Safety, suspension balanced

Fri., Dec. 2, 2016

I have been in education 41 years, most of those years as a principal. The truth is most kids come to school ready to learn and teachers do an amazing job. Some students come to school with severe issues. They throw chairs, hit students and staff.

Educators try several strategies to help all students stay in school. When safety becomes an issue, then we do suspend the student for two reasons. First, to send a message to the student that the unsafe behavior is not OK. Second, to give the staff time to continue to work on a success plan for the student.

If a child was hurt by another child, the newspaper would be writing an article about why the school was not creating a safe environment. Educators are so passionate and make a positive difference for kids.

Mike Crabtree

Colbert

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