“One person can make a difference and every person should try.” - John F Kennedy
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Update - RESOLUTION 11-2008-08
Commissioner said... It passed with huge support from all the commisioners who were present. Many spoke in favor of the change. Now we must all work together to take it to the state level. That is where it has to be changed.
You are a few years younger than me then. I don't remember it being this bad when I was in school there. Lewis needs to go - now. Never had Medley, but I think everyone was expecting him to be different than the old guard. Guess not. If the parade happens, I will be more than happy to supply the confetti!!! Blue, white, black and gold. Not sure the county has ever been this united over an issue. Too bad this student had to suffer for this to happen.
Yeah, the biggest clique at SCHS when I was up there was the teacher clique. Their opinion of you could make or break you (or so they liked to think). The most useful thing I learned in high school was that I learned how NOT to be just by watching my teachers. Sound like things haven't gotten any better since I left.
I don't know about all of you, but I got enough crass politics from the presidential elections. There is no place for it in a school system.
I still wonder if this parent has so much proof, so many witnesses then why is the school not doing anyhting about this teacher? All of you need to be open to both sides. If even a part of this story was true I am positive Mr. Medley would have dismissed this teacher no questions asked. Maybe ghsparent doesn't have as much as she thinks and that is why the school has won the battle with the teacher staying.
Bothsides, pull your head out of the GHS sand... people on here have posted they saw the teacher grab the kid. GHS, Medley, Lewis and Fox dropped the golden ball on this one. Stop trying to blame the kid and parents. That is what is wrong with our school system no one wants to take any responsibility for it being screwed up!
FIY this was been in the works for awhile on getting this resolution passed. It has been being discussed for months, even before this blog started. There are major problems in this system that need addressing. Lewis seems incapable of having rational conversations to resolve issues. When you have teachers working for years without a contract, and the administration refuses to negotiate you have a major problem. We as a community need to ban together and start working so as soon as the new house and senate members go in they know what the people want addressed. There was a petition started by the NME school group it needs to be out and more signatures added so it can be sent to the state with a packet showing the will of the people. This information needs to be spread state wide if you know people in other counties get them a copy of the resolution and have them take it to there county commissioners. The more pressure they get at the state level the better.
As for the young girl and her parents they are being forced by Lewis and his inability to follow the systems rules into taking legal action. That will be the only way that young lady will ever see true justice for what she has been thru.
I am sure this resolution has been in the works but I think this parent has helped a great deal in getting the information out there. We need to continue to support these parents and their daughter. Would it help if parents called the school, Lewis and Fox to support them? If not what can we do to help them?
jitterbug, I guess I was lucky. I was liked by my teachers and did really well in school. I had a particular teacher that was a favorite of mine that most students really disliked. Thing was, she didn't care about who you were, she just wanted you to learn. The main clique was the teacher from the time I got there (I'm not much older than you) until I graduated. Love the idea of calling Lewis and Fox about this teacher!
allsides, have you considered that these parents aren't releasing all the information they have because this is still going on? I know all parties involved, believe me, this teacher should be gone. Remember, that wasn't what these parents were asking for though. There are a lot of questions that could be raised on here regarding specific situations that have happened during the past few years at GHS, but ghsparent requested that other students not be discussed. I know of a parent who went to the principal twice regarding language this teacher was using, nothing was done. If I recall from basketball season last year, the parents of the other child grabbed filed a complaint also. NO RESOLUTION! If you read the school board policy regarding complaints, the director of schools is required to notify, in writing, the results of the investigation. Problem is, there was never an investigation done. If there had been, then they would have talked to the children involved, parents involved, Armistead, and parents and students who were witnesses. How can you do an investigation without talking to the victims? That is rather one sided, but then that seems to be how they are running this school and the entire SC school system. Time for a house cleaning and start at the very top.
These parents have given a formum by setting up this blog. My point was that people have been working on a change for awhile. Now we have a way to share ideas and actually make things happen. It is hard for one or two to accomplish alot, with eveyones busy lives. but if we all work together we can make things happen. SOME IDEAS Media and drawing attention would probably help these parents alot. Contacting the local tevelision stations, etc. At one time there were letters to the editor in the paper about the NME problem but they have died down. Those would also help to draw attention to the problem. As a group we need to get attention on the problems within this system to help not only this girl, but the many others who are having problem. When you have 5 or 6 lawsuits you know there had to be problems. Where there is smoke there is fire.
I have been reading this blog for several days and I must say it just keeps getting better. This is just a sample of things that have been going on in the school system for a long time. School Board policy specificantly states the procedure to resolve this issue however, Lewis and Fox refuse to permit this to happen for reasons only they know. Lewis and Fox remind me of a third world dictator and his sidekick plotting who they need get rid of next and who deserves their praise. Things will not get better as long as they are there.
It will be tomorrow afternoon before I will get a chance to call (gotta pay the bills), so when someone does call, please let us know on here how it went and who you called. I don't imagine we will get very far with calling GHS (not like Medley will be coming to the phone to listen to complaints), same goes for Lewis and Fox. We need to remember to all contact Weaver so she knows how we feel about this issue.
I agree it is a waste of time to call Lewis or Fox. They wouldn't talk resonably with the parents no one else will get anywhere with them either. None of the principals or supervisors will do anything but what Lewis tells them. They are all just there to do his bidding. As a group our best bet is to start with letters to the editor and the local TV stations. Eddie West was at the commisioners meeting needs to be told that people are interested in this resolution and we want it reported on. It got more attention and reponse than anything else that was discussed. That alone should make it news worthy, for the local paper,
Don't waste your time calling Lewis's office. Fox is claiming they know nothing since this was resolved at the school level. Guess that is their way of keeping this family away from the board. Can anyone tell us how a person gets added to the agenda to address the board? Is Lewis's the only way or does this family have other avenues? Can they file criminal charges against the teacher for assault or has their time run out? Looks like Lewis & Fox are going to let Medley & Armistead take the heat for this blooper.
Lewis keeping things at the school level means the board can not get involved. We witnessed that at the last meeting. Since this family filed formal complaints with Fox our Complaints Coordinator it is no longer at the school level. Maybe our Supervisor of the Year needs to read our school policies before taking parent complaints. Don't let her fool you she knew what was going.
I encourage everyone to read: 1. Policy against harassment and sexual harassment approved 11/21/200. Covers the procedure of the complaint process including retaliation against the victim by the principal. 2. Student concerns, complaints and grievances adopted 10/20/1998. If the complaint involves the principal it goes directly to the complaints coordinator – Janice Fox herself.
It is past the school level so Fox & Lewis need to do their job, if they don’t then the family has the right to go to the board members.
Readers you will have to go to the schools or our Directors office to see the policies they are not online. Student and Employee Rights, grievance procedures and forms can be found in the Smith County Board of Education Policy Manual, posted in the schools or at the Central Office.
