Educators arrested in Knightsville Elementary abuse case (updated)
Published Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:12 PM
By David Berman and Michael Tannebaum
Summerville Journal Scene ®
Updated Nov. 12 at 7:37 p.m.
On Wednesday night, the Dorchester District 2 School Board unanimously voted to suspend with pay former Knightsville Elementary School teacher Rebecca Piersol Crosby.
After an hour in executive session, the school board went into open session to take the vote and were then quick to decline comment on the matter.
Alice Paylor, an attorney for the school board who was present, would not comment on what was discussed in executive session.
The board did not take action against Ruff-Putillion or Watson, neither of whom were at work Thursday, said Pat Raynor, Dorchester 2 public information officer.
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An investigation into the alleged abuse of special needs students at Knightsville Elementary School by the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office resulted Wednesday in the arrests of a former teacher’s assistant as well as a teacher and two administrators who have been reassigned.
The former teacher’s assistant, 38-year-old Heather Martin, is charged with nine felony counts of unlawful neglect of a child.
Martin’s charges stem from several incidents involving at least three autistic students ranging in age from eight to 10, according to arrest affidavits.
The affidavits allege that Martin, over a nine-month span beginning in January:
• Repeatedly placed her hands over the mouth and nose of a screaming student for upwards of 15 minutes in an effort to quiet her.
• Asked the lead teacher, who also was charged, if she could throw small items at the children. She hit two students with pencils, erasers and paperclips, among other small objects.
• Dragged multiple students by their hair, including one incident during which she dragged a student 10 feet to a “time out area.”
• Grabbed a student by his arm and dragged him to “where she wanted him to be,” leaving red marks and bruises.
• Grabbed the hand and genital area of a student after he refused to remove his hands from inside the crotch area of his pants, causing him to scream and leaving a bruise on his hand.
• Hit a student in the back of his head with an open hand and when he began to cry, told him, “Get to work!”
Martin is no longer with Dorchester District 2. Martin’s attorney said her client was given the choice to resign or be fired and on Oct. 20 she resigned.
Rebecca Piersol Crosby, a 38-year-old teacher who was in the same autistic placement classroom as Martin, is charged with three felony counts of unlawful neglect of a child and four felony counts of misprision of a felony (neglect in reporting a crime).
Piersol Crosby was present when Martin put her hands over the mouth and nose of a student and she failed to object, an affidavit states. Also, on two occasions, she allegedly “shrugged her shoulders” and allowed Martin to throw items at students.
Piersol Crosby’s misprision charges stem from when she did not report the alleged abuse and “repeatedly threatened” a witness — presumably another teacher’s assistant — telling her she would lose her job if she kept talking about the incidents, according to affidavits.
She also reportedly said, “what happens in the classroom stays in the classroom.”
Piersol Crosby is still employed by Dorchester District 2, but no longer works as a classroom teacher, said Pat Raynor, the district’s public information officer.
According to the district’s policy manual, “employees arrested for a felony offense will normally be suspended with pay pending adjudication.”
Former principal Anita Ruff-Putillion, 43, and former assistant principal Mary Rita Watson, 47, are both charged with failing to report child abuse or neglect. Their charges are misdemeanors.
According to affidavits, Ruff-Putillion and Watson learned that Martin was being abusive to children and following a meeting, they decided not to notify the parents or anyone outside the school. Their charges are tied specifically to two alleged incidents of abuse.
Ruff-Putillion is now the assistant principal for grades 3-5 at Beech Hill Elementary School and Watson is a fifth-grade teacher at Oakbrook Elementary School. They were reassigned Oct. 20, the same day Martin is said to have resigned.
Wednesday, all four women turned themselves in and were released on their own recognizance several hours later. Magistrate Judge Janice Simmons set Martin’s bond at $90,000 and Crosby’s at $50,000. Ruff-Putillion’s and Watson’s bonds were each $1,000. None of them have criminal records, according to their attorneys.
The small courtroom was packed with family members who spoke to the character of the suspects, both as people and as educators. Simmons asked if anyone wanted to speak on behalf of the alleged victims, but no one came forward.
“I know teaching is a noble profession and I hear all the compliments given to you,” Simmons told the suspects. “But it’s disturbing to see the affidavits. However, you’re innocent until proven guilty.”
The sheriff’s office launched its investigation after someone not connected with Dorchester District 2 schools complained of physical abuse in the classroom, according to Maj. John Garrison.
Sheriff L.C. Knight said Wednesday that “the investigation is not over yet.”
Hours after the charges came to light, Dorchester District 2 called an “emergency” executive session for Thursday night to discuss to the Knightsville case.
“The district is awaiting specific information on the investigation and will review it with legal counsel and district officials to see if there will be any further action,” Raynor said by phone after the bond hearing.
To ??
Would you take the chance of 25 students and parents. I mean some people see money and prey on others. (Not saying that has happened). I'm just thinking I wouldn't want to be in that position.
Oh Yeah and I agree with the last post "disgusting" is scary!
Posted by:
Just when we thought all the hate-filled,judgemental idiots had stopped writing.Get some counseling.you're scary!
Posted by:
To those of you skeptics and disbelievers, you disgust me. You defend anyone who harms, even alledgedly, a child? How can you call yourself human? Those poor children have the marks and the trauma to deal with and if that is justice in SC i might stop going there. The administrators are even worse. The decided to torture innocent children to ensure their security? Knightsville Elementary is a twisted environment and so is DD2. I would never send my little one there after this.
Posted by: A Critic
What happened to MaryRita Watson? I realized that she is no longer at 5th grade teacher at OES.
Posted by:
Gee, I hope Layla Rose is not the name of the person you're disparaging here.If so, I hope she doesn't read this blog. The internet is not as anonymous as one may think. And lawsuits for slander and libel are possible in our society.
Posted by:
Once again, there is NO comparison. The issue is FAILURE TO REPORT as mandated by state law. This has clearly happened. This is a serious offense and nothing akin to the hyperbole of some other employee.
Posted by:
The comment from the poster about the co-worker who loved to exaggerate jolted my own memory of a similar co-worker. She couldn't state how something had happened without dramatic embellishment. For example, we both,one day, heard a teacher tell a student,"How would you feel if I called your parents tonight and told them you didn't have your homework?" (His reply was,"Go ahead, I don't care!") At lunch, she related this to the whole table by saying that the teacher "...threatened that poor little kid till he was crying his little heart out. He could barely breath, he was choking and had a face so red, I thought I should call the nurse,thinking he was having a heart attack!!!"
I'm not suggesting this is what happened in this case, but after investigating countless other of her exaggerated stories, we tended to tune her out completely and I cannot even begin to imagine the damage that could have been caused to good people if we had believed a person who, for whatever reason, needed attention and knew no other way to get it.
Posted by:
This demonstrates exactly WHY we have mandated reporting laws. Once an allegation has been raised - ANY allegation - it becomes the responsibility of educators to formally report the accusation. It's not their responsibility to determine the validity of the allegations! It is the responsibility of law enforcement to further investigate and clearly, in this case, enough evidence existed to warrant felony charges. No matter how some try to minimize the circumstances or blame the whistleblower, these are serious charges. The accused will have representation in court and will have ample opportunity to defend themselves. This is the way our system works and I support it.
Posted by:
It IS a mess, but to blame the one who reported it is patently wrong. She did her duty. And you have no right to condemn her and say she did it because she wants somebody's job. That's despicable. It's very clear her supervisors failed to do what was mandated and contact the authorities. They bear even more responsibility because they are highly educated and seasoned employees.They knew better. The whistleblower should be rewarded, not condemned. And if she's fired for being a "troublemaker" DD2 would have another legal nightmare. And rightly so. Anyone who has a doubt about our kids' safety should speak up. I applaud her courage. And I hope you're not a teacher, either.
Posted by: Parent
I once had a co-worker in the school system who loved to exaggerate situations. We were all lucky no believed her stories or we could have been in the same situation as these 4 women.
Posted by:
First of all,some of you need to realize you're not having a telephone conversation with the person posted below you.Figure that out for yourself.To all of you,maybe nothing was reported because the principal and others were dealing with a new employee,a helper,who came in the classroom and thought she knew more than the teachers.She took out her personal problems on everybody else by turning everything she saw into her own personal drama.There were meetings,and it was decided there was nothing out of the ordinary going on in this classroom.So, they had to deal with her,along with the other kids.But evidently ,nothing satisfied this girl.Especially when she found out she wouldn't be getting Mrs. Martin's job.She may be in school learning to work with special needs kids,but she'll probably have a hard time getting a job after starting this MESS!Maybe we should feel sorry for;I don't think she had a clue that all her whining could come back to haunt her one day.What goes around,comes around.Beware all of your smiling friends.You could be the next to get stabbed in the back by your "good friend".
Posted by:
We have mandated reporters FOR A REASON. Those who are in contact with children every day, like those who provide health care, are in a unique position to identify children in abusive situations. Surely you are not suggesting that we leave it to the abusers to report themselves? It's not hard to figure out why the administrators didn't report the accusations: it reflected poorly on them and I'm sure it seemed easy enough to keep it a secret. After all, how likely is an autistic child to report abuse? Another facet you are ignoring is the fact that a teacher is in a position of authority over a minor, which is quite unlike the ridiculous circumstances you mention. (once seeing a parent possibly abuse their child) The mandated reporting laws do not ask reporters to investigate and confirm abuse...that is the role of law enforcement.
Posted by:
If these women are guilty, then they need to build more prison's, because they will be filling them up with Catholic Nuns!
Posted by:
You are supposed to report WHAT YOU SEE, not wait around to see if the possible abuse happens again. That could be VERY dangerous to kids. If you suspect it, your duty is to report it to authorities. It's their job to determine if it has merit. I cannot believe that reporting the possible abuse of our kids would even be debatable. I'm baffled.
Posted by: Report It
I think too many are assuming too much.(and I'm not talking about the classroom teacher and aide. The person that reported the abuse was a witness several times I have read.) I'm glad they reported it. But for the rest that were charged... It's hard to believe they didn't report on purpose..
I see parents that look like they are abusive to their own children, but I only saw once and I didn't go to the authorities. Does that make me a criminal? What if I did and it was not what it seemed at the time? I would want to be sure before I reported someone to the authorities. Could this ALSO be the case? I just don't want to judge until all the facts are out.
Posted by:
From: PLEASE
I did not mention age. I did not say LIES. I am simply stating that these are "alleged" statements / claims. Why the re-direction?
Posted by:
How can you say they are lies. Where you in that room? Did you see whay really happened? And you must be an old person because you see to keep bring up this young lady's age. Any age can report abuse!!!!!! maybe you should not be so quick to judge either.
Posted by: J
From below: "To tell someone to 'keep quiet about this or you will loose your job' is an admission guilt."
The Keep Quiet comment is an alleged comment along with the alleged abuse. How can that be construed as an admission of guilt if it, too, is alleged? In the 9 warrants against Ms. Martin there is an alleged date as early as Jan '09. If the witness had something to say why wait so long?
Posted by:
Again, the issue is FAILURE TO REPORT possible abuse and neglect. That clearly happened and the district had to act. The young assistant, unfortunately, is the only professional who did her DUTY. It's unfair to attack a whistleblower who had the courage to act. And before it's over, you'll probably see DD2 District Office having to take some blame too, because they failed to act swiftly until their hand was forced by law enforcement.
Posted by: Protect Our Kids
Some of her accusations were just exagerations;and some were totally,completely,flat-out lies!The case is based on what this girl told her psychologist.A 22 year old who is going to ruin 4 lives;And their families.And hopefully not bankrupt them paying for their trials!
Posted by:
Seems to me the only nut job is the one calling someone who has a counselor a nut job. All kinds of people go to counseling for many different reasons. They may go for help with grieve, relationships,and self esteem issues.To say this person is a nut job is very offensive to people who do go to counseling. Maybe you would benifit from talking to a counslor.
Posted by: JJ
You wouldn't report the abuse if it didn't happen. How much credence can you give the story of a nut job in counseling?
Posted by:
"Why wouldn't child abuse be reported by the authorities?" is the question. To tell someone to 'keep quiet about this or you will loose your job' is an admission guilt. I feel for these children and the professionals. If abuse is reported to a teacher, it is the law for that teacher to report the abuse to the proper authorities. To threaten someone who witnessed the abuse with loosing their job for speaking up is an insult to this profession. The aide went to the teacher in charge and was "hushed up", telling her, "what goes on in the classroom stay in the classroom".
The most obvious defense for the professionals will be that the person who says they witnessed the abuse is lying. I am truely saddened by the fact that the incidents were not reported in a timely manner by the authorities. According to the reports, the alleged abuse continued and there was more than one incident. The defense for the professionals will try to destroy the credibility of the witness with the counseling records, but these records could be their downfall. If the witness spoke of the abuse in counseling sessions it may very well be in the documentation of the counselor. The comments suggesting the witness to the abuse conjured up this story to obtain the abuser's job does not make any sense to me. This person has to be smarter than that, as she is most likely under exaggerated scrutiny by her peers at this point. I am guessing it was the witnesses counselor who made the report, but the media has not revealed the identity of this person. To me, it is admirable for someone to seek outside help if they are having a problem sorting things out. This event in itself would make a young person such as this question - Is this really going on in our schools and what do I do???
There are a lot of feelings flying back and forth for obvious reasons. The alleged abuse of a child, particularly an autistic child, is a major concern. Not reporting the abuse on any count is wrong and futhermore covering it up is criminal. It took a lot of courage for someone to come forth and expose what was going on in this classroom. This has been a wake-up call for parents and professionals who need to be responsible to insure students have a safe and nurturing learning environment. I am concerned if the alleged abuse occured but am appalled by the fact that the authorities failed to report the abuse. Minimization of abuse is a "cover-up" and professionals did not follow the laws and regulations for reporting abuse if they were told anything about it. Please do not let this happen again.
Posted by: MSM
"No questions asked. No trials or investigations"? How many innocent people have swung from a noose (literally and figuratively) based on that attitude? Children absolutely need to be protected but so do our collective rights to not be judged guilty until proven. One day it could be you falsely judged (been there and it sucks)
Posted by:
Tameka,Have you been hiding under a rock.There's been no trial.Only accusations made by one person.You should learn a little more about this case and maybe you would't be so quick to judge someone that you obviously admired in the past.Curb that anger!
Posted by:
Your post expresses the pain a lot of pain parents feel. But how can you be so sure what has been reported is the truth. Keep the faith, maybe Mrs. Piersol can remain one of your favorite teachers.
Posted by:
OH MY GOSH!!! I am in absolute shock! My now 12 yr. old autistic son was once a student of Mrs. Piersol. She was one of our favorie teachers. Always made sure the parents were well formed of what was going in the classroom, showed that the children's education was the main focus, and she made our family feel like every child that entered her classroom was well protected. It absolutely hurt my heart to hear that someone that us parents trusted our children with would do such a thing, and even worse, saw someone else do it and just DID NOT WANT TO report it. That ----ing heartless! She has kids. What would she do if someone beat up on her kid?! SC Board of Ed should take their licenses and make them watch them burn by barn fire. Their careers working with children should without a doubt be over. No questions asked No second chances. No other trials or investigations. Violating kids is immoral and punishable by law, so allowing them to continue to work with our little ones is still punishing and violating the kids.
Posted by: Tameka Mitchell
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/ff_waronscience/
Hard science, not fear.
Posted by:
I hope I'm not opening up a can of worms here,but thinking more about mercury(which I've always been concerned about)I checked some websites.Go to the National Autism Assocaition site,click causes(I think that was it)and read about Thimerosal in vaccines.Of course mercury is found in other products,too.
Posted by:
Just to add a note to what I said.I personally don't think it's the vaccine.I'll pass on giving my theory.
Posted by:
I wont't argue with you about the causes of autism.No one knows. I was giving a few examples that doctors and scientists are investigating.There's still a lot of debate about the vaccine theory.There are plenty of websites on autism that can teach us something.Let's all get informed!
Posted by:
Let's correct some definite misinformation: The research that linked autism and vaccinations has been DISCREDITED. The scientist admitted to falsifying data to prove his case, and has been soundly condemned by his peers in the scientific community. Misinformation like this could cause some parents (and has) to reject get shots for their kids, and this could endanger the community.
Posted by:
MOST PEOPLE WHO ARE ABUSED DO RUN TO THERE ABUSERS.TRY READING SOME MATERIAL ON ABUSE VICTIMS.LIKE FROM MY SISTER'S HOUSE.
Posted by:
If AP kids at KES are the best they have been in 9 years, why now, do they look so sad? Maybe her attorney will be allowed to let her walk back into her old classroom and video the children's responses. They would flock to her with hugs from all the children who miss her desperately. That would reveal NOT GUILTY to any jury or judge.
Posted by: No abuse by those accused!!!
The teachers in the class now at Nkightville are well trained and the children are the best they have been in 9 years.Maybe that says alot!!!!!!!
Posted by: JJ
The number of autistic children continues to grow rapidly.It gets bigger every year.This is a serious problem!Some blame it on enviromental issues,some on vaccinations,(mercury?),some on hereditary traits.Nobody knows.Each child has different symptoms.There needs to be more research.And more teachers who can deal with it.We are minus 2 trained teachers at Knightsville now.I hope they have someone in this class now that's knowledgeable.But, I understand that's not the case.
Posted by:
How many autistic children are at KES? Just from the posts by parents of autistic children it seems far too many for the population of this area. Are you really suggesting a one-to-one ratio for special needs children? Please leave a few dollars to be spent meeting the needs of the non special needs children.
Posted by:
The priest that molested the young boys were playful with those children too!
Posted by: GM
As for Mrs. Martin,I understand she was very playful with the children, and they seemed to respond to her.She kept some of them at home,too. The "throwing incident" was grossly misinterprepted.I don't think she would intentionally do anything to hurt one of these children.She truely cared about them!She went through a lot of training for this job.And she stayed extremely busy handling all of them.Maybe they do need more help with these kids.
Posted by:
As a Momma to an autistic child I also feel these teachers can be over whelmed. This is o excuse for any sort of abusive behavior but I see first hand that schools are short staffed i special needs. They meet state standards but rarely are the classroom needs actually met. A class could have one child wheel chair bound and dependent for every need. That takes one adult there. That leaves the one other teacher with 8 to 10 other children alone. We need all parents to be outraged and complaining about the the teacher-need ratio in these classes. Hearing from us parents of special needs children all the time is just a broken recorder. We need everyone to be on board to fixing this problem or I will always just be the Mom that complains. Cameras are an excellent idea!!!!!
Posted by: Charlotte
What are all teachers to do now? They WILL be afraid to disipline any child ,in any manner.They don't want to be on the front page of the newspaper in orange.All the while, the students will think they can get away with anything. Most already do!Have you been in a classroom latety? No matter how good a teacher is, she's in a losing situation.
Posted by:
Yes, what can be done moving forward. Including cameras to protect both children and teachers. Others with constructive ideas should post. Enough of the "Jerry Springer" quality venting.
Posted by: Tired of trashy posts
It is disappointing to see so many children who have special needs themselves put under the care of only one teacher and one teachers assistant. I dont believe any of these individuals would ever harm any child intentionally much less a child who is fragile. I feel the way these classes are organized puts a lot of responsibility on those 2 people in the classroom. Sometimes they can be in charge of 8 children at any given moment. It is challenging and rewarding to see children progress but i am not sure these children are in an atmosphere where they can progress because the teachers have such little time to devote to each of them. These children have precious souls and should not be given any less attention and require one on one instruction to meet their needs. This should be about what needs to be done better to help these children progress and it is my belief that all children can progress if worked with one on one and in a supportive environment.
Posted by:
Those who thinks this is ok to abuse people. Wait until you get to the nursing home. Lets see how you like it when you can't speak for yourself. cousin, sister or whomever you are it's wrong.
Posted by:
In my opinion,most of the people who are defending the 4 women seem to be speaking in a rational way.I think they have a clearer understanding of the problems the teachers and the special needs children are going through.They aren't displaying such cruel meaness on their posts either.Do you understand how Heather's life is being ruined? Where's your compassion? She hasn't been convicted.I think her supporters are a little more savvy also, to the workings of the media.Hey,people were fooled into thinking that a young,community activist with no job experience could be President!What a mess that's turning out to be.(But I'm getting off the subject )Anyway,They also seem to have a better grasp of the English language.Some of you could take a lesson from them;(or an English class).I hear very little name calling and harsh accusation from their side,too.And speaking of names,no one is required to give a name. You did, and that was your choice.Are you not sitting in front of a computer,too.None of us knows what the other does for a living,and it really doesn't matter.I could be a nuclear physicist for all you know.It doesn't matter to me what anyone does all day.I'm just sitting here stating my views,just like you.And I'm not getting all frantic and telling people they're stupid or pretend I know all about their life.You dear, are the judgemental one.You know,it propably is kinda silly to sit here and argue with an irrational person like you.So,I'll get back to the book I'm writing and the website I'm working on and leave you to deal with your anger.Take a deep breath and relax.Bless your soul!Seriously.
Posted by:
Iwas just wondering if one of this people posting on this web sight is the same person going by logical lilly's on another web site
Posted by:
And how do yall know if the child/ children were hurt you dont b/c you dont know them they cant talk, they cant defened themselves, and you know what your right i am quick to judge when i know what happened the teachers even ammitted to one so explain that.......
Posted by:
by the way the administration should have reported this and this talk wouldnt be going around everyone would know the truth! But when a private investigator calls and tells you you can press charges or the state will well sweet heart that means they have enouph proof so you dont know what your talking about. No one has the right to put their hands on any child. And their are proper procedures for administration go through the proper chains of command if not done in my eyes they are just as guilty as the other two for letting it happen for so long. so get a life.
Posted by: ELENA
i know more than you do and for your information my nephew is one of those kids and yes you are very judgmental and you know what im not the one sticking up for sick people so no your the one who needs help. o and lookie here no name once again you got a big mouth behind a computer but not in person. And my nephew is the one who has had his hair pulled and head pushed so you dont know what your talking about. you are discusting and it wouldnt supprise me if you were heather or becky or even one of their family members we will see in court and guess what i want to see your face when they are charged and see what you have to say then. O and by the way my major is crime scene investigation, sorry you sit at home on your couch and all you can do it talk badly about disabled kids but i do know what im talking about your the one who is stupid.
Posted by: Elena P
I have yet to see one post say it's ok to pull a child's hair or grab them. Where are you getting that stuff?
Posted by: Read the lower posts first
I'm shocked at the number of people who are insisting that it's okay to pull a student's hair or grab them in the groin. It's even more appalling given that these vulnerable children are autistic. And maybe that's the problem here. We know that at least four educators are accused of either committing such acts or endorsing it by failing to report. We know the district office only acted when forced to do so, and even then made a strenuous effort to protect the educators. I am willing to wait for the outcome of a trial before condemning these women, but it's very disappointing to see so many willing to support the actions they are accused of. No child was hurt? Are you SERIOUS?
Posted by:
So many sick people! Maybe it's the swine flu!
Posted by:
Disgusting,Sorry to hear you're so sick!Go see a doctor. Elena,maybe you should go too.Talk about being judgemental!You don't have a clue to what's going on.There are people who know A LOT MORE THAN YOU ABOUT THIS CASE!Sounds like your're another gullible person who believes everything the media puts out.Or,who reads a couple of posts and thinks they know it all.Mrs. Martin has taken care of these kids and been friends with some of the parents for years.One young girl started this!And nobody seems to know much about her.The administrators didn't report anything the young ,whiny girl said because there was no need to.Once again(for those who can't read beyond 2 or three posts) No child was hurt!But the children of these 4 accused women are!Guess that doesn't matter to you ,though.Really ,you don't know the whole story.But,as you say ,God does.Watch how you make judgements.There's been no trial.You may be very surprised in the end.You don't want God to judge you wrongly ,do you? Karma works for everyone!And "my name" has no bearing on any of this.I chose not to use it.Who really cares.
