HICKORY, North Carolina - When four kids became too loud in their third-grade classroom at Southwest Elementary, their substitute teacher employed a rather asinine form of punishment. She made the kids stand up in class then tied them together with a jump rope. Using the rope as a leash, she led the crying kids down a ramp into a playground where she left them for half an hour. She told them she wanted them to know what jail felt like. Obviously, parents are pissed. The Hickory City School District said the substitute, who has been in the school system since 2004, acted in an inappropriate manner and no longer works in the schools there. I do not agree with what the teacher did, but man that punishment is WEAK when compared to the shit they would do to you in the ’70s. I’d take a trip to the playground over the Board of Education any day of the week.
Here is the letter sent to parents:
November 17, 2009
Dear Parents,
In order to keep you informed about our school, I feel it is important to address a situation that recently occurred.
Last Friday, I was informed that a substitute at our school inappropriately managed students during class time. I investigated this incident by obtaining statements from students and teachers who witnessed the situation, and I also reported this information to Dr. Cox, our Superintendent. No students were physically harmed; however, this person will no longer substitute in Hickory Public Schools. The safety of our students is my primary concern, and it is my expectation that the adults who work in our school treat our students appropriately.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Sherry R. Willis, Principal
Tags: jump rope, punishment, school, southwest elementary, substitute teacher, teacher, Third grade
Drink the Kool-Aid