Do Lewis and Crew have ghsparent at a stand off? Will they press charges or sue the school district? I dont think so they will step down quietly and take what they were lucky enough to get. Lets not forget they pulled the kid. Now everyone can move on and get back to teaching our kids instead of reading a crazy one sided blog?
ghsfan said QUOTE~ "Now everyone can move on and get back to teaching our kids instead of reading a crazy one sided blog?"
So does this mean that YOU ARE a teacher? If so, are you admitting that you haven't been doing your job? Furthermore... This is a public blog, all sides are allowed to post their opinions and point of view, the only problem with you is that you refuse to make a point. All you seem to be able to do is parrot of the same old post time after time.
NO JB I am not a teacher. Yes this is public but the only side being heard is queen moms not the teachers, principals or administration. If all of them were talking you would be calling the state. I dont think it is fair for this parent to be attacking everyone when they can not respond. Even you can see that side...
"JB" has a nice ring to it! Why don't you do your own investigation and then fill us in on what you find out! Also, can you please explain to me how telling your side of a story is considered an attack? I haven't found one abusive statement against any of the involved parties on this blog that was made by ghsparent. I only see where she has tried to carefully tell her side, with really to little of the incriminating facts, IMO. If I am wrong, please point it out to me. The posts ghsparent has made on here could have just as easily been printed as a Letter to the Editor. A far as myself seeing any side, I am always open to all sides, (I'm a tend to not conform to the majority, remember), and in this situation, based on my knowledge of past experiences with Lewis, based on what I know of this family, and the track record of the SC school board, and the fact that this is not an isolated incident, I have to side with the weaker party as the victim and that would be the daughter of ghsparent. Until someone can point me in another direction, I will continue to encourage an open and honest discussion here about what really happens in school around here.
Education should be an opportunity equal to all, regardless of race, religion/ lack there of, sexual preference, a coach's child or not, teacher's child or not, Dr.'s child or not, preps, grunge, burnouts, virgins, non-virgins, cheerleaders, teenage parents, jocks, geeks, pierced, tattoos or not, name brands or Walmart. Not only that but education should be a fun experience that ultimately produces a life long love of learning and not just temporary "straight As" on a school board "report card" due to standardized test scores.
I took the advise on here and called and spoke with Fox today. I have to admit to being totally confused by this woman. She laid all the blame at both Armistead and Medley's feet. According to her, she knew nothing about their being any other complaints filed against this coach. She said she also thought this had been resolved. When I told her how appalled I was at this teacher grabbed and pushed these two students, and I felt that the teacher should have been punished, she said they were not going to allow parents to dictate what punishment, if any, a teacher received. She also said she thought an apology had been issued and that should have closed the matter. When I asked her if the assult of two students in a gym full of people required no more than a "Sorry", what did a teacher have to do to deserve a more severe, if any, punishment? No answer there. Does this mean all a teacher has to do is say "Sorry" and everything they do wrong just goes away? I was just blown away. She said she was unaware of any problems until the end of July and has done an investigation. How could she have done an investigation when you never spoke to the victim? She didn't have any answers to that question. Blamed Armistead the most. She said they totally back Medley in whatever he chose to do. I asked then what the next steps were in complaints if you didn't agree? Again, the run around with no answers. I also questioned her about the fact the school system didn't follow their own policies regarding a resolution to this matter and she wouldn't even discuss the issue or what the policies are. Everyone needs to call her and talk to her yourself if you want to know exactly what kind of run around these parents have gotten. I wanted to hear as much of the school system's side regarding the following of policies as possible, but she wouldn't even give me a direct answer regarding the fact they didn't follow them. She just kept saying how wonderful Lewis was and how he just got things done. Brought up a few other things going on at the school and she claimed to not know about any of it. Only way that is possible is if her head is in the sand.
Everyone, please call and hear this for yourself. You will be amamzed also. And for everyone who has called cheerleading an "activity" according to her, it is considered a sport by the school system and therefore falls under the pervue of the Athletic Director (who happens to be Armistead). No conflict there. She mentioned that the coach MUST be a school employee, but is that the case at SCHS? Just wondering because I didn't think the coach for the football cheerleaders was employeed by the school. I would say I wasted my time today, however, I now know for myself a small portion of what these parents have been dealing with. WHAT A MESS!!
Ghsfan, guess ghsparent has spoken the truth! Why is Fox disclosing what happened to this teacher and student? Is anything private in this school system? This kid is a minor how can she talk openly about this situation? The parents started this forum but that does not give the central office the freedom to talk openly about their child, her punishment or the teachers. It shocks me to know that she is the complaints coordinator and is openly talking about a student to complete strangers. WOW!
This just gets better everyday... Fox can you say FERPA... Better read up on the policy book you have at the office before taking anymore calls. I will be laughing for days on Lewis gets the job done. GIT-R-DONE Lewis.
Hey JB gettin the ticker tape ready this is going to be a big win for ghsparent.
As a parent. I personally wouldn't have a problem with Fox telling someone that things were being handled on the "school level", as long as she stopped there and didn't go into great detail about the situation, esp. considering that, I am sure she knows what ghsparent has shared here, I would however have a problem with her stories not matching and with the fact that she has a problem with "parent involvement" "if any" in such a serious situation. But that's just me. Also, the apology should have been followed up with, in the least. She really should be more responsible for her staff and the board policies.
Handled at the school level was all she should have said. Regardless of what the parent has shared on here she should not disclose anything else. Does she think they are so untouchable that she can act like a loose cannon? The board needs to step in and help resolve this for the parents, the student and now the teacher. This discussion was out of line no other way around it.
Fox is really good at getting people confused! She is good at babbling on and on and on and never gets to the point! She is a good talker, I will give her that! But, talking to someone about another child's situation? It sounds like they need to go after Fox now! Keep the fight going! Everyday is a step closer to better education in Smith County!
QUOTE~"Regardless of what the parent has shared on here she should not disclose anything else."
I totally agree, I just was emphasizing that she is well aware of what has been disclosed on this blog and with that knowledge, she should stop treating everyone who calls her like idiots. I should have gone into more detail as to what I meant, but I had to go stir the chili!
I explained to her that I had read this blog completely (she says she has not read it), and told her how I felt about certain points. One point was that Medley called these parents that late at night and that he was going to use this child as a example and she said that he never said that. She did tell me that the teacher had apologized, but come to think of it, never said who to. She also told me that the teacher had denied ever discussing the child medical issues. I pointedly asked questions regarding things on here and she would answer some she would give and some she would just say she couldn't answer due to the FERPA Law. She said the parents were emotional regarding this and she wasn't sure if there would ever be a solution that would be suitable to them. She also said she wasn't sure the parents still had the time frame to press charges against the teacher if they chose to do so. Like I said she did acknowledge it was her understanding that the teacher had apologized. When I questioned her about the "Sorry" comment, she said she would think being called into the director's office would be scary enough - can someone explain that to me?? She kept talking about how great Lewis was and how he "got things done". She kept saying it was being handled at the school level, but if that were the case why would she investigate anything and why would the coach be called into Lewis' office?? She contradicted herself on several occassions. I did ask if an investigation was done, why was the victim not spoken to, and there was no answer. She did keep saying this had been taken care of. Seriously, everyone needs to call for yourselves. If you doubt any of what these parents said, you won't after you speak to her. Does anyone know the answer to my question regarding the coach having to be a school employee?