Posted by:
Listen for all you people who are siding with what happened yall are just as sick. How would you feel if your kid was abused and people were talking bad about them because they were black hispanic had epilepsy or cancer or any kind of disability it can happen to anbody and the ones that do get abused are the ones who can tell the storie the ones who can are the ones who lie. (Not all the time!) Now for you people talking about how these kids shouldnt be in school. No the ones who shouldnt be in school are the ones dealing drugs fighting and picking on these kids just like yall. yall are quick to judge. And let me guess yall go to church thal shal not judge that is GODs choice not yours. These kids didnt choose to be like this one use to talk until he hit 3 yrs how would you feel if your kid had something happen to him /her but wasnt allowed in school. yall are sick. and yall can talk alot of bs but you sure wont put your signature by your commet b/c you fake and just as sick as those teachers. Yall might want to seek help as well. Any one who picks on kids who cant defend themselves are just trying to cover up something going on in their life that is bad, and thats wrong. this teacher could have touched your child and you know the sad part is victims that are abused dont come out and say it most of the time wether they can talk or not it gets caught on tape. How would you feel if your mother was in a nursing home and they abused her and it was reported but nothing done, then you got proof but you had hipricritical people like you talking like this. And by the way they do have enpouph proof one of the kids has been going their for 2 yrs and if the parents dont press the charges the state will. Watch in court and when their found guilty i would love to see all of yalls faces sticking up for these people who could have abused your children your life. Never talk bad about a child that makes you small. and carma sucks just wait GOD punishes those who dont except all of his children yall are them. And when your going to speak out and you want your opinion heard put your name by it so all these parents can know who you are and how sick, disrespectful, unthoughtfull, hipricritical, just out right heartless.
Posted by: Elena P
These women make me sick. Anyone who defends them (or their so called right to be treated as innocent till proven guilty) make me sick. Any school that has currently hired them or hires them, makes me sick. I am absolutely without a doubt keeping my children out of DD11 from this point on. I have completely lost all faith and respect for Summerville's schools (and wonder what will now happen to property values?!).
Nothing will change my mind, the facts are there.
No need to reply to my post (esp. if exhibiting bad grammar, poor spelling, lack of decent punctuation &/or do not have at least a child or grandchild enrolled in a DD11 school).
Posted by: A concerned parent, citizen, HUMAN.
You sound like you think people were lied about. Maybe you should get your facts right before you report them. And is the new man that is the teaching assi.seeing a physcologist?
Posted by: J.E.
Let's all pray that they find all of Mrs.Martin's records that were taken or stolen from DD2!
Posted by:
The basics here is that the police have found enough evidence to charge these women. My husband is in law enforcement and these charges would not have been filed without just cause. The court case will decided guilt or innocence and until we have all the evidence at hand we cannot make these judgments one way or another. Personal knowledge has no grounds in guilt or innocence. How many people do you think are shocked to learn their neighbor or family member was hiding a crime? If we could tell guilt or innocence just based on who we know people are the sleaze ball who kept Jayce Duggard captive for so many years would have been turned in by those around him. As far as the comments on mixing special needs children with typical children it is needed. The special needs children already have so much stacked against them why put a giant bulls eye on their head too? If we do not teach our children to accept these children as they are now what we will see more and more cases of abuse as the typical children grow up to be teachers and caregivers for these special needs kids who would be nothing more than second class people or animals.
BASIC: NO ONE ON THIS FORUM WAS THERE AND NO ONE HAS ALL THE EVIDENCE. These ladies are neither guilty nor innocent until a jury says so.
Posted by: Even Headed Mom
It's nice to know you've joined in!Welcome ,bored housewife!
Posted by:
grow up New KES admin! Nice to know my child's elementary school is fodder for bored house wives' idol chatter!
Posted by:
Ok, so if you heard this is the person who told you willing to do anything?
Posted by:
I was at KES today and heard that the assistant who has Heather's job (the one who sees the psychologist) and another assistant were seen restraining one child and dragging another (the one who just returned after Heather supposedly grabbed his privates, bruising him. Someone need to report this so we can get these people arrested and get their pics in the newspaper, orange jumpsuits and all.
Posted by:
Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it is based on one young girl (who just started there this year). I think she is doing Mrs. Martin's job now.Is she old enough to be working in a school? Now thats scary.
Posted by:
I was watching the BEST Home Videos show(or whatever it's called) on T.V. It' strange that most of them are about somebody(usually a sweet little kid)who is falling down; He or she cries,gets hurt,run over,hit in the head with something,bashes another kid or adult,and everybody laughs.And some cute family wins $100,000.But if a teacher tries to restrain or disipline a wild child in the classroom.A child who could hurt himself or another child ,everbody cries abuse! These teachers have to protect everyone in the class.I worked in the classroom;I had things thrown at me,I was cussed out etc.I could have cried "abuse by the kids."But if I had touched one or said the wrong thing,I would have been out the door.And I have seen special needs children (just like others)be very cruel.Sorry,that's the way it is!It's called real life!And I do have empathy for special needs kids and their familys.And for Mrs.Martin who dedicated her life to helping them.(for those of you who don't the difference between empathy and sympathy, look it up.
Posted by:
I don't think anyone is trying to justify abuse to a child. Just don't want people crucified unjustly. The SJS reported information based on arrest warrants - fair enough. There are 9 arrest warrants. They are public record. All 9 have a description of the alleged abuse and the descriptions end with wording to the effect that the warrant is based on a 3rd party's report. All 9. IF this 3rd party is ONE individual there is a concern. IF these women are to be found innocent how much media coverage will that get? Back page - maybe.....?
Posted by:
I'm having a hard time with people trying to justify dragging an autistic child by their hair. And others trying to cover up such acts. There is more than one victim and more than one witness to these events. What possible justification could there be?
Posted by:
You people have way too much time on your hands. Spend some time with a dictionary. To think that most of the posters (who obviously are parents)cannot even spell correctly, is frightening.
Posted by:
Wow!You people sure are getting hyped up here.If you would start at the bottom of the page and read up maybe you can follow the conversation.Such anger!Like I said,I'm just a little old person defending someone and responding to people like you.And I do know where the reporters get their info from.And where the police got theirs.It was from the Enquirer,wasn't it?Right next to the alien baby daddy story.Or was that baby mama.Oh well;doesn't matter.I think I'll just keep what I know to myself from now on.Ya'll be no fun to play with!Just relax.The media will forget about this in,say ,2 days,or 2 minutes and go on to something else.Oh yeah, they already have!Have a good night or great day or whatever!I'm outta here!
Posted by:
Yeah, yeah. "I know something you don't know." If you know things that are pertinent to this case, then you are either an accomplice to the abuse of kids or you are a party to allowing innocent people to suffer.Which is it? Why have you not come forward before? Why won't you talk? Could it be you don't really know anything??
Posted by: The Sheriff's Number is 911
The reporter is not reporting hearsay- the article quotes from the affidavit (and clearly states this) and that's all. Your beef should be with the sheriff's dept if you think they're citing fiction as a basis of the arrests. The story is clearly about the sheriff's arrests and why they were done. That's not any sort of media conspiracy.But you'll believe what you want anyway.
Posted by:
I cannot believe that some people are so intent on believing what they want to that they see no wrong in the failure to report a possible abuse of CHILDREN! I don't know whether the allegations of abuse are true or not, but it's clear the report was not filed, and that is the basis of the arrests. Where is Children in Crisis? Why are they not weighing in on this issue??
Posted by:
Yeah. These little newspapers and tv stations have sooo much power that they can influence the police to find enough evidence to arrest 4 teachers. Get over it! You don't WANT to believe this. You don't know any better than whoever is filling YOUR head with ideas. You were not there, either. Obviously, families of the children allegedly abused feel there is a problem, too. Catholic parishioners never believed their priest would molest their kids, parents of Boy Scouts never trusted their sons' leaders intrinsically, parents have trusted teachers, babysitters, new spouses...and on and on. Just because you think you know someone does not mean they are harmless! And to me the worst part is the teachers & administrators that take the law into their own hands to judge what is worthy of reporting!
Posted by:
That would the "heresay "and "info" that the reporter was given.(not facts)The public doesn't usually get the full story.that's what the trial is for.And you don't know me and what I've done or said,except for what's been written here.If you read below you might find some pieces of the puzzle.People involved know more than some reporter.You don't really believe everything you hear on t.v. or read in the paper,do you?Most people stopped doing that a long time ago!I've worked for a newspaper!It's what will get your attention the quickest that they're reporting. And I happen to like this newspaper,but they don't get everything right 100% of the time.I could get into the biased t.v. networks,but that's another story.But THIS story should be: THERE ONCE WAS A LITTLE SNOWBALL.ONE DAY IT STARTED ROLLING DOWN A HILL............
Posted by:
Please. There is absolutely nothing in this SJS article that has been "sensationalized." It's a clear statement of the facts known by the reporter. If you have any other pertinent information, why have you not shared it with proper authorities and the public? I constantly hear in every controversial story that "we don't know the truth or the facts." Well, give it to us, plain and simple.
Posted by:
I worked in DD2 for a while.Kids are hitting on each other all the time.The core of the problem will never be solved.Teachers have to waste SOOOOO.. much time with disipline.The administrators are constantly dealing with it.It all starts at home.Children are inundated with violence on t.v.;no Fathers, Kids having kids.All this time you have to be politically correct.Don't wanna get sued or arrested!If only people would use some common sense.
Posted by:
to another KES parent....sorry, my point was the administration knowing my child had been harmed and not bothering to tell me. I think when any child has an incident that harms them at school parents should be informed. Did not mean to offend.
Posted by:
The accused and others involved aren't allowed to say any thing.They will be going through a trial.They can only sit back,listen, and suffer the abusive talk about them.
Posted by:
Your child's experience could have happened with ANY child. Misbehavior is not exclusive to special needs kids. In fact, they are probably more subject to verbal and physical abuse from so-called normal kids than the other way around. You seem to suggest that the school should have asked your permission for your child to be in PE with a special-needs child. So, does my special-needs kid also require your permission to be in a reading group, science class, and the cafeteria with your child? Do you also require them to allow you to screen ALL the children with whom your child comes in contact? Do you screen your children's contacts also by race, nation of origin, height, weight, religion, social status, neighborhood, family marital status, hair color, political affiliation and more? We wonder how kids end up bigoted and you show us: they learn it from their parents!
Posted by: Another KES parent
You must remember, the reporters don't have all the facts(on both sides).But they do sensationalize things to make you watch.Anyone is naive who doesn't know this.One allegation that caught everyone's attention was totally wrong.Mrs Martin had to deal with situations with this child that YOU wouldn't want to TOUCH!
Posted by:
When you don't agree with something, it's all a conspiracy by the nebulous "media." Taken in? People forget that reporters are the public's eyes and ears and keep people informed in a democracy. What agenda would make a reporter make things up? These articles report the facts and appear to be fair and balanced. If the accused have something to say, I have no doubt the media would be happy to report it.
Posted by:
Which of "all these posts" are childish?
Posted by:
it sounds like the children are writing all these posts. you're acting like a bunch of idiots. you think you're adults? hilarious.
Posted by:
Did anyone in your family, or anyone other than Elizabeth, witness this alleged abuse?
Posted by:
THESE CHILDREN WERE NOT HURT!!!!! OR ABUSED!Sorry! Just exaggerated accusations by a newcomer.The sympathy doesn't fly.I am all for kids being protected and cared for,and I understand all about autistic children. And I feel for the families and what they must deal with.But that's just Not the case here.I'm sure these children continued to be happy in this classroom.Except they wondered where their favorite teachers were.I know they miss Heather.Mrs. Martin cared for them for a long time.In school and out of school.If you're worried about them ,don't.They are all fine!!!!NO reason for anyone to pity them.You may think I'm being hardhearted , but I am trying to ease peoples minds and be realistic.The kids will go on.But these good women doing their job,especially Mrs. Martin, will probably never recover .You have no idea what she's been through!!!!!!!!No one complained about her for 9 years.Caring for autistic children was her life.And she did it well!And now its gone!I WILL pray!And I'll pray that people quit being so dramatic, and realize they've been taken in by the media.Got you too,didn't they!? The only thing else their story needed was a little bit of rock'roll.
Posted by:
My child was put in a PE class with special needs kids (without my permission and not sure why) he was hurt (large bruise 3 inches across) by one of them who "liked to pinch". He was walking the child around like they told him to do. Do you think the administration cared at all or even reported it to me? NO!! The district doesn't care about the "normal" kids either! Everybody needs to watch what happens with their kids, no matter how wonderful the district is supposed to be! BE CAREFUL!!
Posted by: Anonymous...still have kids trying to survive there
You know the sad truth to it all is that we will never know the whole truth. If they are guilty they will never admit to EVERYTHING they have done and the children cannot tell you what happened either. All I have to say is that God is watching over us all and if they did abuse these children he knows. Teacher's are suppose to be a blessing from God not a serpeant from hell. I pray that these accusations are not true for the sake of ALL of the children involved. There is one fact that I know personally to be true, there are SEVERAL children who have been allegedly abused and they are the ones suffering from all of this regardless of if they are guilty or not. Remember that when you are bashing the ones who are outraged at the accusations being brought against the teachers that they trusted there precious children too. There children may not be able to tell them the what really happened and lets face it if it was your child in that classroom and SEVERAL individuals have told you they had been abused you would doubt the women you have come to trust. Again keep in mind the children are the ones suffering the most from all of this. Pray for them!
Posted by:
Blessed Are Those I. Blessed are those who stop and listen to my chatter. You may not understand me; but I love when people talk to me, for I long for companionship, too. II. Blessed are those who take my hand and walk with me when the path is rough, for I easily stumble and grow weary. But thank you, too, for letting me walk alone when the path is smooth, for I must learn independence. III. Blessed are those who take the time to tell me about special happenings, for unless you make special effort to inform me, I remain ignorant. IV. Blessed are those who wait for me. I may be slow, but I appreciate your patience. V. Blessed are those who are not ashamed to be seen in public with me, for I did not choose to be born thus. It could have been you as well. VI. Blessed are those who do not pity me, for I don't want pity. All I want is understanding and respect for what I have learned as well. VII. Blessed are those who notice my accomplishments, small as they may seem to you. I must work long and hard to learn many of the things you take for granted. VIII. Blessed are those who include me in their games, even though I may not understand the rules, I still like to be included in your activities. IX. Blessed are those who think of me as a person who loves, and hurts, and feels joy and pain just like you do, for in that respect I am normal. Author Unknown
Posted by:
Well dear,I Do happen to know a lot! But you say you do too.SO ,WHO REALLY CARES!We're just each defending our side of the story! Well,I'm gonna take my marbles and go home now. Got things to do! Bye!
Posted by:
No, a lot of people here want to here the truth. Not what some people want it to be. They want what is best for the kids and going after someone that could be innocent is not in there ( the kids) best interest. We all need to wait untill we get all the info.
Posted by:
ok so everyone wants to think that this is all a big lie, let me be the first one to let you all know that one of the children that was in that classroom is my family and its not a lie and were not behind martin!! yes there is more to the story and if you don't know then keep your mouth shut!! everyone who didn't back these children up is going to feel like crap when the whole story comes out after court!!!(and were not the judges family there is more then one child that has been abused)
Posted by:
yeah!!! One disgruntled employee who wanted Mrs. Martin's job!
Posted by:
Excuse me the alleged child abusers who investigators had enough evidence against them to have them arrested and lead in to court in shackles and orange jump suits! The ones who have made comments "what happens in the classroom should stay in the classroom". So I am sorry for convicting them before the judge does.
Posted by: Appalled
Excuse me, that should be"allegedly abused children".Unless you know something we don't know!Some of those parents are totally behind Heather.They Know what happened here!Those charges ARE exaggerated!So, please be careful;This good lady's life is being ruined.There's more to this story than you are hearing!
Posted by:
Yes there are small minded people posting here. First of all, all of this is alleged and needs a lot more investigation. There seems to be more than a few gaps here. I would not take what I have read in the paper to be the total truth.
Posted by:
I cannot believe some of the comments I have read on here. Are you people serious. Apparently the ones that think special needs children need to be in a separate school environment need to take a look around. The teachers that are being accused of abusing them are special needs teachers so what good would it do for them to be in a separate school. Next what are you gonna do keep your children in a bubble so they can never see that everyone is different. That would be like someone telling you your child should be in a separate school because he is considered a "nerd". Whats next would you like schools to be segragated again so your children do not have to see that there are other children in the world that aren't the same color as them. The simple fact is we send our children to school with the hope that they will be safe and taught properly not lead around by there genitals or hair. I cannot believe there are so many closed minded people in this world. And big deal if all of this stems from one person finally letting the truth out about the abuse that was going on, and that the first child it was reported on is a judges kid. HE STILL IS A CHILD! Apparently you agree with abusing children who get out of hand occasionally. If this is the case then you obviously do not have children! I am very proud of the shadow who "ratted" out the abuse. Some of these children are not able to verbalize the truth about what happens to them day by day. That still does not mean they need to be kept away from "normal" children. If you were any kind of parent you would ensure your children know that what she did was courageous. And let me just clarify no I do not have a special needs child, Yes everything I typed in here is spelled correctly since that is so important to you. That just shows what a small minded, uncaring ass you are. The parents of these children that have been abused are venting and all you can do is criticize them for their spelling and associate it with them having special needs children. Hopefully you will never have to endure the stress and pain this whole incident has caused for the parents of the abused children but if you do I pray that you spell everything correct!
Posted by: Uppalled
The century mark.
Posted by: Mark Sanford
Cameras in the classrooms of special needs kids are a MUST to protect the teachers as well as the kids. A far better investment than Smartboards in these settings. That way we aren't getting charges of "hearsay" from one witness.
Posted by: Spend the money better
Hopefully, the one "silver lining" of this comedy of justice will be an overhaul of the the DDII school board and district office. Nepotism has run rampant through DDII for years and the outcome is what you see right here. Principals and administrators in positions they did not earn, but received because of who they know, and unprepared to deal with the issues of the position. It took someone with a little political clout to start this firestorm, and even though I think parading teachers into court with leg shackles on is way over the top, I hope the Judge that started this will not stop until the "system" is changed and that means removing those in "power" from the top down. Knock out a couple of cushy district office jobs and you will not have to layoff any hard working teachers in 2010. Ask yourself why we need a high paid public affairs officer for a small town school district. Stop re-electing the good old boys on the school board by voting for candidates that want real change! This incident is a travesty of justice and yes, some good people are going to lose their jobs, but maybe, if they had been properly screened in the first place and hired on their merit, we wouldn't be in this mess. Not to throw stones, but what was a person seeing a mental health professional doing in a class room with kids with special needs in the first place? In an earlier post an unnamed NES teacher posted that they didn't like the whistle blower to begin with and wished she had left. Who are the kids here? It's time for a change in DDII. Maybe a couple of well placed law suits will help to spur the process along.
Posted by: Winds of Change joe Pye, Winds of Change.....
yes tarheel,the children ARE o.k. But, I'm sure they will miss Heather, who they all loved.She never hurt any of them! And alot of people who know the story will testify to that.Those who are so quick to comdemn should be very careful.They could be next.I'll never trust the media again after this.Especially NBC&ABC.At least channel 5 seems seems to keep an open mind.Maybe someone will find all of the key evidence that's missing!!!!!!!!!
Posted by:
I'm sorry. I meant to say "We'll see how this story pans out." I certainly do not want the internet grammar teachers to point out my errors. (o_O)
Posted by: From SC to NC-I am a TARHEEL!
What in the world is happening back home in SC? Sad story after sad story. I hope the children are okay. We'll see how his story pans out...
Posted by: From SC to NC-I am a TARHEEL!
Which one of us were you talking about? Are you stating a fact that the $20+ fees DD2 parents are charged is going to Expo markers and paper for assignments? If that is the case, we will all be happy to send in a pkg of paper and a pkg of markers at the beginning of the year along with the very long list of other supplies that are asked of us so our children can attend FREE public school. At least then we know where our money is going!
Posted by:
Again, when you post about abuse at KES, you are convicting educators who have NOT been convicted. Comments should be to discuss school/ abuse opinions, not what you have read or seen in the news. Be fair, people. This is America.
Posted by:
I DO have a life and it is spent caring for, educating, and protecting my both my kids, one who is autistic and at KES and one who is neurotypical and in preschool. I'm sorry if my taking this matter so seriously bothers you. Protecting kids is important to me, as is seeing that justice is done. As a former attorney (I am licensed in another state, but I've not yet taken the SC bar), I feel an obligation to explain how the court system and laws work to people who might not have reason to know otherwise. I also believe that the accused have the right to be presumed innocent unless and until convicted. As much as the kids are of primary importance to me, the presumption of innocence is an vital part of our justice system. On the other hand, when people say things that imply that someone is being charged merely on the basis of the statements of one witness, that drives me nuts because anyone who has worked in the legal system knows there has to be more than just that to have probable cause. One person's complaint (& that would be the counselor, NOT the aide) got it started, but I am certain there was more evidence gathered and presented to obtain arrest warrants. Please feel free to skip over anything I write. I certainly won't be offended. :-)
Posted by: D's Mom (MelindaAbney {at} netscape [dot] net
Interestingly, parents of several of the involved kids are in support of Martin. They know better. In time so will y'all. Keep in mind charges stem from ONE witness. Hmmmmm
Posted by: Waiting patiently
I think D's mom needs to get a life!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Person with a job!
When I signed on the dotted line, I don't recall any conversation about Mandatory Reporting! Maybe it was in the fine print :}
Posted by: OOps!
Wow! Felt that was a little "heated" till I came to the end and saw that this girl is related to you! I'm sorry, however I do not apologize for the way that I feel. Even WHEN these people get exonerated, they're lives are forever altered! I can understand if she thought something was innapropriate, however she told her "STORY" to the admin, they discussed it and it was deemed not serious! THis girl wasn't satisfied with that summation, I feel she probably thought she was going to get a hero's welcome from the admin, and then maybe Heather's job! So she went to someone else. She has had NO experience with Autistic kids, I have since found out Heather had 9 very good years in that class without so much as a sneeze! Oh except for that crazy lady on the news that had a kid in there a few years ago and was a pain in the neck! So When these fine people's lawyers get ahold of her we'll see who the real "KOOK" is!!!!!!!
Posted by: Never a COWARD!!
Where you in the room with the loser Ms. Martin? I hope the parents sue the District, and all 4 of these women.
Posted by: Taxpayer
They all should of been fired immediately. This will cost the taxpayers plenty, Lawyer fees, not to mention when the parents sue the District, plus we are still paying this discraceful bunch their salaies.
Posted by: Tax Payer
hey has anyone else noticed the postings by the people that have these special needs kids in DD2? OMgosh! Look at the spelling. It is Hilarious! I'm sorry but this is really some great comic relief! "To Diguested" is really "greatful" And this D's mom aka Melinda Abney, I think she's written every post in here! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Educated
Hey lady, you're really out of touch if first of all you complain about a lousy 20.00 and second who do you think buys supplies and everything that goes into teaching for the year. Not the lousy 250.00 the district gives out! Got any idea what an expo costs? Try that one item times 26. Then of course paper, that the assignments are made on, you know how much one case costs? About 30.00! Know how many cases they go through in one school year? I could go on and on, but hopefully you get the picture!
