They were arguing over a basketball game. Boy1 pushed the other. I saw the pushing, hurried over, and was already stepping between them when Boy2 pushed back. They probably would have kept it up because both boys were angry and yelling. The mother of the boy who "pushed back" doesn't feel he should have a detention. I told her both boys were acting in anger and even though her son didn't push first, it was not a defensive move. I was already on the scene and her son had to move forward in order to push the other boy. Both boys are in 6th grade, so it's not like they don't know better. I have a conference with the angry parent tomorrow morning, but I feel it's important to make the detention stand. Any advice would be appreciated. By the way, I'm brand new to the school, so how I handle this is especially important. Up until now, everything has been great.
2007-09-30 11:46:57 · 16 answers · asked by slogirl 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
If your school has a no tolerance policy then they should both recieve a detention. They both broke the rules and they should both be subjected to detention. Have you talked to your principal?
2007-09-30 11:53:37 · answer #1 · answered by laurie12820 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What is the school policy on this? In our neck of the woods, we have a zero tolerance policy, so students get into trouble for pushing, shoving, etc. - even if they say later that it was all in fun or they didn't mean anything. And, even in an instance like this, both students would be punished since there is always the option of walking away (I know... something that bothers those who like to perpetuate the macho image at the expense of civility!).
Also, what are YOUR classroom rules? Do you have a rule like "keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself?" That rule covers a lot of things, and most certainly something like this.
From what you described here, I think you did the right thing.
A bit of advice: let your principal know in case the angry parent wants to go over your head. Principals don't like surprises!
Good luck!
2007-09-30 11:56:20 · answer #2 · answered by DJ76 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not go to a meeting w/o the Principal's support. I would warn them of the situation prior to the meeting too. Maybe you have.
You should look at the school's discipline policy- schools should have it in print in the student handbook.
Many schools have a no tolerance policy- no pushing, hitting, bullying whatsoever. There are other ways to solve problems.
If anything the second boy disregarded your directions to stop. I can assume you didn't stand in between them and say nothing?! So he ignored you and fought back- automatic detention at my school.
2007-09-30 16:53:13 · answer #3 · answered by atheleticman_fan 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not a teacher, but a parent of two public school children, age 16 and 10. I do not think the second hit was a defensive move because you had already separated the two boys. I would see it almost as a new attack.
2007-09-30 11:56:34 · answer #4 · answered by beckymarie2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, a detention is a minor consequence for that behavior. At my school, both boys would have been suspended. The only acceptable behavior for the second boy would have been to walk away.
Have you discussed it with an administrator to get his/her feelilng on the situation? It would probably be a good idea. When you are new, it is always the best thing to cover yourself.
2007-09-30 14:16:37 · answer #5 · answered by jayjay 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They smell the fear in you and the parent probably knows you are new so is willing to question you. Rest assured if another teacher that has been around for 15 years, it would not be an issue. I would tell your principal what happened, what action you are taking and that you would like back up if it is needed.
Geez it's only a detention...a suspension might be another story..Don't be tentative...be calm...and stand your ground
2007-09-30 14:50:53 · answer #6 · answered by go green shirts 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not fear that parent. You are in the right. She wasnt there.
She probably believes the childs story about how he had nothing to do with it. When confronted with an angry parent, keep calm, explain the punishment you have chosen, ask for her help in talking to the student so that it will not happen again. If she continues denying/accusing/blaming (she probably will not) explain that she can see an administrator about the matter. keep it light, thank her for coming and it should be done.
For the most part, once a parent talks to me about a situation and hears it from a source (not their child) they usually agree. My attitude is safety is the most important thing.
2007-09-30 12:45:13 · answer #7 · answered by eastacademic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They both pushed, they should both have the same consequence. You did the right thing.
See if you can get the principal to come and support your decision. Otherwise hold your ground.
If you can look up what the consequence is in the student handbook to show the mother. It is probably more sever than detention.
Good Luck.
2007-09-30 13:51:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the first poster. You need to explain that they BOTH need to learn there is a no tolerance rule and that there are consequences for their actions. Also explain that it is not an out of school suspension, just a detention.
2007-09-30 11:56:47 · answer #9 · answered by cammie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if you explain it like you did here you will be fine. You should discuss this with the Principal or the person in charge of school discipline before talking to the parent to be sure that your school will stand behind you. Good Luck
2007-09-30 13:02:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