School board policy states for issues such as this to be settled at lowest level possible to the satifaction of all parties. If the parties involved are not satified then it passed to the next highest level of authority. The order of authority is the principal, Fox, Lewis, school board.
When I was in school, if I remember correctly, a coach did have to hold a teaching position. The coaches I had were the also the worst teachers I had. One stayed drunk half the time, another had so little patience with kids that he would throw erasers at them to get their attention, and one kept his feet on the desk for most of the class and he was just an all around jerk even to his team. I did have two coaches for teachers that did a reasonable job, considering I always felt like they were all coaches first and a teacher second.
Ms. Fox repeat after me "NO COMMENT - I CANNOT discuss the punishment or issue of the teacher or student involved." Now say that ten times before you ever answer a phone on behalf of our school system again.
Any school board member can place someone on the agenda. The policy that you need to look at is Student Concerns, Complaints and Grievances. If you go and ask to see the policy it is likely they will tell you they do not have the time to get it and to come back later. This is information they do not want the public to know.
I don't understand why there isn't a copy of all school board policies readily available to the public. What should they have to hide. Why does this seem to be such a control issue. Do parents really have this little control over what happens during their child's education? Do the teachers have more rights than the parent/child?
Jitterbug - it would shock you. Try getting a copy of any policy they are under lock and key in Lewis's office. You can only view them after you talk to him. So yes it is a control issue. He wants to figure out if he should be concerned before he lets you see them. If it is something he can sweep under the rug then you can view them if not he will try to fix the problem so you forget about seeing them.
Any one board member can request to allow a person to address the board for a specific amount of time or place someone on the agenda for the next meeting. The problem is convincing a board member to get invoved. Lewis would try to block this any way he could but if a board member demanded that it be placed on the agenda there is nothing he could do about it.
Wish I could be a fly on the wall in Lewis's office tomorrow. How do you think Bellar will handle this mess now? If they dont have an attorney they need to get one now.
Bellar is their attorney and is on retainer all the time. It won't matter at all they can just drag it out if the parents actually file. Bellar likes the school systems money and he really dosen't care how it turns out. Because he still gets paid no matter and the longer it takes the more he makes.
You are right the coach at SCHS cheerleaders is not a school system employee. But she is married to a coach so maybe that makes it work, all in the family isn't that how Lewis runs it.
First off, it was a very LONG conversation (almost 2 hours). I address a lot of issues brought up on the blog and some that were not. Again, she said she didn't read the blog, but that I needed to understand that the information put on here was based on just this parent's side of the story. I advised she read the blog, she would then understand there were people who admitted they had witnessed the incident and how great the anger was at how this had been handled. This would have been where Armistead went under the bus again... I asked her if Medley was the AD, why wasn't he brought in at this time and help resolve this situation? She said she had no idea. He should have. Her answer was that they were not provided any witnesses to question (I guess that victims don't count as witnesses to their own assult). At that point I asked again about the investigation and she said she had completed one. I told her I was confused as to why she would do an investigation when this was being handled at the school level and how it was completed without speaking to the child. Silence was my answer. Anyone else confused by that? I was and told her so. I told her I had never heard of an investigation where you don't question the victim. I told her what I thought about any teacher/coach who would ever think of repeating what she had about this child and that alone should constitute a dismissal. She said the teacher never said this. Again, who did they ask about it? Just the teacher? Talk about one sided. Again, I was told Lewis got things done. I told her that this blog had caused all the problems that have been brewing at GHS to surface and it was just snowballing out of control. She said they knew that, but they were backing Medley on his decision. I addressed a lot of things not on this blog and she claimed to not know anything about any of them. Told her she was one of the few in the county who didn't.
Anonymous, don't want to cause any problems at SCHS, but according to Fox, any coach MUST be a school employee. Want to bet she doesn't take any more calls??? I wasn't rude, I just asked questions regarding policy. Lots of questions about policy. She said the policy regarding teachers handling students was a state one. Then who do you go to? From what she said, they consider this closed. Lewis, Lewis, Lewis that was all she kept talking about.
Have the parents ever contacted the board members and tried to get on the ajenda? I know when this blog first started the new members left contact information on here. Did the parents try that route? Just wondering. It just looks like things will keep going this way until the board members get a grip on Lewis and his personel picks to run this system,
If you go to the SCHS web site there are several coaches who are not listed as teachers or other employees. Are they considered "school system employees if the are coaching "staff"?
FYI the SCHS cheer sponsor is a teacher of the school. If Fox is talking does that mean the parents can start giving us an update? I assume their silence started with the hush hush meeting. Has anyone else heard anything from the parents? Also heard cheer practice at GHS has been cancelled all week. Was the return of this young lady to much for the coach?
My first visit all I can say is WOW. First this family needs to get an attorney fast. Second the teacher needs an attorney to sue the pants off Fox for disclosing her punishment. Third someone needs to tell FOX that no one in her position should disclose anything on the phone. What if the person on the other line was from the media?
I hadn't visited the blog because I felt it would be one-sided but after reading everything on here the board needs to step in. If these parents haven't called the board I suggest the board members take the proper steps in contacting them. The longer this goes on the worse it is getting for the school district, this is becoming a legal nightmare that even Lewis won’t be able to bury.
Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. How do we know that Ms. Fox said all this? Just another onesided story for all to read without her being able to defend herself. I DO NOT beleive a professional in this position would act this way. She has been in this position to long. A 2 hour conversation come in you expect us to beleive that?
First off, I think I should make sure everyone understands, I told this woman about the behavior I have personally witnessed by this teacher/coach and then I questioned this woman regarding policies. I simply told her what I thought of how the teacher had behaved at that particular ballgame and what I thought of her behavior regarding other cheerleaders. I told her I had spoken personally with some of them and knew how they felt they had been treated and how she had spoken to them. She claimed to be unaware of any issues with any other cheerleaders since this coach took over (funny, everyone else seemed to know). I also told her how I felt about how a lot of things had been mishandled at the school. Again, she claims to have no knowledge of any of the things I was referring to. Guess in addition to this blog, she must not read the Courier either. How can the SBOE not be aware of problems that are as public knowledge as the team records in the county? This makes no sense to me. I did not get into an argument with this woman, but I did let her know how disgraceful I felt it was that: one, this teacher was not reprimaned any more severely than she was. Even leaving this at the school level, when Lewis and Fox became aware of this teacher's actions, they should have stepped in and fixed it immediately. If as she states they were not aware of any problems then my advise to them is that they need to get out and talk to parents more. I do not understand standing behind a principal's decision simply because you feel you have to support him. Armistead and Medley were both wrong. No matter what Medley says, as the AD he was aware of what happened and chose to stand aside and let this child suffer. I questioned Fox about the view of Medley that as AD the cheerleaders, and any problems with them, were not his concern. She said that "yes, they were. Cheerleaders are considered to be athletes the same as football, basketball, ect." Two: the fact that the saying "what do you expect, it is Gordonsville and will never change" has been said for years. She said she hated that it was like that, but that changes had been made. Three: I am aware of the nature of the slander this teacher was saying about this child. Even though these parents haven't given details, it is well known what she said and to put it mildly, it was disgraceful and a personal attack on this child's morals, not to mention it is just plain wrong for a teacher to gossip about a student with other students. I told Fox that alone was cause for dismissal. She again said it never happened, but who did she talk to? She kept talking about her investigation, but other than the teacher, Armistead, and maybe Medley, I don't believe she has spoken to anyone. She did disclose more than she should have. Maybe it was because I was questioning her about specific policies and expressing my opinion on how things have been handled, not only about this but also about other things that have been let go for years and overlooked at this school. Her response was, now there is a new principal. He was the AD before and is just as much a part of the "in crowd" as Armistead is. Four: It is my personal opinion that the main reason they don't have more parents camped out in their offices is the fact that parents are afraid of retaliation against either their child or close family members. To give her credit, she did not disagree that it probably does happen on some level in the schools. She didn't go so far as to admit it, but she didn't deny it either. Even though she assured me that the conversation was confidential, I am aware there is a very good possiblity that my conversation was recorded, and I don't mind. That is why I am willing to state what was discussed.