Posted by:
Hey Mr. Cornelius, you need to check your spelling on your post! Wow sounds like apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!! :}
Posted by:
T.A.'s get paid a BIT more than cleaning staff and the real prize here is getting a contract which are far and few between. Wouldn't YOU like to get paid while on a 3 month vacation every year!
Posted by:
All comments have already convicted these ladies. Mrs. Martin never covered a students nose and mouth for 15 minutes, never grabbed a child's genials, never dragged a child 10 ft. etc. etc. etc. All will be cleared of charges. Just you wait.
Posted by:
Kudos to the 22 year old woman who actually did the right thing and reported the abuse. I'm pretty sure there were more people in that school that knew about the incident and failed to report it. Ms. Martin may be this "kind and caring" person in eyesight but may be "queen warden" behind closed doors. I don't beleive this young lady would make up so many different incidents to "take Ms. Martin's job." Let's be smart here. The job of a TEACHER'S ASSISTANT is EXTREMELY stressfull AND they get paid the same as someone who cleans the school. Why would this young lady want to sabatoge Ms. Martin's career to start her own in a situation where people would be bird-watching her? Look at the facts, people. We can't point fingers at this young lady for FOLLOWING PROPER PROCEDURES!
Posted by:
I honestly cannot believe that instead of being happy that some one would stand up and annouce when a child is abused in school that some of you simple minded people have nothing to say but "maybe the special kids shouldnt be at the school" What if it was your child smacked in the head or your childs hair being pulled. It wold probly be a different tune then wright? Just because these kids are special gives nobody the wright to touch them in anyway.
Posted by: Josh Cornelius"uncle of a special boy"uh9wl
Not having these autistic children in a regular elementary like KES would have changed NOTHING. It's not like the staff in that classroom were pulled from the regular ed classrooms and plopped down in a special ed classroom with no clue what to do. They were hired and trained to work with kids with disabilities. If the children were in another building, those same staff would be there. It would change NOTHING, except not allow the kids the opportunities available for interaction with "regular" kids and the possible of spending some of their time in regular classrooms. In fact, one might argue that if special ed kids were in a separate building, they might be at MORE risk of abuse since there would be far fewer people around. Isolation helps no one.
Posted by: D's Mom
How can these schools force parents to give up $20? What do they do with the money? Funding is usually earmarked for specific purposes. How can they get away with this? They are supposed to account for every dollar they spend!
Posted by:
Oh yea, and now you're saying you have no choice where to live because of the Air Force, however, in your first post you said,"Upon moving here, we were told over and over how horrible the Charleston County schools our children attended were and that we needed to move to DD2. Upon this advice, we purchased a home in Knightsville this summer and our children are now attending school in the "gem" district." So, which is it?
Posted by: 6 am
You're right, nobody forced me. What would you have done if you had found out there was a bomb threat while it was going on? Gone to the school? If you and 3000 other parents showed up, it would have created more chaos. I'm thinking maybe that's why they let you know afterward. And I agreed with a lot of your points. I just thought in order to be taken more seriously, you should have made it more concise, and left out the business about the decor. As far as the shot records go, you have a month to get those in. Don't ask me why. And nothing hit too close to home, my 3 girls all go to DD2 schools and they have no trouble, in fact, they excel.
Posted by: the cranky B*&^%
Wow. The very fact that you picked at the decor comment in the way that you did proves my point that priorities here are out of whack. My point, as were ALL of my points in my very LONG post was that maybe we should not worry about painting the walls in animal skins and putting down throw rugs and lamps in the entrance of an elementary school. MAYBE our time, effort and money should be spent on the quality of education and the safety of our children!? I understand the reason the electric bill was required. The point was that the electric bill was far more important than the SHOT RECORD which assures the health and welfare of all the children my child would come in contact with since there was no proof that he had received the required immunizations without it! I do not appreciate your dimminutive titles. Did something hit a bit too close to home? There is no need to be personal. If we were able, we WOULD go back to another school. We never worried about these types of things at any school before! But unfortunately, as I stated, my husband is in the Air Force, so we do not get to choose where we live. Another price WE get to pay so you can make comments about how I can send my sweet child to North Charleston High School, which by the way, she did NOT attend. We had the option of sending our children to Wando HS. I believe the principal there was just named National HS principal of the year?! If you were annoyed by the length of my post, then I apologize from the bottom of my heart. But maybe you should take it up with whomever was standing over you FORCING you to read it!? Otherwise, get your priorities straight and skip over it next time! I am surely annoyed by your small-minded attitude that people who do not like the way things are done in DD2 should simply move away. Isn't that exactly how this situation came about in the first place? But maybe that's why the zebra striped rugs are there in the first place--to sweep inconveniences under?
Posted by:
...legal/defense fund, ha ha ha!
Posted by:
West Ashley High charges $25 bucks. They call it an activity fee. DD2 calls it a registration fee. I wonder if I could get a refund?
Posted by:
Maybe it is set aside in the legal/defense fund?
Posted by:
Go back to bed 6am...ya cranky b#!*@...I didn't know how to spell that one either.
Posted by:
There are a lot of kids in DD2. At $20 a pop that is a huge amount of money that sounds "off the books". How is this money accounted for?
Posted by:
Okay, the little foyer area at the school has ugly chairs and an ugly lamp. Someone probably donated them. Get over it. As for the $20, I also question that because a free public education should be just that. I suspect there is a process to waive that fee for families who are sufficiently impoverished. While the utility bill thing is kind of weird (and hard when you just move here and haven't gotten a bill yet; but SCE&G's office is very gracious about providing a letter), it is necessary to prove that a child's parent or legal guardian indeed lives in the district. DD2 is well regarded and therefore parents from other districts may try to list an address of a friend or relative in order to enroll their students in DD2. Or a family may not like their local elementary and try to enroll a child in another in-district elementary. The utility bill thing helps to ensure that a family does indeed live in the district. (A better school choice program within the district and between districts would be an excellent resolution for that problem)
Posted by: D's Mom, aka Melinda Abney
No I am not the counselor, although I can spell the word correctly..I was referring to the length of the post and the comment about the "garish decor"..THAT annoyed me. It had nothing to do with the situation. Don't assume I didn't waste a good chunk of my life reading the whole post just because I thought some of her comments were ridiculous and off-topic.
Posted by:
I have a child in this district and I filed a complaint againt a sub. who was verbally bashing a child. This child did not speak up (he has some emotional issues)so my child spoke up for him. The results were not good for my child. If you have special needs children, you need to protect your child by insisting on cameras in the classrooms and by making frequent unannounced visits. If they are not being abused by adults then by the time they are in 3rd or 4th grade, the teasing and bullying will start. I don't think we need to send special needs children to other schools (unless the are violent and a danger to all)but we need to make serious changes to protect them.
Posted by:
DD2 charges for a registration fee although the SC Code of Laws says the children of the state can attend public school at no charge. I think they are doing it because of some law that was passed in 1928 (district policy)that allows for them to charge a "nominal" fee for books, materials, etc. I am sure we will be seeing lots of changes in the near future. To annoyed at 6 in the morning - I hope you are not the councelor at SHS the post below you was referring to. If you read the post again (may take some time)you will find that the post is only looking out for the kids. If you are far too annoyed at 6 am, you might want to change professions.
Posted by:
I am not sure what is meant by "my schools" and "my kids", but maybe the needs of special needs children cannot be met in a traditional school setting. Perhaps if they were in a more specialized environment they would be safer and better served.
Posted by:
That would be alleged failure to report alleged abuse.
Posted by:
This should NOT be an opportunity to disparage chidren with disabilities, or a debate over whether they belong in "your" schools with "your" kids.It's all about failure to report abuse. We need to focus on safety here.
Posted by:
DD2 charges all students $20 to attend? What line on the budget does that show up on? Special needs children may have needs that just cannot be met in a regular school setting. They can offer challenges that the everyday person cannot meet for an extended timeframe.
Posted by:
Thanks for the comic releif. That was funny and very true!
Posted by: Fascinated
First of all, learn to condense, honey...Second, if you don't think DD2 is up to your standards then, by ALL MEANS, go back to Charleston County and we'll see what kind of novel you write about that school district. Maybe you can enroll your older kid in North Charleston High School. I hear it's lovely, maybe the decor is up to your standards. Everybody pays the $20 and everybody has to prove residence. Get over it. That rant of yours had nothing to do with this story. A garishly decorated elementary school? Go figure-Martha Stewart is not in attendance-CHILDREN are. Maybe THEY like it.
Posted by: far too annoyed at 6 in the morning
I am the spouse of an airman and the mother of two DD2 students, one of them at KES. We were relocated to CAFB last winter and actually thought this would be a positive change for our family. Upon moving here, we were told over and over how horrible the Charleston County schools our children attended were and that we needed to move to DD2. Upon this advice, we purchased a home in Knightsville this summer and our children are now attending school in the "gem" district. My initial reaction upon registering my children is that this is a school system with their priorities far out of whack. I entered KES to find it garishly decorated. I was told I had to PAY $20 for my child to attend this Title 1 school. Why, I wonder, don't they just have a yard sale to sell some of the decor to raise the money they needed? What parents in a Title 1 school can afford to pay to send their children to school?! I was hounded for an electric bill to prove that I was indeed worthy to register my children in this amazing school. However, no one sweat the fact that I had forgotten the shot record on the kitchen counter. It was months after the beginning of school when I was finally reminded to bring it in! Similarly, I waited for hours in the Guidance office (literally) while trying to register my SHS student, only to find that the head of the guidance department had "forgotten" we were there! My child was eventually registered for classes two days later, still without ever having received her transcripts from her last school! I spent that session arguing against my daughter's guidance counselor's advice to allow her to take "easier" classes than my college-bound honor student has always attended. A month into the school year we received a recorded message that there HAD BEEN a bomb threat at the high school that day and they decided to keep the students. I received this call AFTER my child was home safely and had already relayed the story to me, distressed to say the least. Guess DD2 was willing to take a gamble with our teens, but just to be sure, they waited until everything was clearly ok to inform the parents! Our 1st grader has trouble in school and we are having him evaluated. I spoke immediately with his classroom teacher, guidance counselor and Ms. Ruff. The ONLY educator that gave me the time of day is my child's young classroom teacher. Basically, everyone else's attitude has been, "good luck with that." Because the classroom teacher has been amazing, we have chosen to keep our child at KES. I was surprised and disappointed that I received a random letter on that October Monday simply stating that they had made some personnel changes at KES. I understand that abuse was only alleged, but I believe that as a parent, I have a right to know who is interacting with my child in my absence and what is happening-at any and all times that I choose! This is why the laws in every state are plain. Anyone who has ever attended an intro to teaching course in college knows that an educator who has REASON to suspect that abuse or neglect is occurring, is REQUIRED to report to authorities immediately. No law stipulates that if you kind of like the person who is accused you can maybe just brush it under the rug and ask others to compromise their morals (and careers, and freedom). The law is plain. Educators are required reporters. Family services and law enforcement are the ones who will determine the legitimacy of the claims. As far as I am concerned, the very fact that three educators decided to initiate their own set of morals and laws at KES tells me that their priorities are far off the mark. I do not want these people around my children, or anyone's children. I don't care who they are in the community. I hear people speaking from their hearts about these educators. Oh sure, when you enter the classroom they are WONDERFUL. Or maybe you see them at Junior Service League or in some other way socially and they are just as sweet as can be. If you have never worked in a school, you have no idea. People are not always who their glimmering white smiles lead you to believe. And behind closed doors, we are all different. If we don't think we'll get caught, we are all willing to take risks, to some extent. Some more than others. Teaching is a stressful job, for sure. Teaching special needs children is far moreso.I applaud any educator who seeks counselling of any kind for support. That means they are making an effort to do their jobs. It does not mean that they are a danger to children! Seeking help does not incriminate you. You would be surprised to know just how many people have entered into some sort of mental health assistance in their lives. And even more surprised at who they are! To state that all of this is due to one young and malicious teaching assistant wannabe is negligent at best. Obviously, these people have no idea what a teacher's assistant does all day, nor how very little they are paid to do it! And obviously, these people have little to no faith in Dorchester County Sherriffs to insinuate that they would not be able to see through this evil plot after weeks of investigation. The facts are all still very fuzzy. Some say it was a student's counselor, some say it was this young woman's counselor. The simple fact of the matter is, the counselor is the only one who actually abided the law and reported the SUSPECTED improprieties! The authorities take over from there. So, the name-calling and finger-pointing are merely juvenile means of trying to uphold the status-quo. If the sherriff's office had found nothing, there would not be pictures of these women in orange jumpsuits all over the news. As for the absolute ignorance about these children themselves, well, I am appalled. These are living, breathing human beings with the same INALIENABLE rights as you and your children. They are not UNTEACHABLE. In fact, in many cases, they are of far superior intellect than your little Bubba or Belle. Autism affects a person's communication and socialization skills. These children are the ones we should be protecting because they cannot articulate what is happening to them! Why is everyone rushing to support people who vowed to do this very thing and then turned their backs? Why does it seem that no one else is angry that all of this information has been withheld from parents for so long? Believe me, abuse is alleged far often than anyone who does not work with children could imagine. And usually it is unfounded. The authorities weed through this, and the accused are cleared. People move on. I find it impossible to believe that these women, if found innocent of their charges, would be on the unemployment line due to these accusations. I have read today of others who say that their children were in this very situation in DD2 schools and the educators and/or administrators turned a blind eye to it. Why, I ask, did you not notify the authorities? Why did you continue in that manner? Not only was your child at risk, but also children to come later. Why not take this opportunity to speak up? Let the sherriff's office do their jobs! The bottom line, for me, is whether my children are cared for and being educated. DD2 has lost my faith. Rather than talking of them supporting or not supporting their staff, why not talk about what they are doing to protect these kids? All kids. My first grader would not know to speak up if he were in some of these alleged situations-- no matter how many times we have talked about this at home. Why has there not been a meeting to inform the parents of KES what was happening? Why did I learn of all of this when a TV reporter showed up at my front door this afternoon asking to talk to me?! Why do I receive a million phone calls a day from DD2 about book fairs and PTA meetings, but not one notification that two women who were charged with the care of my child were being arrested?! The fighting should not be whether these people are good "Christians" or not. It is about whether the school system has failed our children and what they are going to do (REALLY DO) to fix this. We parents need to unite and demand our rights be respected. WE have the right to know what is happening and the right to do something about it. Why are we not demanding some interaction with us, the parents of KES, from the school district? Please, folks? Stop the small-town bickering and cover-ups and let's set an example to our children and the rest of the nation that ALL children are important and deserve a fine education in an environment free from abuse. ALL children deserve to have someone speak up for them, to shout for them, louder than the grown-ups are shouting for their own rights.
Posted by:
It's funny how these allegations started right after the 22 year old appeared in December to help in the classroom. Mrs. Martin, for 9 years was given praise and admiration for her excellent work with autistic children,(by these same parents).Everyone knew they could rely on Heather to be a fun and trustworthy person.And she worked hard to live up to this. This job was very special in her life and she took it seriously. People do not know the specific problems she had to deal with every day. There were special problems she encountered where she had to be extra careful; so a child would not harm himself or even another child. People can be so quick to judge an incident and interpret it as being " harmful" or "abusive". This seems to be the case here. Mrs. Martin has never been judged this way in the past, but just the opposite. This is proven by all of her previous evaluations, under each administration. She has dedicated many years to helping these kids and from what I've known the kids all love her.And the parents have always trusted her with their children. Don't be so quick to judge.There are still things about this that the public doesn't know.Wait till all of the facts come out!Things aren't always what they seem.
Posted by:
He's at Gregg Middle teaching GATE but hasn't been here in the last few days. Gossip is he's been offered immunity if he testifies against the accused. If he does, he's a jerk
Posted by:
I think all those who says they know of other infractions committed in DD2 and is now bringing them up is worse than the person accused of witholding facts. What makes you any better than the accused?
Posted by:
Since everyone has an opinion.What would your punishment be for the Principal and her Assistant? Now that the facts are in the open and did the School Board made the right decision keeping them on?
Posted by:
My understanding is that Kephart is a 6th grade Social Studies teacher at Gregg Middle School. Has he since been moved to an assistant principal's position that quick?
Posted by:
I just wanted to commend Melinda for her intelligent, well-reasoned and thoughtful posts. This has been an interesting discussion and ultimately brings to light many overlooked issues in our educational system.
Posted by: DD2 Parent
Not so fast, how did he get away and leave all the ladies holding the bag? No way DD2 would have tansferred or reassigned him if his hands were clean. No way.
Posted by:
Martin was forced to resign. Piersol has been suspended pending resolution of the charges. Ruff and Watson are not charged with felonies. District policy requires suspension with pay pending the resolution of the charges when an employee is charged with a felony. This is consistent with most public employers. If Piersol is convicted, she will be terminated. If she is exonerated, however, she may not be. Remember that all are presumed innocent, unless and until proven guilty. Private employers tend to hire people "at will," meaning that the employee can be terminated at any time, for any reason or no reason at all, even for a bad reason, so long as it is not an illegal (discriminatory/whistleblower/etc/) reason. So in most cases a private employer can, and often will, terminate an employee charged but not yet convicted of a crime. Public employees often do have more job protections than private employees. If people don't think that should be, they should get their lawmakers to change it.
Posted by:
Anyone besides me that would be fired if they committed a felony at work?
Posted by: sdr35hw
My understanding is that Kephart was removed in order to effect a complete administrative overhaul at KES, but that he is now an assistant principal in one of the middle schools, which is considered a lateral move, not a demotion. Watson was demoted to a classroom teacher and Ruff to an assistant principal.
Posted by: D's Mom, aka Melinda Abney
Evedentually, Kephart has nothing to do with this situation?!?!? Why was he removed as an assistant principal? Should he take Ruff's spot at Beech Hill and she be moved to the classroom in his spot? Something's not making sense to me. Why wasn't he arrested? Why was he removed from his post?
Posted by: Confused reader
The real facts not from the accused? Facts are facts, Please. No one knowes what happend for sure? So lets hang them? Please. We need civil discussion here many are missing a great deal.
Posted by:
I hadn't heard that Kephart was charged with anything - are you sure about that? He also wasn't demoted like Ruff and Watson, was he? I thought he was still an assistant principal, but Ruff was demoted to assistant principal and Watson was demoted to teacher.
Posted by: D's Mom, aka Melinda Abney
This is a witch hunt and last night's arrests were a show. The fact that these administrators were shackled is outrageous. The sensationalizing of this whole thing is ridiculous. If this state had a teacher's union, this would not be happening. Don't let the media lead your around by the nose. Wait for the real facts before you decide to hang these people. In the end I believe that Kephart, Putillion, and Watson will be exonerated.
Posted by: KES parent
Iam the mother of a dd2 special ed child. I sure hope you are not a teacher or anyone that helps out at school. I woud hate to know you were there if my child needed something or was being hurt by someone there. If you name can not be used than I would assume you are afaid your job would be affected.But my child's welfare or any child's welfare would come first(even yours). And if these people are convicted I hope to see you sendind your aplogize to the children hurt,thier parents, the person reporting the problems and maybe you should then leave Knightville alone.People like you are the one who makes teachers lives hard. A union is not the answer honesty is the answer. If you know the facts the real facts( not from accused) maybe if you ewere in the room you can help the police! No one knows what happened for sure.
Posted by: Parent who is greatful for reporters
I also am willing to leave my name: Melinda Abney. I also use my husband's last name socially, but am choosing not to list it because that is my child's last name and I wish to avoid any ramifications to him from my comments here. But this is my legal name and I'm not afraid to share it on this forum. My email is melindaabney{at}netscape[dot]net. (Trying to avoid robo searchers that gather email addresses to spam - hopefully if you are on here you can figure out to substitute @ for {at} and . for [net].)
Posted by: D's Mom, aka Melinda Abney
Dear DISGUSTED, Even if it was said it would be act of treason, leave your name. If you get fired you can just sue like your telling the people who we trust our kids with to do. We as parents are bound by law to send our children to school or home school them. Not all parents can home school their kids. As for the PSYCO shadow comment, she is seeing a psycologist and dealing with any problems she may have. Perhaps you should feel free to use your DD2 health insurance to see a mental health care specialists. Threating someone on the internet is not a very sane action. "And if the PSYCHO shadow that reported all this mess is reading; please leave Knightsville! You are NOT wanted there!!!!!!!!!!!! " Being innocent until proven guilty is correct. How are you going to feel if these charges prove to be true. You are raking the shadow over the coals for doing what she felt was right. I bet no appologies will be given to her if these women are found guilty. Being unwanted by certain peolple at KES is nothing new to people who believe that children come first and who believe in following the law. More will continue to come out about this. And weather it is true or not, my personal opinion is, KES students are better off with Mr. Baird as principal. I have had more of a feeling of acceptance from him in his short time at the school than I ever felt from the previous administrations. I have had a few problems with my seven year old wanting to go to school and this admistration has helped more in the last week than the last one did the entire month. I will leave my name so that DISGUSTED can also tell me I am not wanted there too. Perhaps in person instead of behind the curtain of the internet. And yes, the shadow is related to me. However I am not going to judge anyone in this case. That is not my place. I judge on how these people affected and interacted with me and my child.
Posted by: Nary Henderson, The other popcorn lady
As the parent of an autistic child, I am seriously offended by DISGUSTED's characterization of autistic children as unteachable. Many autistic children, like my son, are of average or above-average intelligence. Autism doesn't necessarily mean a child has an inability to learn, it means that teachers and parents must find how to get through to that child in the way that enables that child to learn. I met every single child in that classroom last school year and saw each of those children almost every weekday. There is not a single one of those children who is so low-functioning as to be "unteachable." Most had at least some verbal ability, if not much, much more than "some," all generally responded in an appropriate, if not ideal, manner to social interactions, and all seemed to make academic and social progress as the year proceeded. They were clearly learning and Ms. Piersol certainly worked hard to achieve that progress. Yes, in a classroom of lower-functioning children the adults often have much more childcare responsibilities than in a regular classroom, but that doesn't mean that learning isn't happening. It just means that lower staffing ratios are necessary, hence the large number of aides in the classroom.
