, though many of the students were allowed to return after their parents met with school officials.

Sixteen of the 147 sixth-graders at F.D. Moon Academy were suspended Monday for class disruptions, and 120 students were suspended Wednesday after they picked up cafeteria tables, slammed them to the floor and talked back to faculty, school officials said.

[Old Student]

Makes me wonder if they did the hearing, personally. Lisa, can you ask your sister about that? If they did it, they would have to have had her there, and she could tell you how it came about that way. I'd be interested as all get out...

[LisaMalia]

It was actually my daughter, not my sister, who got punched. I will have to talk to her again about all the details. I do know a police officer was called, they met in the office, and she filed a report.

That was right before Christmas vacation. The girl did get a 10 day suspension right off the bat, however, I do know my daughter was never called for any other type of hearing. After she filed the report, to the best of my knowledge, she was kept in the dark about what was going on. I do know that permanent expulsion was out of the question because of the "learning disability" catagory she is in, and those students are exempt.

The student ended up back in school, however SHE asked to be removed from my daughter's class. I guess she thought my daughter was out of line for filing a report for getting punched. There have been rumors of threats made by this girl, but nothing can be proved.

Another FYI. My daughter was informed by the administration that teachers are not to attempt to "break up" fights. She told them that at the time she walked back to the two students, it was just a verbal exchange. The whole thing was just one big mess, and like I said before, I fear for her safety, which is pretty sad. And this is not the only incident that has happened. One teacher got caught in the middle of a riot in a hallway.

[j7gly]

An Akron (Ohio)Public School recently began having their
Parent/Teacher conferences in a local mall in an effort to encourage participation by the parents. Isn't that pathetic?"

Actually-speaking from a college student doing field work in Akron Public schools to become a teacher schools- this isn't "pathetic"! It is genius! These parents are intimidate by teachers because they don't want anyone telling them how to raise their kids. It is a public place, on their own, they can dress the way they want, they can talk the way they want and they go to the mall anyways. Until you have been there...and you know the statistics..don't bash it! Oh did I mention that Akron Public schools had one of the greatest attendance rates for parent teacher conferences!! If this is the way to get the parents involved by all means...and until we live in situations like them that let's not judge please... The kids are the one's that we are thinking of!!! And yes it is sad that it has come to this...

[Thoeting]

Hmmm, I might be learning something here. Let me make sure I understand what you are saying OS.

If child A has an IEP and hits Child B, the parents of Child B CAN be at the manifestation?

I've never attended a manifestation of this type, mostly mine have involved breaking some major rule--drugs, language, and once violence towards a teacher (me).

I've only been in special ed for 7 years, I know I haven't come close to seeing and hearing everything out there.

[Old Student]

I've broken up several fights, but I'm nearly 6' tall, and a guy. I'm also retired military, and I've told the kids I don't fight for fun. They start something with me, they better be prepared to go all the way. No one has taken me up on it, either. I have had one kid pull a punch to avoid me, too. This is Oklahoma, not New York, of course. I had a group of them ask what would happen if a bunch of kids jumped me someday; I told them I'd probably wind up in the hospital. But I wouldn't be the only one. I also got very good backing from my administrators. A kid caused trouble, and I had to call, he or she was gone for a few days. If I needed backup, I had armed cops on call, too. The bad kids knew the cops by first name, and the cops knew them the same way. Nobody wanted any part of that, either.

As far as learning disability being an exemption from discipline, that is not so under the law. If that is the way her school is reading it, your daughter (sorry for the mistake) had probably better find a different district to teach in.

[stands2reason]

A'Lisa, as opposed to The'Lisa?

[Old Student]

"If child A has an IEP and hits Child B, the parents of Child B CAN be at the manifestation?"


No,but if the teacher is the one hit, he or she CAN be at the manifestation hearing. Should be, in fact. Should be there if she just witnessed it happening to a student, too.

[Rebelbase]

" I can still remember the "board of education", holes and all."

Those holes cut wind resistance for a more significant impact.

[LisaMalia]

Incoming FReepmail.

[LisaMalia]

I HOPE you just forgot the "sarcasm" tag after your post.

[j7gly]

I meant teachers and students pray in the schools(I personally know of a lot of teacher bible studies, prayer groups before and after school...in the school building- student lead and teacher lead- student groups and teacher groups and some with both teachers and students) I highly recommend starting one...or praying for one...

[NCjim]

Wow - the Famous Five (Harry Wharton, Frank Nugent, Johnny Bull, Bob Cherry and Hurree Jamset Ram Singh) bring back old memories of my childood.

I can remember literally rolling on the floor laughing at these Billy Bunter / Greyfriars stories of a now-bygone era.

Thanks for bringing these memories back - now if I only still had the books!