Again, I encourage everyone to call her or Lewis, however, after my posts about my conversations with her, expect her to be unavailable or to receive a "No comment". She will probably get to feel the wrath of Lewis today. That should be interesting to say the least. P.S. Sorry my post are so long, but I want everyone to understand how much I vented to this woman.
ghsfan, would you like to know the time it began and ended? it is called cell phone records, therefore, oh, my gosh, proof for you. or do you think those are fake too? Just out of curosity, if I hadn't spoken to her, how would I have known about the apology, them considering it resolved, and the teacher/coach being called into Lewis' office? Did anyone else know about that one?
Guess that rule must only apply to GHS. Why would there be different rules regarding that? Just a thought. Has anyone else called Fox or any of the other places recommended to call?
ghsfan, if you think this is all onesided, then why aren't you calling yourself? are you afraid you will find out the mom you keep referring to as "Queen Mom" is telling the truth? You should call and then post the content of your conversation. After finding out about this blog on Sunday I got online and read all of it. You are taking this as personally as the parents whose daughter was assulted. Why is that? You can't just be a blog reader. You are actually calling the mom involved names for standing up for her child. Worse of all, you are referring to a child that was grabbed and shoved by her coach as a "Princess". Sorry, but like someone posted on another section, I honestly believe you are either this teacher/coach, or someone closely related to her. No one else is taking this personally and attacking the child as well as the parents. Everyone else is voicing their opinions regarding how this was all handled, the state of the school system, and the problems they have had dealing with the Director of Schools.
Onlooker-Thank you for your considerate post and for calling Fox
CommandersMom said.. QUOTE~ "I honestly believe you are either this teacher/coach, or someone closely related to her."
ghsfan~ I totally agree with CommandersMom, you are way to personal to not be involved it some way. I, myself, even suggested that you do your own investigation and share what you find with us, but evidently you have no desire to that.
Even if you disagree with ghsparent, surely you can't disagree with the fact that something needs to change with the school system. After so many concerns have been and continue to be posted here, all you seem to do is bash this family.
Do us all a favor and either do your own investigation and let us know what you find, if you find that ghsparent and all the others on here are telling the truth, I swear, I won't rub it in your face! Otherwise, do us all a bigger favor and don't come back here.
ghsfan~ The more I think about the things you say on here the more warped they seem to me. You are so worried about the reputation of these public employees that you fail to care about the child.
If a teacher suspected a parent of abuse, then social services would be called and a real investigation would be done. If allegations were serious enough, the child could be removed from their home. Even if it proved to be untrue the child would be the one in need of defending (pointing that out because you consistently say that the teachers have know way of defending themselves).
My point is though, when a teacher suspects a parent of something, then everyone is on board and wants an investigation (in the best interest of the child), but if a parent questions a teacher, then it must not be true? Doesn't this seem ass backward to anyone else but me?
justamom if your last name is not Armistead, Medley, or Vaden then don't expect to much. Unless you are related to, married into or go to church with them you are a nobody. That is a well know fact at GES, GJHS and GHS.
I'll admit I am impressed with the results of the systems report card. Titles, however, don't impress me, since I am not entirely sure how one comes to the conclusion that a person deserves such a title as Supervisor of the Year.
This is not the result of you investigation into real life issues I hope.
The standardized grading of a system which is the ultimately result of the hard work of the students, and their parents and teachers, have no bearing on the handling of this situation and others like it. Janice Fox could be First Lady and that still wouldn't excuse the apparent mishandling of this situation.
Like I said before, make a real point or leave the forum.
Fox and Lewis can win all of the titles they want. The facts are the students make the grades and the teachers (most of who are unhappy with their leadership) do the teaching. Lewis and Fox are a disgrace not only to the system but to the county and their profession, because of their inability to address this and many other problems in the system.
ghsfan you have made it clear you are on the inside with Lewis and we all get it, you are one of his chose ones we are so happy for you. But is the real world Lewis and Fox are making this system a mess and a disgrace. They are breaking their own rules and putting the education of children in last place to keep their friends happy. They are suspose to be in the business of education, clearly they are in help your freinds and family and forget what is right and what the rules say. We can change them and lie about them to fit our needs.
In response to anonymous,there are a few other names that could be thrown in there but I won't,but what you said is exactly true.Wonder if this had happened to one of those names what would have been done?
Anonymous if that were true then this kid would be somebody wouldnt she. See what I mean about you people just randomly attacking respectable people in our community without knowing what you are talking about. Stop bashing the leaders of GES, GJHS and GHS.
JB if these parents had proof of the supposed assault dont you think they would have already pressed charges? The only reason this has gone on for 10 months is because they have no proof. Plain and Simple.
I am amazed someone else called the BOE to talk about this situation. Unless you are directly involved it is not your place to call. I guess ghs fan should not talk because everyone thinks he/she is related to the teacher. WHat about all the people who are for ghs parent are they related or know her. DO they know all about her. She seems to enjoy putting all this out about the teacher, but never lets on to who she is. If some people knew her for what she really was, a pathological liar, then you wouldn't be so supportive. I personally know of several lawsuits she has attempted. Did anyone know her daughter did not get co captain and that is when all this stuff started. How many of you on this site personally with your own eyes saw this teacher assualt this child. I know many who said it never happened. THey were at that game too. It is a shame that people will call others names for taking up for someone. But I can bet that I will be called names for calling ghs parent a pathological liar. can't wait to read what is said about me. Keep it up ghs fan, at least you seem to have a mind of your own.