Posted by: D's Mom
Every state has mandatory laws regarding reporting of abuse or neglect of children and the elderly. Many also include abuse or neglect of non-elderly mentally-incapacitated adults. In SC, the following people who in their professional capacity has "reason to believe a child has been or may be abused or neglected" is mandated to report same: • Physician; • Nurse; • Dentist; • Optometrist; • Medical examiner; • Coroner; • Employee of a county medical examiner’s or coroner’s office; • Any other medical, emergency medical services, mental health, or allied health professional; • Member of the clergy (including a Christian Science Practitioner or religious healer); • School teacher; Counselor; • Principal; • Assistant principal; • Social or public assistance worker; • Substance abuse treatment staff; • Childcare worker in a childcare center or foster care facility; • Police or law enforcement officer; • Undertaker; • Funeral home director or employee of a funeral home; • Persons responsible for processing films; • Computer technician; and • A judge. The report may be to DSS or law enforcement (actionable child abuse or neglect is not always criminal, but may be a civil violation requiring not criminal prosecution but a civil action taking jurisdiction over the child(ren). Knowing failure to report is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine or 6 months imprisonment or both. S.C. Code Ann. §§ 63-7-20, 63-7-310, 63-7-360, 63-7-410 Furthermore, ignorance of the law is no defense. I'm not saying that for certain anyone here violated any law. I wasn't there, I do not know. They are all presumed innocent unless and until convicted. There are allegations at this time and there had to have been probable cause to believe crimes were committed and that these people were the perpetrators in order for charges to be brought. If there was not probable cause, their attorneys will request a probable cause hearing and if the judge finds that there was no probable cause the case MUST be dismissed on constitutional grounds. Probable cause is a pretty loose standard, however, and unless the charges are wholly specious the case will proceed. But then the prosecutors have to prove two things beyond a reasonable doubt; first, that the laws cited in the action were in fact violated and second, that the defendant was the person who violated the law. "Beyond a reasonable doubt" is the highest standard of proof in our system of laws and is a substantial hurdle for prosecutors to overcome. I hope and pray that it turns out that the allegations are untrue, however my personal experiences with the people charged makes me suspect that there is some truth to the allegations. But my suspicions mean NOTHING - all that matters is what is proven in a court of law. Also, for all who are concerned that the child is alleged to the offspring of JUDGE (gasp! horrors!), are you arguing that the children of educated professionals are less deserving of protection than other children? I know you may mean that of course such a person would overreact and report abuse of their precious child for ordinary discipline, but I can assure you that a person with enough knowledge of the law to be a judge (though this state does invite trouble with its method of appointing judges, but that's an argument for another day) surely realizes the penalties for making a false report and the possibility that false charges could ruin lives. ANY parent who believes that their child has been abused has a duty to follow that up, whether a judge in a fancy house or a waitress in a mobile home. Besides, the parent was NOT the origin of the complaint, it was another teacher's aide's counselor. If one is thinking that the child's parent being a judge means the case was investigated more vigorously than it would have been if the parent was that mobile-home dwelling waitress, then that is an indictment of law enforcement, not the parent. All allegations sure be investigated equally and thoroughly, regardless of the social or professional status of the child. If less prominent parents feel that their child was abused and no investigated it, they should make a huge stink about it. Further, if there is any question of bias by law enforcement or the courts because of the alleged victim's parents' status, the defendants should request a change of venue or that another agency be asked to re-investigate the allegations. It is done all the time when there may be a question of bias (like when a sheriff's deputy in County A is charged with a crime in County A, the prosecutor for County A will generally cede the prosecution to the office of the prosecutor in County B, because the prosecutor's office in County A has a relationship with County A's sheriff's department.)
Posted by: D's Mom
I trust that Disgusted is not an education professional, because some of the comments were troubling. I hope they do get more aware of their legal duties and report things. A child was in harm's way- that's the report- and the maligned teacher's aide is the only one I see who DID HER DUTY and blew the whistle. Whether she sees a psychologist is not relevant. There will be more to come, especially if it was reported in August and DD2 did not act until the Sheriff's Dept got involved. If that's the case more heads should roll.
Posted by:
The administrators removed the aide from the classroom back in AUGUST, so enough was reported to them for them to make that determination. Every single professional who has contact with children is made aware of mandatory reporting laws. They are very consistent from state to state. One is informed upon being hired by the school district, whether one is an uneducated teacher's aide or parapro or a master's degree professional. Mandatory reporting laws are not exactly a secret. In most states even day care providers are trained in spotting abuse as part of their licensing and some states include them as mandatory reporters.
Posted by: D's Mom
Perpetual lice and excessive absences are exactly the kind of child neglect that children's protective services is supposed to investigate, along with physical and emotional abuse, and these things SHOULD be reported! You wouldn't leave a dog or cat untreated for fleas and you certainly shouldn't leave a child untreated for lice. In many cases, protective services determines that neglect results from ignorance by parents and those parents and children benefit immensely from services (parenting and health classes, for instance, provided when neglect has been substantiated. If there is reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect has occurred, teachers, clergy, medical or mental health professionals and others MUST report it. The law is there for a reason. P.S. Regularly not sending your child to school without sufficient cause is called educational neglect and it is enough for a court to take jurisdiction over a child on an abuse/neglect petition. Chronic illness is a defense, though if a child is that ill one should be able to easily show it from medical records. In Michigan I even saw parents prosecuted criminally for failing to send their 14-year-old daughter to go to school. Their defense of "she don't (sic) want to go" didn't fly. It was an especially egregious case, as criminal charges are almost never brought in these instances. The parents were convicted and sentenced to at least one of the parents accompanying the child to school every day and staying to make sure she stayed there. (They were unemployed or minimally employed and could opt for alternate sentencing if they became employed full-time).
Posted by: D's Mom
The parent of the child in question is JUDGE???
Posted by:
Hey, No Child Left Behind commentor, Maybe the admins. did not get the blown up report that has now surfaced. Remember their so called crime is a misdemeanor and would not be had they known! And guess what else? Not all know about mandatory reporting and what it entails!!!! How bout them apples!!!!!!!
Posted by: get real
Get ready for all the MANDATED reports ya'll will be flooded with now. You know the child that has perpetual lice; that's negligence, AND the suspicious absences all the time; that's negligence, and parents you better be REAL careful what your children see at home, because they tell teachers and adults EVERYTHING! You will all be at risk for a visit from the DSS. If it is EVEN possible, it has just made it even MORE impossible for a teacher to do their duties without fear of who's watching! What a somber day for all teachers, because once again they have been thrown under the bus because we have a SPINELESS superintendent, that's afraid of reprisal from the parent of this so called abused child! Oh and yes, by the way to the writer that wanted to know WHO the parent was, he is a JUDGE!!!!!!!!!! Dirty politics 101! If this were a kid from Haven Oaks or Hershey Park it wouldn't be an issue! And as for the little uneducated girl that started all this mess because she was gunning for Martin's job, I hope she can look at herself in the mirror. She has ruined some very awesome people's lives. People that dedicated their lives to kids and what they could do to reach and teach some of the UNTEACHABLE! I also can not wait for everyone to see all the facts when this horror is over, and I hope to God Almighty that these educators sue the pants off all involved in their nightmare!!!!!!!! And if the PSYCHO shadow that reported all this mess is reading; please leave Knightsville! You are NOT wanted there!!!!!!!!!!!! And unfortunately I can not leave my name, (much as I would love to) for fear of what was told to some, that it would be seen as an act of TREASON!!!! (I thought this was the U.S) So get ready for the deluge of calls for abuse DSS! UNBELIEVABLE! We need a teachers union badly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: DISGUSTED
You said: None of this excuses the actions (or inactions) of those involved, but perhaps the overall situation is one that should not exist to begin with." The situation is that having special-needs students in a separate building wouldn't have prevented this mess. The aides hired to be aides for special-needs children will still be there and the special-needs teacher would still have been the teacher. The location was not the problem. The ALLEGED behavior of the adults is the problem
Posted by: D's Mom
All of society benefits from special-needs children interacting with their average peers, so that these children are prepared to interact in the real world upon leaving school. If you put special needs students away, out-of-sight, in their own school, they do not learn to deal with the real world. They emerge from school clueless about everyday interactions. That benefits no one. My son functions at or above grade level in all areas (he was reading and writing at age 3) and does very well in his regular ed classroom. He does not disrupt the class, but in fact participates in classroom discussions and activities. If you place all children who receive any sort of special ed services in a separate school, you won't have many left in regular school. Whether it is reading assistance, speech therapy, occupational therapy, accommodations for ADD, ADHD, or dyslexia, a huge number of children receive some sort of assistance, attention, or therapy beyond the basic classroom setting. Ask Knightsville's two speech therapists about their ridiculous caseload. They don't even have time to work with kids individually - they can only conduct group speech sessions! In normal states with a half-way decent educational system, such shortshrifting of student needs would not be tolerated. The "normal" children benefit from learning that special needs students are not so different from them. They benefit by gaining friends they might not otherwise have. My son's friends are almost all "regular" students who seem to genuinely enjoy his friendship and do not seem in the slightest harmed by it. "Normal" students benefit from the presence of their special-needs peers by learning that people who are "different" are all around us and are just part of the fabric of the community, not to be hidden away and ignored. Segregating schools by race didn't benefit anyone and neither does segregation by ability.
Posted by: D's Mom
Maybe the special needs children do need a special needs school. Perhaps they benefit in some way from interaction with non-special needs children, but how do the non-special needs children benefit from interaction with them? Our schools are far enough behind. None of this excuses the actions (or inactions) of those involved, but perhaps the overall situation is one that should not exist to begin with.
Posted by:
You ask: "If a teacher in my child's classroom was under psychiatric care, as a parent do I have a right to know that?" Nope. No way. If a person is a danger to children, the counselor would have a mandatory duty to report and the person could be removed. Millions of people see counselors for all kinds of reasons: depression, marital difficulties, the stress of raising or working with special-needs children, and other life stresses. Certainly the vast majority of people receiving mental health care are not in any way a danger to children. In fact, many people are better parents, citizens, and people because of the insights gleaned through counseling. To assume that any person who receives counseling from a mental health professional is therefore unfit to be around children is asinine. Sorry to be so blunt, but there you have it.
Posted by: D's Mom
First, let me say that if a teacher in my child's classroom was under psychiatric care, as a parent do I have a right to know that? My answer is "I don't know". Secondly, I think that Barbara Stoble and Joe Pye should relinquish their pass ports. They may be considering making a run for the border.
Posted by:
The commenter asked: "why are we allowing chidren (sic) to stay in schools where they do not belong(sic)." The question is: why do we allow educators like you to stay in school where they do not belong? Regarding autistic children in mainstream schools: My son is autistic and is part-time in special ed and part-time in regular ed. He is at Knightsville. He is higher functioning and so was not in the classroom in question, but he spent time in that classroom last year as he had difficulty transitioning to a new school. Autistic children have as much right to a free, appropriate, public education as any neurotypical child. Children who pose a danger to themselves or others need one-on-one attention and behavioral therapy to learn to deal with everyday situations. Just because a child is unable to understand social cues or has difficulty with transitions or displays perseverate behavior is certainly no reason to deny that child an education. In fact, the better the quality of an autistic child's education and therapies, the more likely it is that the child can be a functional member of society as an adult. They need to learn from and be around their "neuro-typical" peers and those peers can learn compassion and inclusivity from their autistic schoolmates. The more relevant question to me is thus: why are you still teaching? You clearly have no regard for special-needs children. Yes, sometimes you must have more physical interaction with special-needs students than with "normal" students, but there is a huge difference between restraining a student for his safety or that of others around him and physically abusing a child for exhibiting autistic traits such as stubbornness, perseveration, or resistance to transitions or merely for one's own amusement. These children need the adults around them to be on heightened alert for abusive behavior, since many of them are unable to speak for themselves. Even my high-functioning son would have difficulty expressing what happened to him and being able to articulate it as abuse. Also, I would think a person with the advanced education required to be a special ed teacher would have a clue regarding spelling of simple words and basic punctuation. I pray you never set foot in my child's classroom. It happens that I know the aide involved in this case. She and my son had something of a bond because of his affinity for fire trucks and ambulances and her training to be an EMT. She has shown my son nothing but kindness and nurturing. However, when I first heard there were allegations of abuse in Ms. Becky's classroom, Heather immediately popped to mind. I never saw her hurt a child, but I noticed at times that she had a rather brusque manner with the children and treated the lower-functioning children as much like animals as children. I was especially distressed to learn of the allegations against Becky, because her love for teaching autistic students and for the students themselves has always been so readily apparent. I pray that allegations against her are exaggerated and that she did not tolerate or attempt to cover up abuse in her classroom. I'm am seriously disappointed that the administrators, Ms. Watson and Ms. Ruff-Putillion, seem to have not taken the allegations seriously enough to report. Anyone who works with children knows the laws regarding mandatory reporting and the penalties for failure to do so.
Posted by: D's Mom
What about the known(by administration) drug user at Flowertown Elementary that committed check fraud by illegally using a parents checking account number to pay their bills. This was also a Special ed assistant. I guess this was covered up as well as other incidents within that school because it is know to be Joe Pyes favorite because he was once a Principal there???
Posted by:
If my child was treated in this manner by DD2 educators - and school administration neglected to act - I would notify law enforcement. The witness notified school administration BEFORE relating the story to a mental health provider, who in turn, as required by law, notified authorities. School officials put their own needs ahead of student safety. It disturbs me that the district office made the same choice: it protected the privacy of these educators at the risk of student safety. They should be held accountable, too.
Posted by:
The negligence comes from the top and it is time that is recognized and they are held accountable for not being able to perform their jobs to the point of wrongs being done to their students, parents and employees. District Office and all employees therein are responsible. They hide their misdeeds at the expense of others and have ruined enough lives. This having to go to court will bring a lot to light and will hopefully give many others wronged by this District the courage to come forth and present their story.It is time before more is allowed to happen at the expense of those outside the district office, board, or "buddie" system. Their are many administrators out their knowingly doing the "dirty work" of the district office and they need to be held accountable also.If you know of a wrong and you do it anyway to save your job you are guilty.It is time for all innocent victims to stand up to these people that believe they are an entity within themselves. We need to start with a fresh group of leaders that will stand behind truth, justice and morality because it is being proven those type of people are not the leaders of DD2.
Posted by:
I DISAGREE 'WHAT ABOUT'. KEEP YOUR NOSE CLEAN AND YOU NEED NOT WORRY.WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT OUR PAID OFFICIALS ARE DOING IF IT IS NOT LEGAL AND MORAL. NOW OUR TAXES WILL GO UP BECAUSE OF SOMEONE THAT COULD NOT HANDLE THE JOB.
Posted by: CONCERNED
I agree with the person who commented about SHS cheerleading coach leaving the girls unattended at a competition in Columbia. What about when BHES principal was thought to have embezzled money and just "moved to Pinewood." There are many things that the district "covers up." I think the fact that these ladies mug shots are posted for everyone in the world to see is terrible. They are innocent until proven guilty. Why drag down their future careers and their reputations? Summerville is a small town that thrives on any bit of drama they can get their hands on. As a DD2 employee, I am furious to think that my employers wouldn't stand behind me and try to handle things within the district rather than posting it for everyone to see. Let's say there is a real case here, it is not everyone's business. The parent should have gone to Mrs. Ruff and expressed a concern and if needed, the parent could have turned to the district office. At that point, Mr. Pye could have taken the issue up with the teachers, principal and assistant principal.
Posted by:
Excuse me.... YOU might want to get the facts straight. The pschy that reported the abuse was not a pschy for a student but for teacher assistant.
Posted by: Get more FACTS
Previous media reports indicated that the incident was reported to authorities by a mental health professional who had been treating one of the affected students. While one witness may have brought this matter to the attention of authorities, multiple witnesses were ultimately involved.
Posted by:
If the investigation is not over- Why the arrests? No way, No how is this the true story. Not even close to the whole story. I cannot wait to find out the names of the parents of the "abused" child. I am willing to bet whats left of my retirement- they will have some kind of Dorchester County clout...(or related to) Meanwhile- these four will never be the same. No way would I go into education today...nope.
Posted by:
No a single witness is NOT sufficient. My point is that perjury can not be ruled out if you are relying on a single witness. And granted there are lots of evil,self-serving people who aren't in pschyactric care
Posted by: Get more FACTS
When it comes to our kids, all it should take is one witness. That's a red herring argument. The charge is focusing on the failure to report. There's not much doubt there; the sheriff's dept found enough evidence to bring charges. And it's unfair to attempt to discredit a witness who's under care from a mental health professional if you don't know the reason.
Posted by:
I would like to know if there is more than the one witness: a 21 yearold assistant in the classroom who is under psychiatric care and WHO KNOWS her motivations. Has anyone other than her witness abuse by Martin or Crosby?
Posted by: Get the more FACTS
i can not believe dd2 is allowing these people to continue to work in our schools.these kids or special. the board will rally together and cover all this up. its a shame we have these problems in our district. please members, do the right thing this time and dont try to hide behind politics. please read the allegations in the post and courier these people did and witnessed and covered it up.
Posted by: disgusted
To say that because others did things, this group should get off is laughable and no defense. Kids were endangered if reports are correct. But the larger issue is the conspiracy not to report. The administrators are accused of failing in their legal responsibility. Even if these accused are found innocent now, I bet every other educator in the district will think twice before failing to notify authorities.
Posted by:
Thanks Mr.Pye for not knowing what is going on in your District. Now the taxpayers get drug through the mud with a lawsuit. If you got out of your office once in a while maybe you would know what was going on. Could you at least let us know what the terms are of the settlement so we can plan for a tax increase or maybe you will go out of town that weekend the case is settled like you did when all of this first broke?
Posted by: Dorchester County Taxpayers Association
It sounds like this is a "can of worms" that NEEDED to be opened. The physical abuse of a disadvantaged child? Surely you are not proposing that all such incidents be swept under the carpet, as these educators apparently did?
Posted by: Concerned Parent
No, I'm not a D.O. employee. I'm just a parent that saw this on the news and read the article and posts. I was appalled at the statements I read and just had to say something. The "aide that ratted" and the comment about these students shouldn't be in the school really upset me. I do believe in innocent until proven guilty, however there must have been enough substance to the allegation to bring charges. These are the most precious children and have every right to be in school and to be safe while they are there.
Posted by:
I'm afraid the DD2 has "opened a can of worms." Surely, most staff in the district have witnessed incidents of abuse/neglect of students, just as "Seriously" wrote. If employees of the district decide to reveal these unreported atrocities, the lawyers of the former KES admin, teacher, and assistant will have a field day in court, proving unequal charges against the accused. In addition, remember that the defendants are innocent until convicted.
Posted by:
why would you say ratted? hum lets look at that again! wow
Posted by:
You must be a D.O. employee. It is obvious to me that those comments made by "friends" are probably employees who have seen too many of their colleagues thrown under a bus. I know last year Joe Pye, Roger Edwards, Barbara Stroble knew that SHS cheerleading coach left cheerleaders alone at a hotel in Columbia -youngest was 12. (This happened frequently) 5 students drank alcohol. Is this not abuse/neglect? They did not call police. Are they not mandated reporters? They did not get their mugs plastered in the paper nor were they arrested. They covered it up. There were atleast 16 girls left without adult supervision. How many "counts" would this be?
Posted by:
as for the comment about kids being in school where they do not belong give me a break! how do you think the parents feel ? what if it was your child? my son has autism and is the sweetest loving caring person and has never hurt anyone. He deserves the same respect
Posted by: mad mother
What's missing in these comments- just like before? It's any hint of concern whether or not children were mistreated. Whether you're fond of these educators or not is irrelevant. There was sufficient evidence that they reneged on their DUTY and LEGAL OBLIGATION when they met and conspired to not report. It's more than an error- it makes them just as guilty as the alleged perpetrator. Pat Raynor, have they been retrained since thy were placed in other jobs of authority supervising other kids? We have to know the answer. If not, DD2 is negligent also.
Posted by: Where is Children in Crisis on this Issue???????
Posted by: sad
May the "aide who ratted" sleep well tonight. Her allegations were found to be true enough by police investigators and solicitors that charges were filed against those involved. NINE (not one when no one was looking) counts were filed against the assistant. NINE!! In case you don't know, that is NINE separated incidences. THREE counts of neglect/abuse for the teacher and FOUR counts of not reporting it! Come on, people. I know they must be your friends and I'm sure they need friends right now, but be a friend by just being quiet and don't put this ridiculous stuff on here. It makes things worse for them and really makes you look ignorant.
Posted by:
Heather has cared for my autistic child both inside and outside of KES for over 5 years. She ALWAYS treated him with respect and his progress is in a large part due to her contributions to his life and advances she pushed in school for him. By the way District 2 hope her employee file re-appears.
Posted by: Know Better
I know all of these ladies. They are fine, Christian women. God willing, they will be acquitted and have their lives back. Right now, they are in hell, experiencing the wrath of someone for reason we are not aware. The one witness is another assistant who was alone with Martin when the supposed incident occured. If she's seeing a psychologist, why is she working with autisic kids in a school setting. Did she set out to get Martin's job. From what I know, Heather Martin was well respected by KES and received superior ratings on her evals. The aide who ratted came in April, 09. Sounds a little fishy to me.
Posted by:
Perhaps the biggest question here is why are we allowing chidren to stay in schools where they do not belong. As a teacher, I am aghast that I will not be supported by my district. Especially, if I have done nothing wrong. When is THE whole story going to be released. The innocent need their slates cleared. Children are restrained almost daily at my school in DD2. Would you rather the other students in the class be harmed, by one unruly child?
Posted by:
Summerville Journal Scene ®
Provided
Clockwise from top left: Martin, Piersol Crosby, Watson and Ruff-Putillion.
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Thursday, December 03, 2009 10:45 PM
To ??
Would you take the chance of 25 students and parents. I mean some people see money and prey on others. (Not saying that has happened). I'm just thinking I wouldn't want to be in that position.
Oh Yeah and I agree with the last post "disgusting" is scary!
Posted by:
Thursday, December 03, 2009 9:25 PM
Just when we thought all the hate-filled,judgemental idiots had stopped writing.Get some counseling.you're scary!
Posted by:
Disgusting
Thursday, December 03, 2009 6:34 PM
To those of you skeptics and disbelievers, you disgust me. You defend anyone who harms, even alledgedly, a child? How can you call yourself human? Those poor children have the marks and the trauma to deal with and if that is justice in SC i might stop going there. The administrators are even worse. The decided to torture innocent children to ensure their security? Knightsville Elementary is a twisted environment and so is DD2. I would never send my little one there after this.
Posted by: A Critic
??
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 7:15 PM
What happened to MaryRita Watson? I realized that she is no longer at 5th grade teacher at OES.
Posted by:
Re: Layla Rose
Saturday, November 28, 2009 12:43 AM
Gee, I hope Layla Rose is not the name of the person you're disparaging here.If so, I hope she doesn't read this blog. The internet is not as anonymous as one may think. And lawsuits for slander and libel are possible in our society.
Posted by:
Irrelevant Comparison
Friday, November 27, 2009 6:14 PM
Once again, there is NO comparison. The issue is FAILURE TO REPORT as mandated by state law. This has clearly happened. This is a serious offense and nothing akin to the hyperbole of some other employee.
Posted by:
Layla Rose
Friday, November 27, 2009 4:55 PM
The comment from the poster about the co-worker who loved to exaggerate jolted my own memory of a similar co-worker. She couldn't state how something had happened without dramatic embellishment. For example, we both,one day, heard a teacher tell a student,"How would you feel if I called your parents tonight and told them you didn't have your homework?" (His reply was,"Go ahead, I don't care!") At lunch, she related this to the whole table by saying that the teacher "...threatened that poor little kid till he was crying his little heart out. He could barely breath, he was choking and had a face so red, I thought I should call the nurse,thinking he was having a heart attack!!!"
I'm not suggesting this is what happened in this case, but after investigating countless other of her exaggerated stories, we tended to tune her out completely and I cannot even begin to imagine the damage that could have been caused to good people if we had believed a person who, for whatever reason, needed attention and knew no other way to get it.
Posted by:
Puleeze
Friday, November 27, 2009 12:01 PM
This demonstrates exactly WHY we have mandated reporting laws. Once an allegation has been raised - ANY allegation - it becomes the responsibility of educators to formally report the accusation. It's not their responsibility to determine the validity of the allegations! It is the responsibility of law enforcement to further investigate and clearly, in this case, enough evidence existed to warrant felony charges. No matter how some try to minimize the circumstances or blame the whistleblower, these are serious charges. The accused will have representation in court and will have ample opportunity to defend themselves. This is the way our system works and I support it.
Posted by:
Response
Friday, November 27, 2009 9:07 AM
It IS a mess, but to blame the one who reported it is patently wrong. She did her duty. And you have no right to condemn her and say she did it because she wants somebody's job. That's despicable. It's very clear her supervisors failed to do what was mandated and contact the authorities. They bear even more responsibility because they are highly educated and seasoned employees.They knew better. The whistleblower should be rewarded, not condemned. And if she's fired for being a "troublemaker" DD2 would have another legal nightmare. And rightly so. Anyone who has a doubt about our kids' safety should speak up. I applaud her courage. And I hope you're not a teacher, either.
Posted by: Parent
Friday, November 27, 2009 2:18 AM
I once had a co-worker in the school system who loved to exaggerate situations. We were all lucky no believed her stories or we could have been in the same situation as these 4 women.
Posted by:
Friday, November 27, 2009 12:10 AM
First of all,some of you need to realize you're not having a telephone conversation with the person posted below you.Figure that out for yourself.To all of you,maybe nothing was reported because the principal and others were dealing with a new employee,a helper,who came in the classroom and thought she knew more than the teachers.She took out her personal problems on everybody else by turning everything she saw into her own personal drama.There were meetings,and it was decided there was nothing out of the ordinary going on in this classroom.So, they had to deal with her,along with the other kids.But evidently ,nothing satisfied this girl.Especially when she found out she wouldn't be getting Mrs. Martin's job.She may be in school learning to work with special needs kids,but she'll probably have a hard time getting a job after starting this MESS!Maybe we should feel sorry for;I don't think she had a clue that all her whining could come back to haunt her one day.What goes around,comes around.Beware all of your smiling friends.You could be the next to get stabbed in the back by your "good friend".
Posted by:
To "Walk A Mile..."
Thursday, November 26, 2009 11:09 PM
We have mandated reporters FOR A REASON. Those who are in contact with children every day, like those who provide health care, are in a unique position to identify children in abusive situations. Surely you are not suggesting that we leave it to the abusers to report themselves? It's not hard to figure out why the administrators didn't report the accusations: it reflected poorly on them and I'm sure it seemed easy enough to keep it a secret. After all, how likely is an autistic child to report abuse? Another facet you are ignoring is the fact that a teacher is in a position of authority over a minor, which is quite unlike the ridiculous circumstances you mention. (once seeing a parent possibly abuse their child) The mandated reporting laws do not ask reporters to investigate and confirm abuse...that is the role of law enforcement.
Posted by:
Thursday, November 26, 2009 7:33 PM
If these women are guilty, then they need to build more prison's, because they will be filling them up with Catholic Nuns!
Posted by:
More training is needed!
Thursday, November 26, 2009 6:58 PM
You are supposed to report WHAT YOU SEE, not wait around to see if the possible abuse happens again. That could be VERY dangerous to kids. If you suspect it, your duty is to report it to authorities. It's their job to determine if it has merit. I cannot believe that reporting the possible abuse of our kids would even be debatable. I'm baffled.
Posted by: Report It
Walk a mile in their shoes
Thursday, November 26, 2009 5:07 PM
I think too many are assuming too much.(and I'm not talking about the classroom teacher and aide. The person that reported the abuse was a witness several times I have read.) I'm glad they reported it. But for the rest that were charged... It's hard to believe they didn't report on purpose..
I see parents that look like they are abusive to their own children, but I only saw once and I didn't go to the authorities. Does that make me a criminal? What if I did and it was not what it seemed at the time? I would want to be sure before I reported someone to the authorities. Could this ALSO be the case? I just don't want to judge until all the facts are out.
Posted by:
Huh?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 9:21 PM
From: PLEASE
I did not mention age. I did not say LIES. I am simply stating that these are "alleged" statements / claims. Why the re-direction?
Posted by:
TO Please
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 11:04 AM
How can you say they are lies. Where you in that room? Did you see whay really happened? And you must be an old person because you see to keep bring up this young lady's age. Any age can report abuse!!!!!! maybe you should not be so quick to judge either.
Posted by: J
PLEASE....
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 8:44 AM
From below: "To tell someone to 'keep quiet about this or you will loose your job' is an admission guilt."
The Keep Quiet comment is an alleged comment along with the alleged abuse. How can that be construed as an admission of guilt if it, too, is alleged? In the 9 warrants against Ms. Martin there is an alleged date as early as Jan '09. If the witness had something to say why wait so long?
Posted by:
Somebody Did Their Job
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 7:47 AM
Again, the issue is FAILURE TO REPORT possible abuse and neglect. That clearly happened and the district had to act. The young assistant, unfortunately, is the only professional who did her DUTY. It's unfair to attack a whistleblower who had the courage to act. And before it's over, you'll probably see DD2 District Office having to take some blame too, because they failed to act swiftly until their hand was forced by law enforcement.
Posted by: Protect Our Kids
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 12:41 AM
Some of her accusations were just exagerations;and some were totally,completely,flat-out lies!The case is based on what this girl told her psychologist.A 22 year old who is going to ruin 4 lives;And their families.And hopefully not bankrupt them paying for their trials!
Posted by:
the nut job
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 4:43 PM
Seems to me the only nut job is the one calling someone who has a counselor a nut job. All kinds of people go to counseling for many different reasons. They may go for help with grieve, relationships,and self esteem issues.To say this person is a nut job is very offensive to people who do go to counseling. Maybe you would benifit from talking to a counslor.
Posted by: JJ
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 12:48 PM
You wouldn't report the abuse if it didn't happen. How much credence can you give the story of a nut job in counseling?
Posted by:
"Why wouldn't child abuse be reported by the authorities?"
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 10:15 AM
"Why wouldn't child abuse be reported by the authorities?" is the question. To tell someone to 'keep quiet about this or you will loose your job' is an admission guilt. I feel for these children and the professionals. If abuse is reported to a teacher, it is the law for that teacher to report the abuse to the proper authorities. To threaten someone who witnessed the abuse with loosing their job for speaking up is an insult to this profession. The aide went to the teacher in charge and was "hushed up", telling her, "what goes on in the classroom stay in the classroom".
The most obvious defense for the professionals will be that the person who says they witnessed the abuse is lying. I am truely saddened by the fact that the incidents were not reported in a timely manner by the authorities. According to the reports, the alleged abuse continued and there was more than one incident. The defense for the professionals will try to destroy the credibility of the witness with the counseling records, but these records could be their downfall. If the witness spoke of the abuse in counseling sessions it may very well be in the documentation of the counselor. The comments suggesting the witness to the abuse conjured up this story to obtain the abuser's job does not make any sense to me. This person has to be smarter than that, as she is most likely under exaggerated scrutiny by her peers at this point. I am guessing it was the witnesses counselor who made the report, but the media has not revealed the identity of this person. To me, it is admirable for someone to seek outside help if they are having a problem sorting things out. This event in itself would make a young person such as this question - Is this really going on in our schools and what do I do???
There are a lot of feelings flying back and forth for obvious reasons. The alleged abuse of a child, particularly an autistic child, is a major concern. Not reporting the abuse on any count is wrong and futhermore covering it up is criminal. It took a lot of courage for someone to come forth and expose what was going on in this classroom. This has been a wake-up call for parents and professionals who need to be responsible to insure students have a safe and nurturing learning environment. I am concerned if the alleged abuse occured but am appalled by the fact that the authorities failed to report the abuse. Minimization of abuse is a "cover-up" and professionals did not follow the laws and regulations for reporting abuse if they were told anything about it. Please do not let this happen again.
Posted by: MSM
WOW
Sunday, November 22, 2009 11:54 AM
"No questions asked. No trials or investigations"? How many innocent people have swung from a noose (literally and figuratively) based on that attitude? Children absolutely need to be protected but so do our collective rights to not be judged guilty until proven. One day it could be you falsely judged (been there and it sucks)
Posted by:
Saturday, November 21, 2009 11:18 PM
Tameka,Have you been hiding under a rock.There's been no trial.Only accusations made by one person.You should learn a little more about this case and maybe you would't be so quick to judge someone that you obviously admired in the past.Curb that anger!
Posted by:
To Tameka
Saturday, November 21, 2009 6:13 PM
Your post expresses the pain a lot of pain parents feel. But how can you be so sure what has been reported is the truth. Keep the faith, maybe Mrs. Piersol can remain one of your favorite teachers.
Posted by:
When you think you know people
Saturday, November 21, 2009 5:09 PM
OH MY GOSH!!! I am in absolute shock! My now 12 yr. old autistic son was once a student of Mrs. Piersol. She was one of our favorie teachers. Always made sure the parents were well formed of what was going in the classroom, showed that the children's education was the main focus, and she made our family feel like every child that entered her classroom was well protected. It absolutely hurt my heart to hear that someone that us parents trusted our children with would do such a thing, and even worse, saw someone else do it and just DID NOT WANT TO report it. That ----ing heartless! She has kids. What would she do if someone beat up on her kid?! SC Board of Ed should take their licenses and make them watch them burn by barn fire. Their careers working with children should without a doubt be over. No questions asked No second chances. No other trials or investigations. Violating kids is immoral and punishable by law, so allowing them to continue to work with our little ones is still punishing and violating the kids.
Posted by: Tameka Mitchell
Further reading
Saturday, November 21, 2009 1:19 PM
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/ff_waronscience/
Hard science, not fear.
Posted by:
Saturday, November 21, 2009 1:15 AM
I hope I'm not opening up a can of worms here,but thinking more about mercury(which I've always been concerned about)I checked some websites.Go to the National Autism Assocaition site,click causes(I think that was it)and read about Thimerosal in vaccines.Of course mercury is found in other products,too.
Posted by:
Friday, November 20, 2009 11:25 PM
Just to add a note to what I said.I personally don't think it's the vaccine.I'll pass on giving my theory.
Posted by:
Friday, November 20, 2009 11:06 PM
I wont't argue with you about the causes of autism.No one knows. I was giving a few examples that doctors and scientists are investigating.There's still a lot of debate about the vaccine theory.There are plenty of websites on autism that can teach us something.Let's all get informed!
Posted by:
No Link
Friday, November 20, 2009 9:51 PM
Let's correct some definite misinformation: The research that linked autism and vaccinations has been DISCREDITED. The scientist admitted to falsifying data to prove his case, and has been soundly condemned by his peers in the scientific community. Misinformation like this could cause some parents (and has) to reject get shots for their kids, and this could endanger the community.
Posted by:
NO ABUSE BY THE ACUSED
Friday, November 20, 2009 8:03 PM
MOST PEOPLE WHO ARE ABUSED DO RUN TO THERE ABUSERS.TRY READING SOME MATERIAL ON ABUSE VICTIMS.LIKE FROM MY SISTER'S HOUSE.
Posted by:
To "Well Trained"
Friday, November 20, 2009 6:52 PM
If AP kids at KES are the best they have been in 9 years, why now, do they look so sad? Maybe her attorney will be allowed to let her walk back into her old classroom and video the children's responses. They would flock to her with hugs from all the children who miss her desperately. That would reveal NOT GUILTY to any jury or judge.
Posted by: No abuse by those accused!!!
well trained
Friday, November 20, 2009 3:52 PM
The teachers in the class now at Nkightville are well trained and the children are the best they have been in 9 years.Maybe that says alot!!!!!!!
Posted by: JJ
Friday, November 20, 2009 2:58 PM
The number of autistic children continues to grow rapidly.It gets bigger every year.This is a serious problem!Some blame it on enviromental issues,some on vaccinations,(mercury?),some on hereditary traits.Nobody knows.Each child has different symptoms.There needs to be more research.And more teachers who can deal with it.We are minus 2 trained teachers at Knightsville now.I hope they have someone in this class now that's knowledgeable.But, I understand that's not the case.
Posted by:
Friday, November 20, 2009 2:17 PM
How many autistic children are at KES? Just from the posts by parents of autistic children it seems far too many for the population of this area. Are you really suggesting a one-to-one ratio for special needs children? Please leave a few dollars to be spent meeting the needs of the non special needs children.
Posted by:
last comment
Friday, November 20, 2009 1:52 PM
The priest that molested the young boys were playful with those children too!
Posted by: GM
Friday, November 20, 2009 1:04 PM
As for Mrs. Martin,I understand she was very playful with the children, and they seemed to respond to her.She kept some of them at home,too. The "throwing incident" was grossly misinterprepted.I don't think she would intentionally do anything to hurt one of these children.She truely cared about them!She went through a lot of training for this job.And she stayed extremely busy handling all of them.Maybe they do need more help with these kids.
Posted by:
Friday, November 20, 2009 12:36 PM
As a Momma to an autistic child I also feel these teachers can be over whelmed. This is o excuse for any sort of abusive behavior but I see first hand that schools are short staffed i special needs. They meet state standards but rarely are the classroom needs actually met. A class could have one child wheel chair bound and dependent for every need. That takes one adult there. That leaves the one other teacher with 8 to 10 other children alone. We need all parents to be outraged and complaining about the the teacher-need ratio in these classes. Hearing from us parents of special needs children all the time is just a broken recorder. We need everyone to be on board to fixing this problem or I will always just be the Mom that complains. Cameras are an excellent idea!!!!!
Posted by: Charlotte
Friday, November 20, 2009 12:35 PM
What are all teachers to do now? They WILL be afraid to disipline any child ,in any manner.They don't want to be on the front page of the newspaper in orange.All the while, the students will think they can get away with anything. Most already do!Have you been in a classroom latety? No matter how good a teacher is, she's in a losing situation.
Posted by:
Good points below
Friday, November 20, 2009 9:15 AM
Yes, what can be done moving forward. Including cameras to protect both children and teachers. Others with constructive ideas should post. Enough of the "Jerry Springer" quality venting.
Posted by: Tired of trashy posts
Friday, November 20, 2009 8:57 AM
It is disappointing to see so many children who have special needs themselves put under the care of only one teacher and one teachers assistant. I dont believe any of these individuals would ever harm any child intentionally much less a child who is fragile. I feel the way these classes are organized puts a lot of responsibility on those 2 people in the classroom. Sometimes they can be in charge of 8 children at any given moment. It is challenging and rewarding to see children progress but i am not sure these children are in an atmosphere where they can progress because the teachers have such little time to devote to each of them. These children have precious souls and should not be given any less attention and require one on one instruction to meet their needs. This should be about what needs to be done better to help these children progress and it is my belief that all children can progress if worked with one on one and in a supportive environment.
Posted by:
Abuse
Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:17 PM
Those who thinks this is ok to abuse people. Wait until you get to the nursing home. Lets see how you like it when you can't speak for yourself. cousin, sister or whomever you are it's wrong.
Posted by:
Thursday, November 19, 2009 1:50 AM
In my opinion,most of the people who are defending the 4 women seem to be speaking in a rational way.I think they have a clearer understanding of the problems the teachers and the special needs children are going through.They aren't displaying such cruel meaness on their posts either.Do you understand how Heather's life is being ruined? Where's your compassion? She hasn't been convicted.I think her supporters are a little more savvy also, to the workings of the media.Hey,people were fooled into thinking that a young,community activist with no job experience could be President!What a mess that's turning out to be.(But I'm getting off the subject )Anyway,They also seem to have a better grasp of the English language.Some of you could take a lesson from them;(or an English class).I hear very little name calling and harsh accusation from their side,too.And speaking of names,no one is required to give a name. You did, and that was your choice.Are you not sitting in front of a computer,too.None of us knows what the other does for a living,and it really doesn't matter.I could be a nuclear physicist for all you know.It doesn't matter to me what anyone does all day.I'm just sitting here stating my views,just like you.And I'm not getting all frantic and telling people they're stupid or pretend I know all about their life.You dear, are the judgemental one.You know,it propably is kinda silly to sit here and argue with an irrational person like you.So,I'll get back to the book I'm writing and the website I'm working on and leave you to deal with your anger.Take a deep breath and relax.Bless your soul!Seriously.
Posted by:
logical lilly's
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 8:08 PM
Iwas just wondering if one of this people posting on this web sight is the same person going by logical lilly's on another web site
Posted by:
hurt??
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:11 PM
And how do yall know if the child/ children were hurt you dont b/c you dont know them they cant talk, they cant defened themselves, and you know what your right i am quick to judge when i know what happened the teachers even ammitted to one so explain that.......
Posted by:
oh ya
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:07 PM
by the way the administration should have reported this and this talk wouldnt be going around everyone would know the truth! But when a private investigator calls and tells you you can press charges or the state will well sweet heart that means they have enouph proof so you dont know what your talking about. No one has the right to put their hands on any child. And their are proper procedures for administration go through the proper chains of command if not done in my eyes they are just as guilty as the other two for letting it happen for so long. so get a life.
Posted by: ELENA
okay
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:02 PM
i know more than you do and for your information my nephew is one of those kids and yes you are very judgmental and you know what im not the one sticking up for sick people so no your the one who needs help. o and lookie here no name once again you got a big mouth behind a computer but not in person. And my nephew is the one who has had his hair pulled and head pushed so you dont know what your talking about. you are discusting and it wouldnt supprise me if you were heather or becky or even one of their family members we will see in court and guess what i want to see your face when they are charged and see what you have to say then. O and by the way my major is crime scene investigation, sorry you sit at home on your couch and all you can do it talk badly about disabled kids but i do know what im talking about your the one who is stupid.
Posted by: Elena P
To "Appalling"
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:38 AM
I have yet to see one post say it's ok to pull a child's hair or grab them. Where are you getting that stuff?
Posted by: Read the lower posts first
Appalling
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 9:58 AM
I'm shocked at the number of people who are insisting that it's okay to pull a student's hair or grab them in the groin. It's even more appalling given that these vulnerable children are autistic. And maybe that's the problem here. We know that at least four educators are accused of either committing such acts or endorsing it by failing to report. We know the district office only acted when forced to do so, and even then made a strenuous effort to protect the educators. I am willing to wait for the outcome of a trial before condemning these women, but it's very disappointing to see so many willing to support the actions they are accused of. No child was hurt? Are you SERIOUS?
Posted by:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:09 AM
So many sick people! Maybe it's the swine flu!
Posted by:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:04 AM
Disgusting,Sorry to hear you're so sick!Go see a doctor. Elena,maybe you should go too.Talk about being judgemental!You don't have a clue to what's going on.There are people who know A LOT MORE THAN YOU ABOUT THIS CASE!Sounds like your're another gullible person who believes everything the media puts out.Or,who reads a couple of posts and thinks they know it all.Mrs. Martin has taken care of these kids and been friends with some of the parents for years.One young girl started this!And nobody seems to know much about her.The administrators didn't report anything the young ,whiny girl said because there was no need to.Once again(for those who can't read beyond 2 or three posts) No child was hurt!But the children of these 4 accused women are!Guess that doesn't matter to you ,though.Really ,you don't know the whole story.But,as you say ,God does.Watch how you make judgements.There's been no trial.You may be very surprised in the end.You don't want God to judge you wrongly ,do you? Karma works for everyone!And "my name" has no bearing on any of this.I chose not to use it.Who really cares.
Posted by:
People who hide behind a computer
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 11:33 PM
Listen for all you people who are siding with what happened yall are just as sick. How would you feel if your kid was abused and people were talking bad about them because they were black hispanic had epilepsy or cancer or any kind of disability it can happen to anbody and the ones that do get abused are the ones who can tell the storie the ones who can are the ones who lie. (Not all the time!) Now for you people talking about how these kids shouldnt be in school. No the ones who shouldnt be in school are the ones dealing drugs fighting and picking on these kids just like yall. yall are quick to judge. And let me guess yall go to church thal shal not judge that is GODs choice not yours. These kids didnt choose to be like this one use to talk until he hit 3 yrs how would you feel if your kid had something happen to him /her but wasnt allowed in school. yall are sick. and yall can talk alot of bs but you sure wont put your signature by your commet b/c you fake and just as sick as those teachers. Yall might want to seek help as well. Any one who picks on kids who cant defend themselves are just trying to cover up something going on in their life that is bad, and thats wrong. this teacher could have touched your child and you know the sad part is victims that are abused dont come out and say it most of the time wether they can talk or not it gets caught on tape. How would you feel if your mother was in a nursing home and they abused her and it was reported but nothing done, then you got proof but you had hipricritical people like you talking like this. And by the way they do have enpouph proof one of the kids has been going their for 2 yrs and if the parents dont press the charges the state will. Watch in court and when their found guilty i would love to see all of yalls faces sticking up for these people who could have abused your children your life. Never talk bad about a child that makes you small. and carma sucks just wait GOD punishes those who dont except all of his children yall are them. And when your going to speak out and you want your opinion heard put your name by it so all these parents can know who you are and how sick, disrespectful, unthoughtfull, hipricritical, just out right heartless.
Posted by: Elena P
Disgusting. I am sickened.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:39 PM
These women make me sick. Anyone who defends them (or their so called right to be treated as innocent till proven guilty) make me sick. Any school that has currently hired them or hires them, makes me sick. I am absolutely without a doubt keeping my children out of DD11 from this point on. I have completely lost all faith and respect for Summerville's schools (and wonder what will now happen to property values?!).
Nothing will change my mind, the facts are there.
No need to reply to my post (esp. if exhibiting bad grammar, poor spelling, lack of decent punctuation &/or do not have at least a child or grandchild enrolled in a DD11 school).
Posted by: A concerned parent, citizen, HUMAN.
to new kes admi Are you watching
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 5:06 PM
You sound like you think people were lied about. Maybe you should get your facts right before you report them. And is the new man that is the teaching assi.seeing a physcologist?
Posted by: J.E.
Monday, November 16, 2009 10:42 PM
Let's all pray that they find all of Mrs.Martin's records that were taken or stolen from DD2!
Posted by:
Basics
Monday, November 16, 2009 10:00 PM
The basics here is that the police have found enough evidence to charge these women. My husband is in law enforcement and these charges would not have been filed without just cause. The court case will decided guilt or innocence and until we have all the evidence at hand we cannot make these judgments one way or another. Personal knowledge has no grounds in guilt or innocence. How many people do you think are shocked to learn their neighbor or family member was hiding a crime? If we could tell guilt or innocence just based on who we know people are the sleaze ball who kept Jayce Duggard captive for so many years would have been turned in by those around him. As far as the comments on mixing special needs children with typical children it is needed. The special needs children already have so much stacked against them why put a giant bulls eye on their head too? If we do not teach our children to accept these children as they are now what we will see more and more cases of abuse as the typical children grow up to be teachers and caregivers for these special needs kids who would be nothing more than second class people or animals.
BASIC: NO ONE ON THIS FORUM WAS THERE AND NO ONE HAS ALL THE EVIDENCE. These ladies are neither guilty nor innocent until a jury says so.
Posted by: Even Headed Mom
Monday, November 16, 2009 9:31 PM
It's nice to know you've joined in!Welcome ,bored housewife!
Posted by:
Monday, November 16, 2009 8:42 PM
grow up New KES admin! Nice to know my child's elementary school is fodder for bored house wives' idol chatter!
Posted by:
Monday, November 16, 2009 6:45 PM
Ok, so if you heard this is the person who told you willing to do anything?
Posted by:
New KES admin-Are u watching?
Monday, November 16, 2009 6:17 PM
I was at KES today and heard that the assistant who has Heather's job (the one who sees the psychologist) and another assistant were seen restraining one child and dragging another (the one who just returned after Heather supposedly grabbed his privates, bruising him. Someone need to report this so we can get these people arrested and get their pics in the newspaper, orange jumpsuits and all.
Posted by:
Monday, November 16, 2009 3:43 PM
Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it is based on one young girl (who just started there this year). I think she is doing Mrs. Martin's job now.Is she old enough to be working in a school? Now thats scary.