Unless ghsparent has over 1400 family members and friends then I would guess they aren’t backing her for that reason. How about you fill us in on how many lawsuits this family has filed because from this blog they aren’t filing against the school. When all of this happened her daughter was captain so why would she care if she got co-captain? If what you are saying is true then we must believe that this mother forced this teacher to grab her daughter, shove her and start or be part of a terrible rumor all because her daughter didn’t get co-captain. Pathologic liar that is laughable considering our own supervisor of instruction backed up her story. Just like ghsfan you are making your attack personal for what reason?
I would just like for everyone to know that the "Director of the Year" award is just past around to all the members and it was Lewis' turn this year and the "Supervisor of the year"? What a joke! Fox was the only one that would fill out all of the paperwork and that is why she won! She is very good at taking credit for things just to make herself look good. IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE!!!!!
I saw her grab and shove both girls. Incase you forgot this is a public school system all parents have a right to question what is going on in the schools. How dare you attack this mother by name calling. ghsparent I am emailing you and if you need me to testify just call. I have more information about this teacher then what has been even posted on this blog.
Fan of ghs I personally witnessed this teacher grabbing & pushing these girls and the childish act of the asst. coach. I agree with jitterbug this mother has not bashed, attack or done any name calling on this blog. She never even named the coach. The only name calling has been from posters, ghsfan and now you.
Hey fan tell us all about the several lawsuits this mother has attempted to file we would love to hear about it or are you just like ghsfan full of it....
Fan of ghsfan you are wrong about this family and especially this parent. As a cheerleading parent I can tell you that captains and co-captains are selected in the spring not the winter or right before football season. Her daughter not being co-captain has nothing to do with the way this teacher has acted towards this family and their child. She has had it out for this mom and her both her daughters since she took over. You have only heard the things she said about this child when in fact this teacher has said things about both her girls, other cheerleaders and their parents to students, parents, and other staff members. If any of you knew even half of what the cheerleaders and their parents have had to put up with from this teacher you would be shocked. .
A lot of you have asked why we haven’t came forward to do something about this teacher several of us did back in January, February, and April nothing was done. These parents choose to keep fighting because the more the teacher got away with the more she said. I can tell you after the retaliation we have seen towards this girl and her family the rest of us just keep quiet in fear our children will be next. A lot of the parents don’t go the games and we are not as involved as we use to be due to the fact we don’t want any confrontation with this coach. We all know who this mom is just like we know who the teacher is. No one needs to name names we aren't stupid.
fan of ghsfan just like ghsfan you trash this child and her mom but have no details. You think the parents of this county whose children sit in this teachers class have no say and should mind there own business? How would you feel if the school system you trust to teach and care for your children treated you and your children like they have this family?
ghsparent you ready to take down the blog so this poor teacher can get back to her life? Looks like the truth about you is coming out. We all know you are just mad the princess DID NOT get co-captain so you are trying to get this teacher fired. People that live in glass houses shouldnt throw stones.
ghsfan What planet are you on? If you look at the number of people who have stated that they saw this happen, how can you claim it is parents who are unhappy with her over a cap. position? Even if you believe that you have to agree that there have been numerous problems within the system brought out on this blog. If you are anywhere in Smith County you have to know that the majority of the people are unhappy with Lewis' leadership. You also have to acknowledge that the county has major problems, due to the number a problems that have been addresses. Not even including the number of lawsuits filed against the county. The problems with the school system are wide spread and the majority of the teachers are unhappy, but will not speak out in public for fear of retaliation. If you talk to them they will tell you how out of hand Lewis and Fox are and how out of touch they are with what is really going on. You and your fan are the only ones who want to bash on this blog, the others here want a change to make things better for the students. You come across as wanting to defend you pals.
Don't take down the blog!!! We need a place to address the problems in our system. This is a great way to get the word out. Just like the resolution, I would probably never had known about it if it wasn't for this blog. I am happy to know that people are working for a change. We know Lewis had the board in his pocket and we can only hope the new board members will stand up for the students. They are suspose to be Lewis' boss and that hadn't happened in years, lets hope these new members make change happen. Because the ones who are being hurt are the students. We have already lost many teacher to other counties because on Lewis and Fox, and many more will leave if things don't improve. This blog give a public forum for envoking change, lets hopr it begins with Lewis and Fox out the doors.
Keep This Blog Going!! May Lewis and Fox and his little girls be on their way out. Start on our elected officals to put the power back with the people.
Everyone please continue to talk to others about the unresponsiveness of our county superintendent of schools, Lewis. When he does respond in private it is condesending and arrogant. In public his persona is much different. He is very good at this public display and controlling all others aspects that happen. Other counties have public records open to the public online. Our board was told that it was too expensive to put online yet he supposedly took county money and paid the School Bd Association over $2,000 to do so.(where did that money really go?) Let's ask more questions about everthing. Next board meeting is Tues. Nov. 18. Join the NMS bunch in trying to bring about change. By the way, Smith Co. schools have always done well against surrounding counties and in producing top students. Our children now have become great at test-taking, big yea. They and most of the teachers here always rise to the challenge. Do not let Lewis and Fox take the credit because all they did is spend money on things like pretty furniture and items for their offices. The teachers, students and parents should be congratulated instead for delivering as requested once again!!!
This is so much bigger then a cheerleading spot open your eyes. Ghsfan and your fan these parents aren't upset about their child not getting co-captain...GET REAL. The coach grabbed these students at a game in January the team already had a captain and co-captain. In May the coach again singled this child out not the parents. In July they pulled their daughter after knowledge that the coach started or was apart of a horrible rumor referencing their child. This doesn’t sound like sue happy pathological liars to me, it sounds like parents that want justice for their child after a coach crossed the line.
The coach started the reputation attacks and public bashing against the cheerleaders, a student and her family. I have heard the stories of what has been said about this girl, her family and the cheerleaders by this coach. Being a school employee she should be fired. I wonder how many of you would stand for this women referring to your child in an inappropriate manner to other students, parents and faculty. This is a complete misuse of power by the administration and the coach. There should have completed a investigation into the matter as stated by school board policy. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Medley need to talk to the family and rectify this immediately. You also need to remind Ms. Fox not to talk about other students complaints to complete strangers. She might need a refresher course in school board policy since she is our complaints coordinator.
An assault on a minor is a criminal offense, even by an teacher and is not justified under any circumstances. Even misbehavior. File a complaint of abuse with your local child protection services. Another option is to file a criminal complaint with the police. If this behavior is allowed to continue, another student may suffer greater harm. Do not expect anything from the principal of the school- they are there to protect the teacher in such cases. You need to go to the agencies designated to handle these matters carefully.
With that said, ANY adult employee of the school who witnessed any sort of physical attack on a student at ANY appreciable level, would generally be a MANDATED reporter, by law, and could face serious legal troubles of their own if they witnessed or knew of the incident and failed in their obligation to report it.
ghsfan, just so we will know, how many witnesses do you require before you would admit she did exactly what these parents said? remember, on here, there are not only cheerleading parents who saw it, but bball parents too. this teacher had no business having any type of authority over anyone to begin with. I have to admit, you and your fan are the only ones who seem to fail to understand, the coach has never denied she did it. that is what is so amazing! you are defending a woman who has admitted to abusing a child! What does that say about you and your fan?