Posted by:
Monday, November 16, 2009 2:54 PM
I was watching the BEST Home Videos show(or whatever it's called) on T.V. It' strange that most of them are about somebody(usually a sweet little kid)who is falling down; He or she cries,gets hurt,run over,hit in the head with something,bashes another kid or adult,and everybody laughs.And some cute family wins $100,000.But if a teacher tries to restrain or disipline a wild child in the classroom.A child who could hurt himself or another child ,everbody cries abuse! These teachers have to protect everyone in the class.I worked in the classroom;I had things thrown at me,I was cussed out etc.I could have cried "abuse by the kids."But if I had touched one or said the wrong thing,I would have been out the door.And I have seen special needs children (just like others)be very cruel.Sorry,that's the way it is!It's called real life!And I do have empathy for special needs kids and their familys.And for Mrs.Martin who dedicated her life to helping them.(for those of you who don't the difference between empathy and sympathy, look it up.
Posted by:
and Fairness and Justice for All
Monday, November 16, 2009 2:54 PM
I don't think anyone is trying to justify abuse to a child. Just don't want people crucified unjustly. The SJS reported information based on arrest warrants - fair enough. There are 9 arrest warrants. They are public record. All 9 have a description of the alleged abuse and the descriptions end with wording to the effect that the warrant is based on a 3rd party's report. All 9. IF this 3rd party is ONE individual there is a concern. IF these women are to be found innocent how much media coverage will that get? Back page - maybe.....?
Posted by:
Sorry, but...
Monday, November 16, 2009 12:20 PM
I'm having a hard time with people trying to justify dragging an autistic child by their hair. And others trying to cover up such acts. There is more than one victim and more than one witness to these events. What possible justification could there be?
Posted by:
Monday, November 16, 2009 10:12 AM
You people have way too much time on your hands. Spend some time with a dictionary. To think that most of the posters (who obviously are parents)cannot even spell correctly, is frightening.
Posted by:
Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:56 PM
Wow!You people sure are getting hyped up here.If you would start at the bottom of the page and read up maybe you can follow the conversation.Such anger!Like I said,I'm just a little old person defending someone and responding to people like you.And I do know where the reporters get their info from.And where the police got theirs.It was from the Enquirer,wasn't it?Right next to the alien baby daddy story.Or was that baby mama.Oh well;doesn't matter.I think I'll just keep what I know to myself from now on.Ya'll be no fun to play with!Just relax.The media will forget about this in,say ,2 days,or 2 minutes and go on to something else.Oh yeah, they already have!Have a good night or great day or whatever!I'm outta here!
Posted by:
What Else Rolls Down?
Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:46 PM
Yeah, yeah. "I know something you don't know." If you know things that are pertinent to this case, then you are either an accomplice to the abuse of kids or you are a party to allowing innocent people to suffer.Which is it? Why have you not come forward before? Why won't you talk? Could it be you don't really know anything??
Posted by: The Sheriff's Number is 911
Hard to Reason with the Unreasonable
Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:40 PM
The reporter is not reporting hearsay- the article quotes from the affidavit (and clearly states this) and that's all. Your beef should be with the sheriff's dept if you think they're citing fiction as a basis of the arrests. The story is clearly about the sheriff's arrests and why they were done. That's not any sort of media conspiracy.But you'll believe what you want anyway.
Posted by:
Puzzling
Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:36 PM
I cannot believe that some people are so intent on believing what they want to that they see no wrong in the failure to report a possible abuse of CHILDREN! I don't know whether the allegations of abuse are true or not, but it's clear the report was not filed, and that is the basis of the arrests. Where is Children in Crisis? Why are they not weighing in on this issue??
Posted by:
Sunday, November 15, 2009 8:20 PM
Yeah. These little newspapers and tv stations have sooo much power that they can influence the police to find enough evidence to arrest 4 teachers. Get over it! You don't WANT to believe this. You don't know any better than whoever is filling YOUR head with ideas. You were not there, either. Obviously, families of the children allegedly abused feel there is a problem, too. Catholic parishioners never believed their priest would molest their kids, parents of Boy Scouts never trusted their sons' leaders intrinsically, parents have trusted teachers, babysitters, new spouses...and on and on. Just because you think you know someone does not mean they are harmless! And to me the worst part is the teachers & administrators that take the law into their own hands to judge what is worthy of reporting!
Posted by:
Sunday, November 15, 2009 7:16 PM
That would the "heresay "and "info" that the reporter was given.(not facts)The public doesn't usually get the full story.that's what the trial is for.And you don't know me and what I've done or said,except for what's been written here.If you read below you might find some pieces of the puzzle.People involved know more than some reporter.You don't really believe everything you hear on t.v. or read in the paper,do you?Most people stopped doing that a long time ago!I've worked for a newspaper!It's what will get your attention the quickest that they're reporting. And I happen to like this newspaper,but they don't get everything right 100% of the time.I could get into the biased t.v. networks,but that's another story.But THIS story should be: THERE ONCE WAS A LITTLE SNOWBALL.ONE DAY IT STARTED ROLLING DOWN A HILL............
Posted by:
Sunday, November 15, 2009 5:55 PM
Please. There is absolutely nothing in this SJS article that has been "sensationalized." It's a clear statement of the facts known by the reporter. If you have any other pertinent information, why have you not shared it with proper authorities and the public? I constantly hear in every controversial story that "we don't know the truth or the facts." Well, give it to us, plain and simple.
Posted by:
Sunday, November 15, 2009 3:25 PM
I worked in DD2 for a while.Kids are hitting on each other all the time.The core of the problem will never be solved.Teachers have to waste SOOOOO.. much time with disipline.The administrators are constantly dealing with it.It all starts at home.Children are inundated with violence on t.v.;no Fathers, Kids having kids.All this time you have to be politically correct.Don't wanna get sued or arrested!If only people would use some common sense.
Posted by:
Sunday, November 15, 2009 2:13 PM
to another KES parent....sorry, my point was the administration knowing my child had been harmed and not bothering to tell me. I think when any child has an incident that harms them at school parents should be informed. Did not mean to offend.
Posted by:
to Taken In
Sunday, November 15, 2009 1:40 PM
The accused and others involved aren't allowed to say any thing.They will be going through a trial.They can only sit back,listen, and suffer the abusive talk about them.
Posted by:
To: Anonymous...still have kids trying to survive there
Sunday, November 15, 2009 1:25 PM
Your child's experience could have happened with ANY child. Misbehavior is not exclusive to special needs kids. In fact, they are probably more subject to verbal and physical abuse from so-called normal kids than the other way around. You seem to suggest that the school should have asked your permission for your child to be in PE with a special-needs child. So, does my special-needs kid also require your permission to be in a reading group, science class, and the cafeteria with your child? Do you also require them to allow you to screen ALL the children with whom your child comes in contact? Do you screen your children's contacts also by race, nation of origin, height, weight, religion, social status, neighborhood, family marital status, hair color, political affiliation and more? We wonder how kids end up bigoted and you show us: they learn it from their parents!
Posted by: Another KES parent
Sunday, November 15, 2009 1:05 PM
You must remember, the reporters don't have all the facts(on both sides).But they do sensationalize things to make you watch.Anyone is naive who doesn't know this.One allegation that caught everyone's attention was totally wrong.Mrs Martin had to deal with situations with this child that YOU wouldn't want to TOUCH!
Posted by:
Taken In??
Sunday, November 15, 2009 12:22 PM
When you don't agree with something, it's all a conspiracy by the nebulous "media." Taken in? People forget that reporters are the public's eyes and ears and keep people informed in a democracy. What agenda would make a reporter make things up? These articles report the facts and appear to be fair and balanced. If the accused have something to say, I have no doubt the media would be happy to report it.
Posted by:
"all these posts"
Sunday, November 15, 2009 12:14 PM
Which of "all these posts" are childish?
Posted by:
who's the children now?
Sunday, November 15, 2009 11:47 AM
it sounds like the children are writing all these posts. you're acting like a bunch of idiots. you think you're adults? hilarious.
Posted by:
TO "My Family"
Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:36 AM
Did anyone in your family, or anyone other than Elizabeth, witness this alleged abuse?
Posted by:
Saturday, November 14, 2009 11:00 PM
THESE CHILDREN WERE NOT HURT!!!!! OR ABUSED!Sorry! Just exaggerated accusations by a newcomer.The sympathy doesn't fly.I am all for kids being protected and cared for,and I understand all about autistic children. And I feel for the families and what they must deal with.But that's just Not the case here.I'm sure these children continued to be happy in this classroom.Except they wondered where their favorite teachers were.I know they miss Heather.Mrs. Martin cared for them for a long time.In school and out of school.If you're worried about them ,don't.They are all fine!!!!NO reason for anyone to pity them.You may think I'm being hardhearted , but I am trying to ease peoples minds and be realistic.The kids will go on.But these good women doing their job,especially Mrs. Martin, will probably never recover .You have no idea what she's been through!!!!!!!!No one complained about her for 9 years.Caring for autistic children was her life.And she did it well!And now its gone!I WILL pray!And I'll pray that people quit being so dramatic, and realize they've been taken in by the media.Got you too,didn't they!? The only thing else their story needed was a little bit of rock'roll.
Posted by:
DD Two ignores it all
Saturday, November 14, 2009 10:44 PM
My child was put in a PE class with special needs kids (without my permission and not sure why) he was hurt (large bruise 3 inches across) by one of them who "liked to pinch". He was walking the child around like they told him to do. Do you think the administration cared at all or even reported it to me? NO!! The district doesn't care about the "normal" kids either! Everybody needs to watch what happens with their kids, no matter how wonderful the district is supposed to be! BE CAREFUL!!
Posted by: Anonymous...still have kids trying to survive there
Saturday, November 14, 2009 8:27 PM
You know the sad truth to it all is that we will never know the whole truth. If they are guilty they will never admit to EVERYTHING they have done and the children cannot tell you what happened either. All I have to say is that God is watching over us all and if they did abuse these children he knows. Teacher's are suppose to be a blessing from God not a serpeant from hell. I pray that these accusations are not true for the sake of ALL of the children involved. There is one fact that I know personally to be true, there are SEVERAL children who have been allegedly abused and they are the ones suffering from all of this regardless of if they are guilty or not. Remember that when you are bashing the ones who are outraged at the accusations being brought against the teachers that they trusted there precious children too. There children may not be able to tell them the what really happened and lets face it if it was your child in that classroom and SEVERAL individuals have told you they had been abused you would doubt the women you have come to trust. Again keep in mind the children are the ones suffering the most from all of this. Pray for them!
Posted by:
Saturday, November 14, 2009 6:13 PM
Blessed Are Those I. Blessed are those who stop and listen to my chatter. You may not understand me; but I love when people talk to me, for I long for companionship, too. II. Blessed are those who take my hand and walk with me when the path is rough, for I easily stumble and grow weary. But thank you, too, for letting me walk alone when the path is smooth, for I must learn independence. III. Blessed are those who take the time to tell me about special happenings, for unless you make special effort to inform me, I remain ignorant. IV. Blessed are those who wait for me. I may be slow, but I appreciate your patience. V. Blessed are those who are not ashamed to be seen in public with me, for I did not choose to be born thus. It could have been you as well. VI. Blessed are those who do not pity me, for I don't want pity. All I want is understanding and respect for what I have learned as well. VII. Blessed are those who notice my accomplishments, small as they may seem to you. I must work long and hard to learn many of the things you take for granted. VIII. Blessed are those who include me in their games, even though I may not understand the rules, I still like to be included in your activities. IX. Blessed are those who think of me as a person who loves, and hurts, and feels joy and pain just like you do, for in that respect I am normal. Author Unknown
Posted by:
Saturday, November 14, 2009 6:12 PM
Well dear,I Do happen to know a lot! But you say you do too.SO ,WHO REALLY CARES!We're just each defending our side of the story! Well,I'm gonna take my marbles and go home now. Got things to do! Bye!
Posted by:
Saturday, November 14, 2009 5:29 PM
No, a lot of people here want to here the truth. Not what some people want it to be. They want what is best for the kids and going after someone that could be innocent is not in there ( the kids) best interest. We all need to wait untill we get all the info.
Posted by:
my family!!
Saturday, November 14, 2009 4:57 PM
ok so everyone wants to think that this is all a big lie, let me be the first one to let you all know that one of the children that was in that classroom is my family and its not a lie and were not behind martin!! yes there is more to the story and if you don't know then keep your mouth shut!! everyone who didn't back these children up is going to feel like crap when the whole story comes out after court!!!(and were not the judges family there is more then one child that has been abused)
Posted by:
Saturday, November 14, 2009 4:51 PM
yeah!!! One disgruntled employee who wanted Mrs. Martin's job!
Posted by:
Saturday, November 14, 2009 4:41 PM
Excuse me the alleged child abusers who investigators had enough evidence against them to have them arrested and lead in to court in shackles and orange jump suits! The ones who have made comments "what happens in the classroom should stay in the classroom". So I am sorry for convicting them before the judge does.
Posted by: Appalled
to WTF
Saturday, November 14, 2009 4:26 PM
Excuse me, that should be"allegedly abused children".Unless you know something we don't know!Some of those parents are totally behind Heather.They Know what happened here!Those charges ARE exaggerated!So, please be careful;This good lady's life is being ruined.There's more to this story than you are hearing!
Posted by:
Saturday, November 14, 2009 3:58 PM
Yes there are small minded people posting here. First of all, all of this is alleged and needs a lot more investigation. There seems to be more than a few gaps here. I would not take what I have read in the paper to be the total truth.
Posted by:
WTF
Saturday, November 14, 2009 3:44 PM
I cannot believe some of the comments I have read on here. Are you people serious. Apparently the ones that think special needs children need to be in a separate school environment need to take a look around. The teachers that are being accused of abusing them are special needs teachers so what good would it do for them to be in a separate school. Next what are you gonna do keep your children in a bubble so they can never see that everyone is different. That would be like someone telling you your child should be in a separate school because he is considered a "nerd". Whats next would you like schools to be segragated again so your children do not have to see that there are other children in the world that aren't the same color as them. The simple fact is we send our children to school with the hope that they will be safe and taught properly not lead around by there genitals or hair. I cannot believe there are so many closed minded people in this world. And big deal if all of this stems from one person finally letting the truth out about the abuse that was going on, and that the first child it was reported on is a judges kid. HE STILL IS A CHILD! Apparently you agree with abusing children who get out of hand occasionally. If this is the case then you obviously do not have children! I am very proud of the shadow who "ratted" out the abuse. Some of these children are not able to verbalize the truth about what happens to them day by day. That still does not mean they need to be kept away from "normal" children. If you were any kind of parent you would ensure your children know that what she did was courageous. And let me just clarify no I do not have a special needs child, Yes everything I typed in here is spelled correctly since that is so important to you. That just shows what a small minded, uncaring ass you are. The parents of these children that have been abused are venting and all you can do is criticize them for their spelling and associate it with them having special needs children. Hopefully you will never have to endure the stress and pain this whole incident has caused for the parents of the abused children but if you do I pray that you spell everything correct!
Posted by: Uppalled
#100
Saturday, November 14, 2009 2:17 PM
The century mark.
Posted by: Mark Sanford
cameras
Saturday, November 14, 2009 10:28 AM
Cameras in the classrooms of special needs kids are a MUST to protect the teachers as well as the kids. A far better investment than Smartboards in these settings. That way we aren't getting charges of "hearsay" from one witness.
Posted by: Spend the money better
There Are Big Picture Issues Here
Saturday, November 14, 2009 6:48 AM
Hopefully, the one "silver lining" of this comedy of justice will be an overhaul of the the DDII school board and district office. Nepotism has run rampant through DDII for years and the outcome is what you see right here. Principals and administrators in positions they did not earn, but received because of who they know, and unprepared to deal with the issues of the position. It took someone with a little political clout to start this firestorm, and even though I think parading teachers into court with leg shackles on is way over the top, I hope the Judge that started this will not stop until the "system" is changed and that means removing those in "power" from the top down. Knock out a couple of cushy district office jobs and you will not have to layoff any hard working teachers in 2010. Ask yourself why we need a high paid public affairs officer for a small town school district. Stop re-electing the good old boys on the school board by voting for candidates that want real change! This incident is a travesty of justice and yes, some good people are going to lose their jobs, but maybe, if they had been properly screened in the first place and hired on their merit, we wouldn't be in this mess. Not to throw stones, but what was a person seeing a mental health professional doing in a class room with kids with special needs in the first place? In an earlier post an unnamed NES teacher posted that they didn't like the whistle blower to begin with and wished she had left. Who are the kids here? It's time for a change in DDII. Maybe a couple of well placed law suits will help to spur the process along.
Posted by: Winds of Change joe Pye, Winds of Change.....
yes tarheel
Saturday, November 14, 2009 1:32 AM
yes tarheel,the children ARE o.k. But, I'm sure they will miss Heather, who they all loved.She never hurt any of them! And alot of people who know the story will testify to that.Those who are so quick to comdemn should be very careful.They could be next.I'll never trust the media again after this.Especially NBC&ABC.At least channel 5 seems seems to keep an open mind.Maybe someone will find all of the key evidence that's missing!!!!!!!!!
Posted by:
Saturday, November 14, 2009 12:53 AM
I'm sorry. I meant to say "We'll see how this story pans out." I certainly do not want the internet grammar teachers to point out my errors. (o_O)
Posted by: From SC to NC-I am a TARHEEL!
My beloved SC
Saturday, November 14, 2009 12:51 AM
What in the world is happening back home in SC? Sad story after sad story. I hope the children are okay. We'll see how his story pans out...
Posted by: From SC to NC-I am a TARHEEL!
re: $20 lady
Friday, November 13, 2009 10:53 PM
Which one of us were you talking about? Are you stating a fact that the $20+ fees DD2 parents are charged is going to Expo markers and paper for assignments? If that is the case, we will all be happy to send in a pkg of paper and a pkg of markers at the beginning of the year along with the very long list of other supplies that are asked of us so our children can attend FREE public school. At least then we know where our money is going!
Posted by:
Justuwait
Friday, November 13, 2009 9:36 PM
Again, when you post about abuse at KES, you are convicting educators who have NOT been convicted. Comments should be to discuss school/ abuse opinions, not what you have read or seen in the news. Be fair, people. This is America.
Posted by:
To: Person with a job
Friday, November 13, 2009 9:29 PM
I DO have a life and it is spent caring for, educating, and protecting my both my kids, one who is autistic and at KES and one who is neurotypical and in preschool. I'm sorry if my taking this matter so seriously bothers you. Protecting kids is important to me, as is seeing that justice is done. As a former attorney (I am licensed in another state, but I've not yet taken the SC bar), I feel an obligation to explain how the court system and laws work to people who might not have reason to know otherwise. I also believe that the accused have the right to be presumed innocent unless and until convicted. As much as the kids are of primary importance to me, the presumption of innocence is an vital part of our justice system. On the other hand, when people say things that imply that someone is being charged merely on the basis of the statements of one witness, that drives me nuts because anyone who has worked in the legal system knows there has to be more than just that to have probable cause. One person's complaint (& that would be the counselor, NOT the aide) got it started, but I am certain there was more evidence gathered and presented to obtain arrest warrants. Please feel free to skip over anything I write. I certainly won't be offended. :-)
Posted by: D's Mom (MelindaAbney {at} netscape [dot] net
The kids involved
Friday, November 13, 2009 8:32 PM
Interestingly, parents of several of the involved kids are in support of Martin. They know better. In time so will y'all. Keep in mind charges stem from ONE witness. Hmmmmm
Posted by: Waiting patiently
Friday, November 13, 2009 8:25 PM
I think D's mom needs to get a life!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Person with a job!
MANDATORY REPORTING???????????
Friday, November 13, 2009 8:23 PM
When I signed on the dotted line, I don't recall any conversation about Mandatory Reporting! Maybe it was in the fine print :}
Posted by: OOps!
POPCORN LADY (whatever that is!!!!)
Friday, November 13, 2009 8:20 PM
Wow! Felt that was a little "heated" till I came to the end and saw that this girl is related to you! I'm sorry, however I do not apologize for the way that I feel. Even WHEN these people get exonerated, they're lives are forever altered! I can understand if she thought something was innapropriate, however she told her "STORY" to the admin, they discussed it and it was deemed not serious! THis girl wasn't satisfied with that summation, I feel she probably thought she was going to get a hero's welcome from the admin, and then maybe Heather's job! So she went to someone else. She has had NO experience with Autistic kids, I have since found out Heather had 9 very good years in that class without so much as a sneeze! Oh except for that crazy lady on the news that had a kid in there a few years ago and was a pain in the neck! So When these fine people's lawyers get ahold of her we'll see who the real "KOOK" is!!!!!!!
Posted by: Never a COWARD!!
Justuwait??
Friday, November 13, 2009 7:54 PM
Where you in the room with the loser Ms. Martin? I hope the parents sue the District, and all 4 of these women.
Posted by: Taxpayer
Educators?
Friday, November 13, 2009 7:52 PM
They all should of been fired immediately. This will cost the taxpayers plenty, Lawyer fees, not to mention when the parents sue the District, plus we are still paying this discraceful bunch their salaies.
Posted by: Tax Payer
To Diguested?????????
Friday, November 13, 2009 7:50 PM
hey has anyone else noticed the postings by the people that have these special needs kids in DD2? OMgosh! Look at the spelling. It is Hilarious! I'm sorry but this is really some great comic relief! "To Diguested" is really "greatful" And this D's mom aka Melinda Abney, I think she's written every post in here! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Educated
$20.00 LADY
Friday, November 13, 2009 7:33 PM
Hey lady, you're really out of touch if first of all you complain about a lousy 20.00 and second who do you think buys supplies and everything that goes into teaching for the year. Not the lousy 250.00 the district gives out! Got any idea what an expo costs? Try that one item times 26. Then of course paper, that the assignments are made on, you know how much one case costs? About 30.00! Know how many cases they go through in one school year? I could go on and on, but hopefully you get the picture!
Posted by:
Hey Cornelius
Friday, November 13, 2009 7:27 PM
Hey Mr. Cornelius, you need to check your spelling on your post! Wow sounds like apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!! :}
Posted by:
T.A.'s and PAY
Friday, November 13, 2009 7:25 PM
T.A.'s get paid a BIT more than cleaning staff and the real prize here is getting a contract which are far and few between. Wouldn't YOU like to get paid while on a 3 month vacation every year!
Posted by:
Justuwait
Friday, November 13, 2009 6:43 PM
All comments have already convicted these ladies. Mrs. Martin never covered a students nose and mouth for 15 minutes, never grabbed a child's genials, never dragged a child 10 ft. etc. etc. etc. All will be cleared of charges. Just you wait.
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 6:38 PM
Kudos to the 22 year old woman who actually did the right thing and reported the abuse. I'm pretty sure there were more people in that school that knew about the incident and failed to report it. Ms. Martin may be this "kind and caring" person in eyesight but may be "queen warden" behind closed doors. I don't beleive this young lady would make up so many different incidents to "take Ms. Martin's job." Let's be smart here. The job of a TEACHER'S ASSISTANT is EXTREMELY stressfull AND they get paid the same as someone who cleans the school. Why would this young lady want to sabatoge Ms. Martin's career to start her own in a situation where people would be bird-watching her? Look at the facts, people. We can't point fingers at this young lady for FOLLOWING PROPER PROCEDURES!
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 5:57 PM
I honestly cannot believe that instead of being happy that some one would stand up and annouce when a child is abused in school that some of you simple minded people have nothing to say but "maybe the special kids shouldnt be at the school" What if it was your child smacked in the head or your childs hair being pulled. It wold probly be a different tune then wright? Just because these kids are special gives nobody the wright to touch them in anyway.