Lawyer, Do you know if any way these people can force Lewis to but them or anyone who wants to address the board on the agenda? I had a teacher tell me yesterday if they had an issue that they felt the principal did not resolve. they were out of luck. Because the only way to get on the agenda was thru Lewis and he always refuses. The teacher also stated that you would have problems from then on because you dared to question Lewis. They also said if you spoke up in disagreement of Lewis and he made your job misserable. I ask how? They said the principal and Fox would be on you all the time about nothing, just anonymous complaits constantly. It seems to me that there should be some type of law that would allow a citizen to address the board? But then again maybe there is and Lewis just ignores it like he dose anything he dosen't agree with. It is a shame what a mess this system is in, because we have allowed it to become a dictatorship, under Lewis.
If the pricipal is there for the teacher in this situation then who is there for the child? Shouldn’t that person be Ms. Fox being the complaints coordinator? What exactly is the complaints coordinators job description? What is Mr. Lewis's responsibilty in all of this?
Anonymous read the comments she didn’t do anything but that came from several different posters on the blog. So much for one sided "BS". Are you calling the taxpayer and residents of Smith County "Stupid People in Large Groups"? Just wondering…you must be a friend of ghsfan or maybe his one fan. Welcome to the blog we like to get all sides of the story.
Why don't people just get over this? From what I have been told the girl quit the squad, which means she should be out for 365 just like on other teams, but they have let her come back to cheer for basketball. 1. If she was treated so bad why would she want to come back, and 2.If the parents are so pissed off about it why would they let their child go back to being under the leadership of the coach? Also I thought if she was allowed back on the team this blog was supposed to stop and it hasn't and the school and school system continues to be put down. Honestly this is not the first time a child has been pushed or talked down to in a sport and YES it does happen to employees of the school. I have seen this with my own eyes, but yet they have never caused an issue like this one. If we want such a change out of our school system why don't we stop bashing them and give them the support they need and deserve. How can they deal with real issues making decisions for the school if they have to worry bout angry moms all the time? There is no reason to judge them let them do their jobs and you do yours whatever that may be. Teaching is not easy and I'm sure if you tried it for one day you would change you view about it. Kids these days have no respect for anyone and give them trouble daily. I think it is time to grow up and stop trying to ruin everyone’s reputation and stop playing these childish games and writing blogs about everyone that is what teenagers do on MySpace.
Quote "I think it is time to grow up and stop trying to ruin everyone’s reputation and stop playing these childish games and writing blogs about everyone that is what teenagers do on MySpace."
I agree that teenagers do bad mouth people and show a complete lack of respect. Wait a minute that is exactly what a GJHS teacher did to a 16 year old girl. Who needs to grow up the parents or the teacher who GRABED, SHOVED AND STARTED RUMORS ABOUT A 16 YR OLD. Another thing it is and never will be ok for a teacher to grab a child that is called CHILD ABUSE. If you are ok with that then I pray you are not a teacher, principal or administer for our school district.
FYI – Athletes at G-Ville quit all the time and are allowed to come back the same season. No one has had to sit out for 365 so I am really not sure where you are getting your information. Why would the parents be required to take down the blog they still do have rights. I am pretty sure they didn’t agree to sell their souls for a cheerleading spot.
Quote “Honestly this is not the first time a child has been pushed or talked down to in a sport and YES it does happen to employees of the school. I have seen this with my own eyes, but yet they have never caused an issue like this one.”
You are saying that students at GHS are talked down to and pushed all the time. So are we to believe that school officials at GHS are allowing teachers and coaches to verbally and physically abuse children and NO ONE is reporting it to the proper authorities? Maybe it needs to become an issue…. Oh wait it already has. Keep fighting ghsparent you got my support!!!!
ghsparent it was great seeing your daughter back on the floor. The beam of her smile had to be worth the fight. Keep fighting for change our schools and children are worth the fight.
Anonymous can you tell us what happens to students that push, shove or grab teachers at GJHS or GHS. Is there any punishment? It appears you have the inside track or why would you say the parents agreed to take down the blog? Since it is still up maybe Lewis and staff didn't hold up there end of the bargain? Finally Lewis meets his match and these parents aren’t putting up with him trying to bully them around. Maybe the NME group and these parents are opening the eyes of our county to just how bad the support for our teachers and students from Lewis is. Maybe our schools will get the change they need with NO LEWIS OR FOX.
The girl didn't quit her parents pulled her. We need to examine the reason the parents pulled her and what made them get to that point instead of what the girl did wrong. From what I was told there were a lot of reasons that escalated to the point where the parents had to pull her until the school addressed the issues. Doesn't appear they have because the teacher got away with everything scott free.
ghsparent requested that specifics of other children be left off the blog. That is part of the problem as a whole, people who are supposed to be adults don't know how to communicate in a way that is in the best interest of children. Leave the kids out of it, they can't help what the adults are doing.
ghsfan...”Queen Mom” is guiding us to the state. Guess one person can a difference. Looks like our uneducated mom is schooling Lewis & Friends….lmao
ReplyDeletepaws101~ Do you think we can get a banner or a new road sign for ghsparent when there is a "win at state"? ;)
ReplyDelete2008-2009 STATE CHAMP! NO MORE APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS! DEBATED BLOG HELPS WIN VOTES FOR THE PEOPLE!
jitterbug, maybe they should hang ghsparent's state championship sign under the football one. Wouldn't that be a hoot!! lol
ReplyDeleteOops, put this under the wrong section the first time! lol
QUOTE~"Oops, put this under the wrong section the first time! lol"
ReplyDeleteNo biggie, I saw you, like I said, you read my mind.
That would be a HOOT!!! Can we have a victory ticker tape parade too?
ReplyDeletepaw101 said...QUOTE~
ReplyDelete"That would be a HOOT!!! Can we have a victory ticker tape parade too?"
Yeah, but remember, I'm an SCHS grad and this victory will be a shared one, so we'd have to have it somewhere in the middle.
Paws 101 - FYI this uneducated mom has an engineering degree.
ReplyDeleteMeet you in the middle Jitterbug, how bout at Lewis's office? We can hit your side and end in G-ville for the new sign unveiling...lol.
ReplyDeletetrueblue - I was being sarcastic to ghsfan in calling ghsparent uneducated. No disrespect towards her.
ok, jitterbug, what year did you graduate? I am an SCHS grad too
ReplyDelete1992
ReplyDeleteYou are a few years younger than me then. I don't remember it being this bad when I was in school there. Lewis needs to go - now. Never had Medley, but I think everyone was expecting him to be different than the old guard. Guess not. If the parade happens, I will be more than happy to supply the confetti!!! Blue, white, black and gold. Not sure the county has ever been this united over an issue. Too bad this student had to suffer for this to happen.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the biggest clique at SCHS when I was up there was the teacher clique. Their opinion of you could make or break you (or so they liked to think). The most useful thing I learned in high school was that I learned how NOT to be just by watching my teachers. Sound like things haven't gotten any better since I left.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about all of you, but I got enough crass politics from the presidential elections. There is no place for it in a school system.
I still wonder if this parent has so much proof, so many witnesses then why is the school not doing anyhting about this teacher? All of you need to be open to both sides. If even a part of this story was true I am positive Mr. Medley would have dismissed this teacher no questions asked. Maybe ghsparent doesn't have as much as she thinks and that is why the school has won the battle with the teacher staying.
ReplyDeleteBothsides, pull your head out of the GHS sand... people on here have posted they saw the teacher grab the kid. GHS, Medley, Lewis and Fox dropped the golden ball on this one. Stop trying to blame the kid and parents. That is what is wrong with our school system no one wants to take any responsibility for it being screwed up!
ReplyDeletethat was for allsides(my bad).
ReplyDeleteFIY this was been in the works for awhile on getting this resolution passed. It has been being discussed for months, even before this blog started. There are major problems in this system that need addressing. Lewis seems incapable of having rational conversations to resolve issues. When you have teachers working for years without a contract, and the administration refuses to negotiate you have a major problem. We as a community need to ban together and start working so as soon as the new house and senate members go in they know what the people want addressed. There was a petition started by the NME school group it needs to be out and more signatures added so it can be sent to the state with a packet showing the will of the people. This information needs to be spread state wide if you know people in other counties get them a copy of the resolution and have them take it to there county commissioners. The more pressure they get at the state level the better.
ReplyDeleteAs for the young girl and her parents they are being forced by Lewis and his inability to follow the systems rules into taking legal action. That will be the only way that young lady will ever see true justice for what she has been thru.
I am sure this resolution has been in the works but I think this parent has helped a great deal in getting the information out there. We need to continue to support these parents and their daughter. Would it help if parents called the school, Lewis and Fox to support them? If not what can we do to help them?
ReplyDeleteCitizen, who do we need to start calling now?
ReplyDeletejitterbug, I guess I was lucky. I was liked by my teachers and did really well in school. I had a particular teacher that was a favorite of mine that most students really disliked. Thing was, she didn't care about who you were, she just wanted you to learn. The main clique was the teacher from the time I got there (I'm not much older than you) until I graduated. Love the idea of calling Lewis and Fox about this teacher!
ReplyDeleteallsides, have you considered that these parents aren't releasing all the information they have because this is still going on? I know all parties involved, believe me, this teacher should be gone. Remember, that wasn't what these parents were asking for though. There are a lot of questions that could be raised on here regarding specific situations that have happened during the past few years at GHS, but ghsparent requested that other students not be discussed. I know of a parent who went to the principal twice regarding language this teacher was using, nothing was done. If I recall from basketball season last year, the parents of the other child grabbed filed a complaint also. NO RESOLUTION! If you read the school board policy regarding complaints, the director of schools is required to notify, in writing, the results of the investigation. Problem is, there was never an investigation done. If there had been, then they would have talked to the children involved, parents involved, Armistead, and parents and students who were witnesses. How can you do an investigation without talking to the victims? That is rather one sided, but then that seems to be how they are running this school and the entire SC school system. Time for a house cleaning and start at the very top.
These parents have given a formum by setting up this blog. My point was that people have been working on a change for awhile. Now we have a way to share ideas and actually make things happen. It is hard for one or two to accomplish alot, with eveyones busy lives. but if we all work together we can make things happen.
ReplyDeleteSOME IDEAS
Media and drawing attention would probably help these parents alot. Contacting the local tevelision stations, etc. At one time there were letters to the editor in the paper about the NME problem but they have died down. Those would also help to draw attention to the problem. As a group we need to get attention on the problems within this system to help not only this girl, but the many others who are having problem. When you have 5 or 6 lawsuits you know there had to be problems. Where there is smoke there is fire.
Here we go:
ReplyDeleteNews Channel 5 - News Tips--615-254-6397
News Channel 4 - Main Number at (615)353-4444
News Channel 2 - Main Number: 615-259-2200 or 615-369-7222
GHS – 615-683-8245
Mr. Lewis – 615-735-9625
Forgot a few:
ReplyDeleteFOX 17 - News hotline at (615) 369-1717
Tennessean - Local news 259-8095
Carthage Courier - (615) 735-1110
I have been reading this blog for several days and I must say it just keeps getting better. This is just a sample of things that have been going on in the school system for a long time. School Board policy specificantly states the procedure to resolve this issue however, Lewis and Fox refuse to permit this to happen for reasons only they know. Lewis and Fox remind me of a third world dictator and his sidekick plotting who they need get rid of next and who deserves their praise. Things will not get better as long as they are there.
ReplyDeleteIt will be tomorrow afternoon before I will get a chance to call (gotta pay the bills), so when someone does call, please let us know on here how it went and who you called. I don't imagine we will get very far with calling GHS (not like Medley will be coming to the phone to listen to complaints), same goes for Lewis and Fox. We need to remember to all contact Weaver so she knows how we feel about this issue.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is a waste of time to call Lewis or Fox. They wouldn't talk resonably with the parents no one else will get anywhere with them either. None of the principals or supervisors will do anything but what Lewis tells them. They are all just there to do his bidding. As a group our best bet is to start with letters to the editor and the local TV stations. Eddie West was at the commisioners meeting needs to be told that people are interested in this resolution and we want it reported on. It got more attention and reponse than anything else that was discussed. That alone should make it news worthy, for the local paper,
ReplyDelete• SCHOOL SYSTEM GETS 'STRAIGHT A'S'
ReplyDeleteHeadline from Carthage Courier Website
Don't waste your time calling Lewis's office. Fox is claiming they know nothing since this was resolved at the school level. Guess that is their way of keeping this family away from the board. Can anyone tell us how a person gets added to the agenda to address the board? Is Lewis's the only way or does this family have other avenues? Can they file criminal charges against the teacher for assault or has their time run out? Looks like Lewis & Fox are going to let Medley & Armistead take the heat for this blooper.
ReplyDeletekuriouskat~ Did you actually speak with Fox? If so, would you mind sharing the verbiage?
ReplyDeleteLewis keeping things at the school level means the board can not get involved. We witnessed that at the last meeting. Since this family filed formal complaints with Fox our Complaints Coordinator it is no longer at the school level. Maybe our Supervisor of the Year needs to read our school policies before taking parent complaints. Don't let her fool you she knew what was going.
ReplyDeleteI encourage everyone to read:
1. Policy against harassment and sexual harassment approved 11/21/200. Covers the procedure of the complaint process including retaliation against the victim by the principal.
2. Student concerns, complaints and grievances adopted 10/20/1998. If the complaint involves the principal it goes directly to the complaints coordinator – Janice Fox herself.
It is past the school level so Fox & Lewis need to do their job, if they don’t then the family has the right to go to the board members.
Readers you will have to go to the schools or our Directors office to see the policies they are not online. Student and Employee Rights, grievance procedures and forms can be found in the Smith County Board of Education Policy Manual, posted in the schools or at the Central Office.