Posted by: Josh Cornelius"uncle of a special boy"uh9wl
Re: special-needs students not belonging @ KES
Friday, November 13, 2009 3:19 PM
Not having these autistic children in a regular elementary like KES would have changed NOTHING. It's not like the staff in that classroom were pulled from the regular ed classrooms and plopped down in a special ed classroom with no clue what to do. They were hired and trained to work with kids with disabilities. If the children were in another building, those same staff would be there. It would change NOTHING, except not allow the kids the opportunities available for interaction with "regular" kids and the possible of spending some of their time in regular classrooms. In fact, one might argue that if special ed kids were in a separate building, they might be at MORE risk of abuse since there would be far fewer people around. Isolation helps no one.
Posted by: D's Mom
Friday, November 13, 2009 1:45 PM
How can these schools force parents to give up $20? What do they do with the money? Funding is usually earmarked for specific purposes. How can they get away with this? They are supposed to account for every dollar they spend!
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 1:11 PM
Oh yea, and now you're saying you have no choice where to live because of the Air Force, however, in your first post you said,"Upon moving here, we were told over and over how horrible the Charleston County schools our children attended were and that we needed to move to DD2. Upon this advice, we purchased a home in Knightsville this summer and our children are now attending school in the "gem" district." So, which is it?
Posted by: 6 am
annoyed
Friday, November 13, 2009 1:07 PM
You're right, nobody forced me. What would you have done if you had found out there was a bomb threat while it was going on? Gone to the school? If you and 3000 other parents showed up, it would have created more chaos. I'm thinking maybe that's why they let you know afterward. And I agreed with a lot of your points. I just thought in order to be taken more seriously, you should have made it more concise, and left out the business about the decor. As far as the shot records go, you have a month to get those in. Don't ask me why. And nothing hit too close to home, my 3 girls all go to DD2 schools and they have no trouble, in fact, they excel.
Posted by: the cranky B*&^%
Far too annoyed...
Friday, November 13, 2009 12:28 PM
Wow. The very fact that you picked at the decor comment in the way that you did proves my point that priorities here are out of whack. My point, as were ALL of my points in my very LONG post was that maybe we should not worry about painting the walls in animal skins and putting down throw rugs and lamps in the entrance of an elementary school. MAYBE our time, effort and money should be spent on the quality of education and the safety of our children!? I understand the reason the electric bill was required. The point was that the electric bill was far more important than the SHOT RECORD which assures the health and welfare of all the children my child would come in contact with since there was no proof that he had received the required immunizations without it! I do not appreciate your dimminutive titles. Did something hit a bit too close to home? There is no need to be personal. If we were able, we WOULD go back to another school. We never worried about these types of things at any school before! But unfortunately, as I stated, my husband is in the Air Force, so we do not get to choose where we live. Another price WE get to pay so you can make comments about how I can send my sweet child to North Charleston High School, which by the way, she did NOT attend. We had the option of sending our children to Wando HS. I believe the principal there was just named National HS principal of the year?! If you were annoyed by the length of my post, then I apologize from the bottom of my heart. But maybe you should take it up with whomever was standing over you FORCING you to read it!? Otherwise, get your priorities straight and skip over it next time! I am surely annoyed by your small-minded attitude that people who do not like the way things are done in DD2 should simply move away. Isn't that exactly how this situation came about in the first place? But maybe that's why the zebra striped rugs are there in the first place--to sweep inconveniences under?
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 11:11 AM
...legal/defense fund, ha ha ha!
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 11:09 AM
West Ashley High charges $25 bucks. They call it an activity fee. DD2 calls it a registration fee. I wonder if I could get a refund?
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 11:00 AM
Maybe it is set aside in the legal/defense fund?
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 11:00 AM
Go back to bed 6am...ya cranky b#!*@...I didn't know how to spell that one either.
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 11:00 AM
There are a lot of kids in DD2. At $20 a pop that is a huge amount of money that sounds "off the books". How is this money accounted for?
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 10:53 AM
Okay, the little foyer area at the school has ugly chairs and an ugly lamp. Someone probably donated them. Get over it. As for the $20, I also question that because a free public education should be just that. I suspect there is a process to waive that fee for families who are sufficiently impoverished. While the utility bill thing is kind of weird (and hard when you just move here and haven't gotten a bill yet; but SCE&G's office is very gracious about providing a letter), it is necessary to prove that a child's parent or legal guardian indeed lives in the district. DD2 is well regarded and therefore parents from other districts may try to list an address of a friend or relative in order to enroll their students in DD2. Or a family may not like their local elementary and try to enroll a child in another in-district elementary. The utility bill thing helps to ensure that a family does indeed live in the district. (A better school choice program within the district and between districts would be an excellent resolution for that problem)
Posted by: D's Mom, aka Melinda Abney
6 am
Friday, November 13, 2009 10:35 AM
No I am not the counselor, although I can spell the word correctly..I was referring to the length of the post and the comment about the "garish decor"..THAT annoyed me. It had nothing to do with the situation. Don't assume I didn't waste a good chunk of my life reading the whole post just because I thought some of her comments were ridiculous and off-topic.
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 9:55 AM
I have a child in this district and I filed a complaint againt a sub. who was verbally bashing a child. This child did not speak up (he has some emotional issues)so my child spoke up for him. The results were not good for my child. If you have special needs children, you need to protect your child by insisting on cameras in the classrooms and by making frequent unannounced visits. If they are not being abused by adults then by the time they are in 3rd or 4th grade, the teasing and bullying will start. I don't think we need to send special needs children to other schools (unless the are violent and a danger to all)but we need to make serious changes to protect them.
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 9:31 AM
DD2 charges for a registration fee although the SC Code of Laws says the children of the state can attend public school at no charge. I think they are doing it because of some law that was passed in 1928 (district policy)that allows for them to charge a "nominal" fee for books, materials, etc. I am sure we will be seeing lots of changes in the near future. To annoyed at 6 in the morning - I hope you are not the councelor at SHS the post below you was referring to. If you read the post again (may take some time)you will find that the post is only looking out for the kids. If you are far too annoyed at 6 am, you might want to change professions.
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 9:27 AM
I am not sure what is meant by "my schools" and "my kids", but maybe the needs of special needs children cannot be met in a traditional school setting. Perhaps if they were in a more specialized environment they would be safer and better served.
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 9:24 AM
That would be alleged failure to report alleged abuse.
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 9:16 AM
This should NOT be an opportunity to disparage chidren with disabilities, or a debate over whether they belong in "your" schools with "your" kids.It's all about failure to report abuse. We need to focus on safety here.
Posted by:
Friday, November 13, 2009 9:04 AM
DD2 charges all students $20 to attend? What line on the budget does that show up on? Special needs children may have needs that just cannot be met in a regular school setting. They can offer challenges that the everyday person cannot meet for an extended timeframe.
Posted by:
Far too annoyed
Friday, November 13, 2009 8:58 AM
Thanks for the comic releif. That was funny and very true!
Posted by: Fascinated
Re: Are you kidding me?
Friday, November 13, 2009 6:25 AM
First of all, learn to condense, honey...Second, if you don't think DD2 is up to your standards then, by ALL MEANS, go back to Charleston County and we'll see what kind of novel you write about that school district. Maybe you can enroll your older kid in North Charleston High School. I hear it's lovely, maybe the decor is up to your standards. Everybody pays the $20 and everybody has to prove residence. Get over it. That rant of yours had nothing to do with this story. A garishly decorated elementary school? Go figure-Martha Stewart is not in attendance-CHILDREN are. Maybe THEY like it.
Posted by: far too annoyed at 6 in the morning
Are you kidding me?
Friday, November 13, 2009 4:17 AM
I am the spouse of an airman and the mother of two DD2 students, one of them at KES. We were relocated to CAFB last winter and actually thought this would be a positive change for our family. Upon moving here, we were told over and over how horrible the Charleston County schools our children attended were and that we needed to move to DD2. Upon this advice, we purchased a home in Knightsville this summer and our children are now attending school in the "gem" district. My initial reaction upon registering my children is that this is a school system with their priorities far out of whack. I entered KES to find it garishly decorated. I was told I had to PAY $20 for my child to attend this Title 1 school. Why, I wonder, don't they just have a yard sale to sell some of the decor to raise the money they needed? What parents in a Title 1 school can afford to pay to send their children to school?! I was hounded for an electric bill to prove that I was indeed worthy to register my children in this amazing school. However, no one sweat the fact that I had forgotten the shot record on the kitchen counter. It was months after the beginning of school when I was finally reminded to bring it in! Similarly, I waited for hours in the Guidance office (literally) while trying to register my SHS student, only to find that the head of the guidance department had "forgotten" we were there! My child was eventually registered for classes two days later, still without ever having received her transcripts from her last school! I spent that session arguing against my daughter's guidance counselor's advice to allow her to take "easier" classes than my college-bound honor student has always attended. A month into the school year we received a recorded message that there HAD BEEN a bomb threat at the high school that day and they decided to keep the students. I received this call AFTER my child was home safely and had already relayed the story to me, distressed to say the least. Guess DD2 was willing to take a gamble with our teens, but just to be sure, they waited until everything was clearly ok to inform the parents! Our 1st grader has trouble in school and we are having him evaluated. I spoke immediately with his classroom teacher, guidance counselor and Ms. Ruff. The ONLY educator that gave me the time of day is my child's young classroom teacher. Basically, everyone else's attitude has been, "good luck with that." Because the classroom teacher has been amazing, we have chosen to keep our child at KES. I was surprised and disappointed that I received a random letter on that October Monday simply stating that they had made some personnel changes at KES. I understand that abuse was only alleged, but I believe that as a parent, I have a right to know who is interacting with my child in my absence and what is happening-at any and all times that I choose! This is why the laws in every state are plain. Anyone who has ever attended an intro to teaching course in college knows that an educator who has REASON to suspect that abuse or neglect is occurring, is REQUIRED to report to authorities immediately. No law stipulates that if you kind of like the person who is accused you can maybe just brush it under the rug and ask others to compromise their morals (and careers, and freedom). The law is plain. Educators are required reporters. Family services and law enforcement are the ones who will determine the legitimacy of the claims. As far as I am concerned, the very fact that three educators decided to initiate their own set of morals and laws at KES tells me that their priorities are far off the mark. I do not want these people around my children, or anyone's children. I don't care who they are in the community. I hear people speaking from their hearts about these educators. Oh sure, when you enter the classroom they are WONDERFUL. Or maybe you see them at Junior Service League or in some other way socially and they are just as sweet as can be. If you have never worked in a school, you have no idea. People are not always who their glimmering white smiles lead you to believe. And behind closed doors, we are all different. If we don't think we'll get caught, we are all willing to take risks, to some extent. Some more than others. Teaching is a stressful job, for sure. Teaching special needs children is far moreso.I applaud any educator who seeks counselling of any kind for support. That means they are making an effort to do their jobs. It does not mean that they are a danger to children! Seeking help does not incriminate you. You would be surprised to know just how many people have entered into some sort of mental health assistance in their lives. And even more surprised at who they are! To state that all of this is due to one young and malicious teaching assistant wannabe is negligent at best. Obviously, these people have no idea what a teacher's assistant does all day, nor how very little they are paid to do it! And obviously, these people have little to no faith in Dorchester County Sherriffs to insinuate that they would not be able to see through this evil plot after weeks of investigation. The facts are all still very fuzzy. Some say it was a student's counselor, some say it was this young woman's counselor. The simple fact of the matter is, the counselor is the only one who actually abided the law and reported the SUSPECTED improprieties! The authorities take over from there. So, the name-calling and finger-pointing are merely juvenile means of trying to uphold the status-quo. If the sherriff's office had found nothing, there would not be pictures of these women in orange jumpsuits all over the news. As for the absolute ignorance about these children themselves, well, I am appalled. These are living, breathing human beings with the same INALIENABLE rights as you and your children. They are not UNTEACHABLE. In fact, in many cases, they are of far superior intellect than your little Bubba or Belle. Autism affects a person's communication and socialization skills. These children are the ones we should be protecting because they cannot articulate what is happening to them! Why is everyone rushing to support people who vowed to do this very thing and then turned their backs? Why does it seem that no one else is angry that all of this information has been withheld from parents for so long? Believe me, abuse is alleged far often than anyone who does not work with children could imagine. And usually it is unfounded. The authorities weed through this, and the accused are cleared. People move on. I find it impossible to believe that these women, if found innocent of their charges, would be on the unemployment line due to these accusations. I have read today of others who say that their children were in this very situation in DD2 schools and the educators and/or administrators turned a blind eye to it. Why, I ask, did you not notify the authorities? Why did you continue in that manner? Not only was your child at risk, but also children to come later. Why not take this opportunity to speak up? Let the sherriff's office do their jobs! The bottom line, for me, is whether my children are cared for and being educated. DD2 has lost my faith. Rather than talking of them supporting or not supporting their staff, why not talk about what they are doing to protect these kids? All kids. My first grader would not know to speak up if he were in some of these alleged situations-- no matter how many times we have talked about this at home. Why has there not been a meeting to inform the parents of KES what was happening? Why did I learn of all of this when a TV reporter showed up at my front door this afternoon asking to talk to me?! Why do I receive a million phone calls a day from DD2 about book fairs and PTA meetings, but not one notification that two women who were charged with the care of my child were being arrested?! The fighting should not be whether these people are good "Christians" or not. It is about whether the school system has failed our children and what they are going to do (REALLY DO) to fix this. We parents need to unite and demand our rights be respected. WE have the right to know what is happening and the right to do something about it. Why are we not demanding some interaction with us, the parents of KES, from the school district? Please, folks? Stop the small-town bickering and cover-ups and let's set an example to our children and the rest of the nation that ALL children are important and deserve a fine education in an environment free from abuse. ALL children deserve to have someone speak up for them, to shout for them, louder than the grown-ups are shouting for their own rights.
Posted by:
funny how...
Friday, November 13, 2009 12:02 AM
It's funny how these allegations started right after the 22 year old appeared in December to help in the classroom. Mrs. Martin, for 9 years was given praise and admiration for her excellent work with autistic children,(by these same parents).Everyone knew they could rely on Heather to be a fun and trustworthy person.And she worked hard to live up to this. This job was very special in her life and she took it seriously. People do not know the specific problems she had to deal with every day. There were special problems she encountered where she had to be extra careful; so a child would not harm himself or even another child. People can be so quick to judge an incident and interpret it as being " harmful" or "abusive". This seems to be the case here. Mrs. Martin has never been judged this way in the past, but just the opposite. This is proven by all of her previous evaluations, under each administration. She has dedicated many years to helping these kids and from what I've known the kids all love her.And the parents have always trusted her with their children. Don't be so quick to judge.There are still things about this that the public doesn't know.Wait till all of the facts come out!Things aren't always what they seem.
Posted by:
Where's Kephart?
Thursday, November 12, 2009 11:46 PM
He's at Gregg Middle teaching GATE but hasn't been here in the last few days. Gossip is he's been offered immunity if he testifies against the accused. If he does, he's a jerk
Posted by:
Educators - arrested
Thursday, November 12, 2009 11:25 PM
I think all those who says they know of other infractions committed in DD2 and is now bringing them up is worse than the person accused of witholding facts. What makes you any better than the accused?
Posted by:
Educators - arrested
Thursday, November 12, 2009 11:13 PM
Since everyone has an opinion.What would your punishment be for the Principal and her Assistant? Now that the facts are in the open and did the School Board made the right decision keeping them on?
Posted by:
Kephart
Thursday, November 12, 2009 9:07 PM
My understanding is that Kephart is a 6th grade Social Studies teacher at Gregg Middle School. Has he since been moved to an assistant principal's position that quick?
Posted by:
Kudos
Thursday, November 12, 2009 9:02 PM
I just wanted to commend Melinda for her intelligent, well-reasoned and thoughtful posts. This has been an interesting discussion and ultimately brings to light many overlooked issues in our educational system.
Posted by: DD2 Parent
Les Kephart
Thursday, November 12, 2009 8:35 PM
Not so fast, how did he get away and leave all the ladies holding the bag? No way DD2 would have tansferred or reassigned him if his hands were clean. No way.
Posted by:
Re: Felony at work?
Thursday, November 12, 2009 8:33 PM
Martin was forced to resign. Piersol has been suspended pending resolution of the charges. Ruff and Watson are not charged with felonies. District policy requires suspension with pay pending the resolution of the charges when an employee is charged with a felony. This is consistent with most public employers. If Piersol is convicted, she will be terminated. If she is exonerated, however, she may not be. Remember that all are presumed innocent, unless and until proven guilty. Private employers tend to hire people "at will," meaning that the employee can be terminated at any time, for any reason or no reason at all, even for a bad reason, so long as it is not an illegal (discriminatory/whistleblower/etc/) reason. So in most cases a private employer can, and often will, terminate an employee charged but not yet convicted of a crime. Public employees often do have more job protections than private employees. If people don't think that should be, they should get their lawmakers to change it.
Posted by:
Felony at work?
Thursday, November 12, 2009 8:18 PM
Anyone besides me that would be fired if they committed a felony at work?
Posted by: sdr35hw
Kephart
Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:39 PM
My understanding is that Kephart was removed in order to effect a complete administrative overhaul at KES, but that he is now an assistant principal in one of the middle schools, which is considered a lateral move, not a demotion. Watson was demoted to a classroom teacher and Ruff to an assistant principal.
Posted by: D's Mom, aka Melinda Abney
Confused
Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:29 PM
Evedentually, Kephart has nothing to do with this situation?!?!? Why was he removed as an assistant principal? Should he take Ruff's spot at Beech Hill and she be moved to the classroom in his spot? Something's not making sense to me. Why wasn't he arrested? Why was he removed from his post?
Posted by: Confused reader
Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:00 PM
The real facts not from the accused? Facts are facts, Please. No one knowes what happend for sure? So lets hang them? Please. We need civil discussion here many are missing a great deal.
Posted by:
Re: Witch hunt
Thursday, November 12, 2009 6:40 PM
I hadn't heard that Kephart was charged with anything - are you sure about that? He also wasn't demoted like Ruff and Watson, was he? I thought he was still an assistant principal, but Ruff was demoted to assistant principal and Watson was demoted to teacher.
Posted by: D's Mom, aka Melinda Abney
Witch hunt
Thursday, November 12, 2009 6:19 PM
This is a witch hunt and last night's arrests were a show. The fact that these administrators were shackled is outrageous. The sensationalizing of this whole thing is ridiculous. If this state had a teacher's union, this would not be happening. Don't let the media lead your around by the nose. Wait for the real facts before you decide to hang these people. In the end I believe that Kephart, Putillion, and Watson will be exonerated.
Posted by: KES parent
to diguested
Thursday, November 12, 2009 6:01 PM
Iam the mother of a dd2 special ed child. I sure hope you are not a teacher or anyone that helps out at school. I woud hate to know you were there if my child needed something or was being hurt by someone there. If you name can not be used than I would assume you are afaid your job would be affected.But my child's welfare or any child's welfare would come first(even yours). And if these people are convicted I hope to see you sendind your aplogize to the children hurt,thier parents, the person reporting the problems and maybe you should then leave Knightville alone.People like you are the one who makes teachers lives hard. A union is not the answer honesty is the answer. If you know the facts the real facts( not from accused) maybe if you ewere in the room you can help the police! No one knows what happened for sure.
Posted by: Parent who is greatful for reporters
Thursday, November 12, 2009 5:44 PM
I also am willing to leave my name: Melinda Abney. I also use my husband's last name socially, but am choosing not to list it because that is my child's last name and I wish to avoid any ramifications to him from my comments here. But this is my legal name and I'm not afraid to share it on this forum. My email is melindaabney{at}netscape[dot]net. (Trying to avoid robo searchers that gather email addresses to spam - hopefully if you are on here you can figure out to substitute @ for {at} and . for [net].)
Posted by: D's Mom, aka Melinda Abney
Don't be a coward.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 5:29 PM
Dear DISGUSTED, Even if it was said it would be act of treason, leave your name. If you get fired you can just sue like your telling the people who we trust our kids with to do. We as parents are bound by law to send our children to school or home school them. Not all parents can home school their kids. As for the PSYCO shadow comment, she is seeing a psycologist and dealing with any problems she may have. Perhaps you should feel free to use your DD2 health insurance to see a mental health care specialists. Threating someone on the internet is not a very sane action. "And if the PSYCHO shadow that reported all this mess is reading; please leave Knightsville! You are NOT wanted there!!!!!!!!!!!! " Being innocent until proven guilty is correct. How are you going to feel if these charges prove to be true. You are raking the shadow over the coals for doing what she felt was right. I bet no appologies will be given to her if these women are found guilty. Being unwanted by certain peolple at KES is nothing new to people who believe that children come first and who believe in following the law. More will continue to come out about this. And weather it is true or not, my personal opinion is, KES students are better off with Mr. Baird as principal. I have had more of a feeling of acceptance from him in his short time at the school than I ever felt from the previous administrations. I have had a few problems with my seven year old wanting to go to school and this admistration has helped more in the last week than the last one did the entire month. I will leave my name so that DISGUSTED can also tell me I am not wanted there too. Perhaps in person instead of behind the curtain of the internet. And yes, the shadow is related to me. However I am not going to judge anyone in this case. That is not my place. I judge on how these people affected and interacted with me and my child.
Posted by: Nary Henderson, The other popcorn lady
Unteachable?
Thursday, November 12, 2009 5:27 PM
As the parent of an autistic child, I am seriously offended by DISGUSTED's characterization of autistic children as unteachable. Many autistic children, like my son, are of average or above-average intelligence. Autism doesn't necessarily mean a child has an inability to learn, it means that teachers and parents must find how to get through to that child in the way that enables that child to learn. I met every single child in that classroom last school year and saw each of those children almost every weekday. There is not a single one of those children who is so low-functioning as to be "unteachable." Most had at least some verbal ability, if not much, much more than "some," all generally responded in an appropriate, if not ideal, manner to social interactions, and all seemed to make academic and social progress as the year proceeded. They were clearly learning and Ms. Piersol certainly worked hard to achieve that progress. Yes, in a classroom of lower-functioning children the adults often have much more childcare responsibilities than in a regular classroom, but that doesn't mean that learning isn't happening. It just means that lower staffing ratios are necessary, hence the large number of aides in the classroom.
Posted by: D's Mom
Mandatory Reporting Laws
Thursday, November 12, 2009 5:10 PM
Every state has mandatory laws regarding reporting of abuse or neglect of children and the elderly. Many also include abuse or neglect of non-elderly mentally-incapacitated adults. In SC, the following people who in their professional capacity has "reason to believe a child has been or may be abused or neglected" is mandated to report same: • Physician; • Nurse; • Dentist; • Optometrist; • Medical examiner; • Coroner; • Employee of a county medical examiner’s or coroner’s office; • Any other medical, emergency medical services, mental health, or allied health professional; • Member of the clergy (including a Christian Science Practitioner or religious healer); • School teacher; Counselor; • Principal; • Assistant principal; • Social or public assistance worker; • Substance abuse treatment staff; • Childcare worker in a childcare center or foster care facility; • Police or law enforcement officer; • Undertaker; • Funeral home director or employee of a funeral home; • Persons responsible for processing films; • Computer technician; and • A judge. The report may be to DSS or law enforcement (actionable child abuse or neglect is not always criminal, but may be a civil violation requiring not criminal prosecution but a civil action taking jurisdiction over the child(ren). Knowing failure to report is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine or 6 months imprisonment or both. S.C. Code Ann. §§ 63-7-20, 63-7-310, 63-7-360, 63-7-410 Furthermore, ignorance of the law is no defense. I'm not saying that for certain anyone here violated any law. I wasn't there, I do not know. They are all presumed innocent unless and until convicted. There are allegations at this time and there had to have been probable cause to believe crimes were committed and that these people were the perpetrators in order for charges to be brought. If there was not probable cause, their attorneys will request a probable cause hearing and if the judge finds that there was no probable cause the case MUST be dismissed on constitutional grounds. Probable cause is a pretty loose standard, however, and unless the charges are wholly specious the case will proceed. But then the prosecutors have to prove two things beyond a reasonable doubt; first, that the laws cited in the action were in fact violated and second, that the defendant was the person who violated the law. "Beyond a reasonable doubt" is the highest standard of proof in our system of laws and is a substantial hurdle for prosecutors to overcome. I hope and pray that it turns out that the allegations are untrue, however my personal experiences with the people charged makes me suspect that there is some truth to the allegations. But my suspicions mean NOTHING - all that matters is what is proven in a court of law. Also, for all who are concerned that the child is alleged to the offspring of JUDGE (gasp! horrors!), are you arguing that the children of educated professionals are less deserving of protection than other children? I know you may mean that of course such a person would overreact and report abuse of their precious child for ordinary discipline, but I can assure you that a person with enough knowledge of the law to be a judge (though this state does invite trouble with its method of appointing judges, but that's an argument for another day) surely realizes the penalties for making a false report and the possibility that false charges could ruin lives. ANY parent who believes that their child has been abused has a duty to follow that up, whether a judge in a fancy house or a waitress in a mobile home. Besides, the parent was NOT the origin of the complaint, it was another teacher's aide's counselor. If one is thinking that the child's parent being a judge means the case was investigated more vigorously than it would have been if the parent was that mobile-home dwelling waitress, then that is an indictment of law enforcement, not the parent. All allegations sure be investigated equally and thoroughly, regardless of the social or professional status of the child. If less prominent parents feel that their child was abused and no investigated it, they should make a huge stink about it. Further, if there is any question of bias by law enforcement or the courts because of the alleged victim's parents' status, the defendants should request a change of venue or that another agency be asked to re-investigate the allegations. It is done all the time when there may be a question of bias (like when a sheriff's deputy in County A is charged with a crime in County A, the prosecutor for County A will generally cede the prosecution to the office of the prosecutor in County B, because the prosecutor's office in County A has a relationship with County A's sheriff's department.)
Posted by: D's Mom
Thursday, November 12, 2009 5:00 PM
I trust that Disgusted is not an education professional, because some of the comments were troubling. I hope they do get more aware of their legal duties and report things. A child was in harm's way- that's the report- and the maligned teacher's aide is the only one I see who DID HER DUTY and blew the whistle. Whether she sees a psychologist is not relevant. There will be more to come, especially if it was reported in August and DD2 did not act until the Sheriff's Dept got involved. If that's the case more heads should roll.
Posted by:
Re: HOW BOUT THEM APPLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:36 PM
The administrators removed the aide from the classroom back in AUGUST, so enough was reported to them for them to make that determination. Every single professional who has contact with children is made aware of mandatory reporting laws. They are very consistent from state to state. One is informed upon being hired by the school district, whether one is an uneducated teacher's aide or parapro or a master's degree professional. Mandatory reporting laws are not exactly a secret. In most states even day care providers are trained in spotting abuse as part of their licensing and some states include them as mandatory reporters.
Posted by: D's Mom
To Disgusted:
Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:29 PM
Perpetual lice and excessive absences are exactly the kind of child neglect that children's protective services is supposed to investigate, along with physical and emotional abuse, and these things SHOULD be reported! You wouldn't leave a dog or cat untreated for fleas and you certainly shouldn't leave a child untreated for lice. In many cases, protective services determines that neglect results from ignorance by parents and those parents and children benefit immensely from services (parenting and health classes, for instance, provided when neglect has been substantiated. If there is reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect has occurred, teachers, clergy, medical or mental health professionals and others MUST report it. The law is there for a reason. P.S. Regularly not sending your child to school without sufficient cause is called educational neglect and it is enough for a court to take jurisdiction over a child on an abuse/neglect petition. Chronic illness is a defense, though if a child is that ill one should be able to easily show it from medical records. In Michigan I even saw parents prosecuted criminally for failing to send their 14-year-old daughter to go to school. Their defense of "she don't (sic) want to go" didn't fly. It was an especially egregious case, as criminal charges are almost never brought in these instances. The parents were convicted and sentenced to at least one of the parents accompanying the child to school every day and staying to make sure she stayed there. (They were unemployed or minimally employed and could opt for alternate sentencing if they became employed full-time).
Posted by: D's Mom
It's all coming together.
Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:21 PM
The parent of the child in question is JUDGE???
Posted by:
HOW BOUT THEM APPLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:17 PM
Hey, No Child Left Behind commentor, Maybe the admins. did not get the blown up report that has now surfaced. Remember their so called crime is a misdemeanor and would not be had they known! And guess what else? Not all know about mandatory reporting and what it entails!!!! How bout them apples!!!!!!!
Posted by: get real
GET READY DSS AND SHERRIFFS DEPT. AND PARENTS
Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:11 PM
Get ready for all the MANDATED reports ya'll will be flooded with now. You know the child that has perpetual lice; that's negligence, AND the suspicious absences all the time; that's negligence, and parents you better be REAL careful what your children see at home, because they tell teachers and adults EVERYTHING! You will all be at risk for a visit from the DSS. If it is EVEN possible, it has just made it even MORE impossible for a teacher to do their duties without fear of who's watching! What a somber day for all teachers, because once again they have been thrown under the bus because we have a SPINELESS superintendent, that's afraid of reprisal from the parent of this so called abused child! Oh and yes, by the way to the writer that wanted to know WHO the parent was, he is a JUDGE!!!!!!!!!! Dirty politics 101! If this were a kid from Haven Oaks or Hershey Park it wouldn't be an issue! And as for the little uneducated girl that started all this mess because she was gunning for Martin's job, I hope she can look at herself in the mirror. She has ruined some very awesome people's lives. People that dedicated their lives to kids and what they could do to reach and teach some of the UNTEACHABLE! I also can not wait for everyone to see all the facts when this horror is over, and I hope to God Almighty that these educators sue the pants off all involved in their nightmare!!!!!!!! And if the PSYCHO shadow that reported all this mess is reading; please leave Knightsville! You are NOT wanted there!!!!!!!!!!!! And unfortunately I can not leave my name, (much as I would love to) for fear of what was told to some, that it would be seen as an act of TREASON!!!! (I thought this was the U.S) So get ready for the deluge of calls for abuse DSS! UNBELIEVABLE! We need a teachers union badly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: DISGUSTED
Thursday, November 12, 2009 4:08 PM
You said: None of this excuses the actions (or inactions) of those involved, but perhaps the overall situation is one that should not exist to begin with." The situation is that having special-needs students in a separate building wouldn't have prevented this mess. The aides hired to be aides for special-needs children will still be there and the special-needs teacher would still have been the teacher. The location was not the problem. The ALLEGED behavior of the adults is the problem
Posted by: D's Mom
Thursday, November 12, 2009 3:49 PM
All of society benefits from special-needs children interacting with their average peers, so that these children are prepared to interact in the real world upon leaving school. If you put special needs students away, out-of-sight, in their own school, they do not learn to deal with the real world. They emerge from school clueless about everyday interactions. That benefits no one. My son functions at or above grade level in all areas (he was reading and writing at age 3) and does very well in his regular ed classroom. He does not disrupt the class, but in fact participates in classroom discussions and activities. If you place all children who receive any sort of special ed services in a separate school, you won't have many left in regular school. Whether it is reading assistance, speech therapy, occupational therapy, accommodations for ADD, ADHD, or dyslexia, a huge number of children receive some sort of assistance, attention, or therapy beyond the basic classroom setting. Ask Knightsville's two speech therapists about their ridiculous caseload. They don't even have time to work with kids individually - they can only conduct group speech sessions! In normal states with a half-way decent educational system, such shortshrifting of student needs would not be tolerated. The "normal" children benefit from learning that special needs students are not so different from them. They benefit by gaining friends they might not otherwise have. My son's friends are almost all "regular" students who seem to genuinely enjoy his friendship and do not seem in the slightest harmed by it. "Normal" students benefit from the presence of their special-needs peers by learning that people who are "different" are all around us and are just part of the fabric of the community, not to be hidden away and ignored. Segregating schools by race didn't benefit anyone and neither does segregation by ability.
Posted by: D's Mom
Thursday, November 12, 2009 3:27 PM
Maybe the special needs children do need a special needs school. Perhaps they benefit in some way from interaction with non-special needs children, but how do the non-special needs children benefit from interaction with them? Our schools are far enough behind. None of this excuses the actions (or inactions) of those involved, but perhaps the overall situation is one that should not exist to begin with.
Posted by:
Re: Truth Train
Thursday, November 12, 2009 3:24 PM
You ask: "If a teacher in my child's classroom was under psychiatric care, as a parent do I have a right to know that?" Nope. No way. If a person is a danger to children, the counselor would have a mandatory duty to report and the person could be removed. Millions of people see counselors for all kinds of reasons: depression, marital difficulties, the stress of raising or working with special-needs children, and other life stresses. Certainly the vast majority of people receiving mental health care are not in any way a danger to children. In fact, many people are better parents, citizens, and people because of the insights gleaned through counseling. To assume that any person who receives counseling from a mental health professional is therefore unfit to be around children is asinine. Sorry to be so blunt, but there you have it.
Posted by: D's Mom
The Truth Train in on the WAY!
Thursday, November 12, 2009 3:15 PM
First, let me say that if a teacher in my child's classroom was under psychiatric care, as a parent do I have a right to know that? My answer is "I don't know". Secondly, I think that Barbara Stoble and Joe Pye should relinquish their pass ports. They may be considering making a run for the border.
Posted by:
Re: No Child Left Behind!
Thursday, November 12, 2009 3:01 PM
The commenter asked: "why are we allowing chidren (sic) to stay in schools where they do not belong(sic)." The question is: why do we allow educators like you to stay in school where they do not belong? Regarding autistic children in mainstream schools: My son is autistic and is part-time in special ed and part-time in regular ed. He is at Knightsville. He is higher functioning and so was not in the classroom in question, but he spent time in that classroom last year as he had difficulty transitioning to a new school. Autistic children have as much right to a free, appropriate, public education as any neurotypical child. Children who pose a danger to themselves or others need one-on-one attention and behavioral therapy to learn to deal with everyday situations. Just because a child is unable to understand social cues or has difficulty with transitions or displays perseverate behavior is certainly no reason to deny that child an education. In fact, the better the quality of an autistic child's education and therapies, the more likely it is that the child can be a functional member of society as an adult. They need to learn from and be around their "neuro-typical" peers and those peers can learn compassion and inclusivity from their autistic schoolmates. The more relevant question to me is thus: why are you still teaching? You clearly have no regard for special-needs children. Yes, sometimes you must have more physical interaction with special-needs students than with "normal" students, but there is a huge difference between restraining a student for his safety or that of others around him and physically abusing a child for exhibiting autistic traits such as stubbornness, perseveration, or resistance to transitions or merely for one's own amusement. These children need the adults around them to be on heightened alert for abusive behavior, since many of them are unable to speak for themselves. Even my high-functioning son would have difficulty expressing what happened to him and being able to articulate it as abuse. Also, I would think a person with the advanced education required to be a special ed teacher would have a clue regarding spelling of simple words and basic punctuation. I pray you never set foot in my child's classroom. It happens that I know the aide involved in this case. She and my son had something of a bond because of his affinity for fire trucks and ambulances and her training to be an EMT. She has shown my son nothing but kindness and nurturing. However, when I first heard there were allegations of abuse in Ms. Becky's classroom, Heather immediately popped to mind. I never saw her hurt a child, but I noticed at times that she had a rather brusque manner with the children and treated the lower-functioning children as much like animals as children. I was especially distressed to learn of the allegations against Becky, because her love for teaching autistic students and for the students themselves has always been so readily apparent. I pray that allegations against her are exaggerated and that she did not tolerate or attempt to cover up abuse in her classroom. I'm am seriously disappointed that the administrators, Ms. Watson and Ms. Ruff-Putillion, seem to have not taken the allegations seriously enough to report. Anyone who works with children knows the laws regarding mandatory reporting and the penalties for failure to do so.
Posted by: D's Mom
other wrongs
Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:56 PM
What about the known(by administration) drug user at Flowertown Elementary that committed check fraud by illegally using a parents checking account number to pay their bills. This was also a Special ed assistant. I guess this was covered up as well as other incidents within that school because it is know to be Joe Pyes favorite because he was once a Principal there???
Posted by:
However...
Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:01 PM
If my child was treated in this manner by DD2 educators - and school administration neglected to act - I would notify law enforcement. The witness notified school administration BEFORE relating the story to a mental health provider, who in turn, as required by law, notified authorities. School officials put their own needs ahead of student safety. It disturbs me that the district office made the same choice: it protected the privacy of these educators at the risk of student safety. They should be held accountable, too.
Posted by:
HOPEFULL DD2's MISDEEDS WILL FINALLY BE ACCOUNTED FOR
Thursday, November 12, 2009 11:10 AM
The negligence comes from the top and it is time that is recognized and they are held accountable for not being able to perform their jobs to the point of wrongs being done to their students, parents and employees. District Office and all employees therein are responsible. They hide their misdeeds at the expense of others and have ruined enough lives. This having to go to court will bring a lot to light and will hopefully give many others wronged by this District the courage to come forth and present their story.It is time before more is allowed to happen at the expense of those outside the district office, board, or "buddie" system. Their are many administrators out their knowingly doing the "dirty work" of the district office and they need to be held accountable also.If you know of a wrong and you do it anyway to save your job you are guilty.It is time for all innocent victims to stand up to these people that believe they are an entity within themselves. We need to start with a fresh group of leaders that will stand behind truth, justice and morality because it is being proven those type of people are not the leaders of DD2.
Posted by:
CONCERNED
Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:48 AM
I DISAGREE 'WHAT ABOUT'. KEEP YOUR NOSE CLEAN AND YOU NEED NOT WORRY.WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT OUR PAID OFFICIALS ARE DOING IF IT IS NOT LEGAL AND MORAL. NOW OUR TAXES WILL GO UP BECAUSE OF SOMEONE THAT COULD NOT HANDLE THE JOB.
Posted by: CONCERNED
what about....
Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:33 AM
I agree with the person who commented about SHS cheerleading coach leaving the girls unattended at a competition in Columbia. What about when BHES principal was thought to have embezzled money and just "moved to Pinewood." There are many things that the district "covers up." I think the fact that these ladies mug shots are posted for everyone in the world to see is terrible. They are innocent until proven guilty. Why drag down their future careers and their reputations? Summerville is a small town that thrives on any bit of drama they can get their hands on. As a DD2 employee, I am furious to think that my employers wouldn't stand behind me and try to handle things within the district rather than posting it for everyone to see. Let's say there is a real case here, it is not everyone's business. The parent should have gone to Mrs. Ruff and expressed a concern and if needed, the parent could have turned to the district office. At that point, Mr. Pye could have taken the issue up with the teachers, principal and assistant principal.
Posted by:
OOPS
Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:24 AM
Excuse me.... YOU might want to get the facts straight. The pschy that reported the abuse was not a pschy for a student but for teacher assistant.
Posted by: Get more FACTS
Get the facts straight!
Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:21 AM
Previous media reports indicated that the incident was reported to authorities by a mental health professional who had been treating one of the affected students. While one witness may have brought this matter to the attention of authorities, multiple witnesses were ultimately involved.
Posted by:
Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:00 AM
If the investigation is not over- Why the arrests? No way, No how is this the true story. Not even close to the whole story. I cannot wait to find out the names of the parents of the "abused" child. I am willing to bet whats left of my retirement- they will have some kind of Dorchester County clout...(or related to) Meanwhile- these four will never be the same. No way would I go into education today...nope.
Posted by:
Perjury ?
Thursday, November 12, 2009 9:39 AM
No a single witness is NOT sufficient. My point is that perjury can not be ruled out if you are relying on a single witness. And granted there are lots of evil,self-serving people who aren't in pschyactric care
Posted by: Get more FACTS
Thursday, November 12, 2009 9:15 AM
When it comes to our kids, all it should take is one witness. That's a red herring argument. The charge is focusing on the failure to report. There's not much doubt there; the sheriff's dept found enough evidence to bring charges. And it's unfair to attempt to discredit a witness who's under care from a mental health professional if you don't know the reason.
Posted by:
ONE witness ??
Thursday, November 12, 2009 8:58 AM
I would like to know if there is more than the one witness: a 21 yearold assistant in the classroom who is under psychiatric care and WHO KNOWS her motivations. Has anyone other than her witness abuse by Martin or Crosby?
Posted by: Get the more FACTS
disgusted
Thursday, November 12, 2009 8:27 AM
i can not believe dd2 is allowing these people to continue to work in our schools.these kids or special. the board will rally together and cover all this up. its a shame we have these problems in our district. please members, do the right thing this time and dont try to hide behind politics. please read the allegations in the post and courier these people did and witnessed and covered it up.
Posted by: disgusted
Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:42 AM
To say that because others did things, this group should get off is laughable and no defense. Kids were endangered if reports are correct. But the larger issue is the conspiracy not to report. The administrators are accused of failing in their legal responsibility. Even if these accused are found innocent now, I bet every other educator in the district will think twice before failing to notify authorities.
Posted by:
Legal Problems
Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:36 AM
Thanks Mr.Pye for not knowing what is going on in your District. Now the taxpayers get drug through the mud with a lawsuit. If you got out of your office once in a while maybe you would know what was going on. Could you at least let us know what the terms are of the settlement so we can plan for a tax increase or maybe you will go out of town that weekend the case is settled like you did when all of this first broke?
Posted by: Dorchester County Taxpayers Association
Can of worms
Thursday, November 12, 2009 6:41 AM
It sounds like this is a "can of worms" that NEEDED to be opened. The physical abuse of a disadvantaged child? Surely you are not proposing that all such incidents be swept under the carpet, as these educators apparently did?
Posted by: Concerned Parent
From Seriously
Thursday, November 12, 2009 6:14 AM
No, I'm not a D.O. employee. I'm just a parent that saw this on the news and read the article and posts. I was appalled at the statements I read and just had to say something. The "aide that ratted" and the comment about these students shouldn't be in the school really upset me. I do believe in innocent until proven guilty, however there must have been enough substance to the allegation to bring charges. These are the most precious children and have every right to be in school and to be safe while they are there.
Posted by:
Can of Worms
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:50 PM
I'm afraid the DD2 has "opened a can of worms." Surely, most staff in the district have witnessed incidents of abuse/neglect of students, just as "Seriously" wrote. If employees of the district decide to reveal these unreported atrocities, the lawyers of the former KES admin, teacher, and assistant will have a field day in court, proving unequal charges against the accused. In addition, remember that the defendants are innocent until convicted.
Posted by:
wow
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:28 PM
why would you say ratted? hum lets look at that again! wow
Posted by:
To: Seriously
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:17 PM
You must be a D.O. employee. It is obvious to me that those comments made by "friends" are probably employees who have seen too many of their colleagues thrown under a bus. I know last year Joe Pye, Roger Edwards, Barbara Stroble knew that SHS cheerleading coach left cheerleaders alone at a hotel in Columbia -youngest was 12. (This happened frequently) 5 students drank alcohol. Is this not abuse/neglect? They did not call police. Are they not mandated reporters? They did not get their mugs plastered in the paper nor were they arrested. They covered it up. There were atleast 16 girls left without adult supervision. How many "counts" would this be?
Posted by:
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:05 PM
as for the comment about kids being in school where they do not belong give me a break! how do you think the parents feel ? what if it was your child? my son has autism and is the sweetest loving caring person and has never hurt anyone. He deserves the same respect
Posted by: mad mother
Real Questions
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 10:02 PM
What's missing in these comments- just like before? It's any hint of concern whether or not children were mistreated. Whether you're fond of these educators or not is irrelevant. There was sufficient evidence that they reneged on their DUTY and LEGAL OBLIGATION when they met and conspired to not report. It's more than an error- it makes them just as guilty as the alleged perpetrator. Pat Raynor, have they been retrained since thy were placed in other jobs of authority supervising other kids? We have to know the answer. If not, DD2 is negligent also.
Posted by: Where is Children in Crisis on this Issue???????
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:48 PM
Posted by: sad
Seriously?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:36 PM
May the "aide who ratted" sleep well tonight. Her allegations were found to be true enough by police investigators and solicitors that charges were filed against those involved. NINE (not one when no one was looking) counts were filed against the assistant. NINE!! In case you don't know, that is NINE separated incidences. THREE counts of neglect/abuse for the teacher and FOUR counts of not reporting it! Come on, people. I know they must be your friends and I'm sure they need friends right now, but be a friend by just being quiet and don't put this ridiculous stuff on here. It makes things worse for them and really makes you look ignorant.
Posted by:
WAY more to this
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:07 PM
Heather has cared for my autistic child both inside and outside of KES for over 5 years. She ALWAYS treated him with respect and his progress is in a large part due to her contributions to his life and advances she pushed in school for him. By the way District 2 hope her employee file re-appears.
Posted by: Know Better
What is the real truth?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:58 PM
I know all of these ladies. They are fine, Christian women. God willing, they will be acquitted and have their lives back. Right now, they are in hell, experiencing the wrath of someone for reason we are not aware. The one witness is another assistant who was alone with Martin when the supposed incident occured. If she's seeing a psychologist, why is she working with autisic kids in a school setting. Did she set out to get Martin's job. From what I know, Heather Martin was well respected by KES and received superior ratings on her evals. The aide who ratted came in April, 09. Sounds a little fishy to me.
Posted by:
No child left behind!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:07 PM
Perhaps the biggest question here is why are we allowing chidren to stay in schools where they do not belong. As a teacher, I am aghast that I will not be supported by my district. Especially, if I have done nothing wrong. When is THE whole story going to be released. The innocent need their slates cleared. Children are restrained almost daily at my school in DD2. Would you rather the other students in the class be harmed, by one unruly child?
Posted by:
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- Boy stolen from popular sculpture
- Dorchester teams notch wins in Week 1
- SC elementary school closed by mold
- 2-year-old Calif. boy killed by car in SC driveway
- South Carolina teacher wins national award
- Re-enactors keep memory of black Civil War troops
- Fort wins opener with Woodland
- Farm Fresh
- Dorchester 2 sets background check policy
- New Rotary Club chartered in Summerville
- SC town moving to ban on illegal immigrants (14)
- SC town moving to ban on illegal immigrants (14)
- SC town moving to ban on illegal immigrants (14)
- SC town moving to ban on illegal immigrants (14)
- SC military veteran accused of killing 2 men (1)
- SC military veteran accused of killing 2 men (1)
- SC military veteran accused of killing 2 men (1)
- SC military veteran accused of killing 2 men (1)
- Green Party US Senate candidate to open SC office
- More high surf, rip currents as Earl passes SC
- 2nd SC sheriff's deputy fired in inmate beating
- SC lawmaker wants to expand safe haven law
- Clemson LB Maye to have arthroscopic knee surgery
- Man arrested in 2005 shooting death of SC man
- Sheheen wants 5 SC governor debates with Haley
- Thieves steal forklifts, then steal ATMs in SC
- Santee Cooper sets comment period on proposed changes to residential leases
- Santee Cooper sets comment period on proposed changes to residential leases
- Educators take part in Santee Cooper energy series
- Santee Cooper organizes 'flash mob' to celebrate major milestone in energy efficiency
- Santee Cooper approves 2010 bond sale
- Santee Cooper President and CEO Lonnie Carter assumes APPA chairmanship
- Santee Cooper hosts annual dinner
- Santee Cooper’s GOFER celebrates 20 years