ReplyDeleteDo Lewis and Crew have ghsparent at a stand off? Will they press charges or sue the school district? I dont think so they will step down quietly and take what they were lucky enough to get. Lets not forget they pulled the kid. Now everyone can move on and get back to teaching our kids instead of reading a crazy one sided blog?
ReplyDeleteghsfan said QUOTE~ "Now everyone can move on and get back to teaching our kids instead of reading a crazy one sided blog?"
ReplyDeleteSo does this mean that YOU ARE a teacher? If so, are you admitting that you haven't been doing your job?
Furthermore...
This is a public blog, all sides are allowed to post their opinions and point of view, the only problem with you is that you refuse to make a point. All you seem to be able to do is parrot of the same old post time after time.
Your reading the blog,if you don't like it stop reading it.How would you like it if it was done to your child?
ReplyDeleteNO JB I am not a teacher. Yes this is public but the only side being heard is queen moms not the teachers, principals or administration. If all of them were talking you would be calling the state. I dont think it is fair for this parent to be attacking everyone when they can not respond. Even you can see that side...
ReplyDelete"JB" has a nice ring to it!
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you do your own investigation and then fill us in on what you find out! Also, can you please explain to me how telling your side of a story is considered an attack? I haven't found one abusive statement against any of the involved parties on this blog that was made by ghsparent. I only see where she has tried to carefully tell her side, with really to little of the incriminating facts, IMO. If I am wrong, please point it out to me.
The posts ghsparent has made on here could have just as easily been printed as a Letter to the Editor.
A far as myself seeing any side, I am always open to all sides, (I'm a tend to not conform to the majority, remember), and in this situation, based on my knowledge of past experiences with Lewis, based on what I know of this family, and the track record of the SC school board, and the fact that this is not an isolated incident, I have to side with the weaker party as the victim and that would be the daughter of ghsparent. Until someone can point me in another direction, I will continue to encourage an open and honest discussion here about what really happens in school around here.
Education should be an opportunity equal to all, regardless of race, religion/ lack there of, sexual preference, a coach's child or not, teacher's child or not, Dr.'s child or not, preps, grunge, burnouts, virgins, non-virgins, cheerleaders, teenage parents, jocks, geeks, pierced, tattoos or not, name brands or Walmart. Not only that but education should be a fun experience that ultimately produces a life long love of learning and not just temporary "straight As" on a school board "report card" due to standardized test scores.
That's my side of it!
I took the advise on here and called and spoke with Fox today. I have to admit to being totally confused by this woman. She laid all the blame at both Armistead and Medley's feet. According to her, she knew nothing about their being any other complaints filed against this coach. She said she also thought this had been resolved. When I told her how appalled I was at this teacher grabbed and pushed these two students, and I felt that the teacher should have been punished, she said they were not going to allow parents to dictate what punishment, if any, a teacher received. She also said she thought an apology had been issued and that should have closed the matter. When I asked her if the assult of two students in a gym full of people required no more than a "Sorry", what did a teacher have to do to deserve a more severe, if any, punishment? No answer there. Does this mean all a teacher has to do is say "Sorry" and everything they do wrong just goes away? I was just blown away. She said she was unaware of any problems until the end of July and has done an investigation. How could she have done an investigation when you never spoke to the victim? She didn't have any answers to that question. Blamed Armistead the most. She said they totally back Medley in whatever he chose to do. I asked then what the next steps were in complaints if you didn't agree? Again, the run around with no answers. I also questioned her about the fact the school system didn't follow their own policies regarding a resolution to this matter and she wouldn't even discuss the issue or what the policies are. Everyone needs to call her and talk to her yourself if you want to know exactly what kind of run around these parents have gotten. I wanted to hear as much of the school system's side regarding the following of policies as possible, but she wouldn't even give me a direct answer regarding the fact they didn't follow them. She just kept saying how wonderful Lewis was and how he just got things done. Brought up a few other things going on at the school and she claimed to not know about any of it. Only way that is possible is if her head is in the sand.
ReplyDeleteEveryone, please call and hear this for yourself. You will be amamzed also. And for everyone who has called cheerleading an "activity" according to her, it is considered a sport by the school system and therefore falls under the pervue of the Athletic Director (who happens to be Armistead). No conflict there. She mentioned that the coach MUST be a school employee, but is that the case at SCHS? Just wondering because I didn't think the coach for the football cheerleaders was employeed by the school. I would say I wasted my time today, however, I now know for myself a small portion of what these parents have been dealing with. WHAT A MESS!!
Ghsfan, guess ghsparent has spoken the truth! Why is Fox disclosing what happened to this teacher and student? Is anything private in this school system? This kid is a minor how can she talk openly about this situation? The parents started this forum but that does not give the central office the freedom to talk openly about their child, her punishment or the teachers. It shocks me to know that she is the complaints coordinator and is openly talking about a student to complete strangers. WOW!
ReplyDeleteThis just gets better everyday... Fox can you say FERPA... Better read up on the policy book you have at the office before taking anymore calls. I will be laughing for days on Lewis gets the job done. GIT-R-DONE Lewis.
ReplyDeleteHey JB gettin the ticker tape ready this is going to be a big win for ghsparent.
As a parent. I personally wouldn't have a problem with Fox telling someone that things were being handled on the "school level", as long as she stopped there and didn't go into great detail about the situation, esp. considering that, I am sure she knows what ghsparent has shared here, I would however have a problem with her stories not matching and with the fact that she has a problem with "parent involvement" "if any" in such a serious situation. But that's just me.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the apology should have been followed up with, in the least. She really should be more responsible for her staff and the board policies.
Handled at the school level was all she should have said. Regardless of what the parent has shared on here she should not disclose anything else. Does she think they are so untouchable that she can act like a loose cannon? The board needs to step in and help resolve this for the parents, the student and now the teacher. This discussion was out of line no other way around it.
ReplyDeleteFox is really good at getting people confused! She is good at babbling on and on and on and never gets to the point! She is a good talker, I will give her that! But, talking to someone about another child's situation? It sounds like they need to go after Fox now!
ReplyDeleteKeep the fight going! Everyday is a step closer to better education in Smith County!
QUOTE~"Regardless of what the parent has shared on here she should not disclose anything else."
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, I just was emphasizing that she is well aware of what has been disclosed on this blog and with that knowledge, she should stop treating everyone who calls her like idiots. I should have gone into more detail as to what I meant, but I had to go stir the chili!
Just to clarify to all of us, just how personal, without disclosing info about the child here, did she get?
ReplyDeleteFrom what Onlooker put looks pretty personal. She said more then she should have. Even the parents have't disclosed that much.
ReplyDeleteI explained to her that I had read this blog completely (she says she has not read it), and told her how I felt about certain points. One point was that Medley called these parents that late at night and that he was going to use this child as a example and she said that he never said that. She did tell me that the teacher had apologized, but come to think of it, never said who to. She also told me that the teacher had denied ever discussing the child medical issues. I pointedly asked questions regarding things on here and she would answer some she would give and some she would just say she couldn't answer due to the FERPA Law. She said the parents were emotional regarding this and she wasn't sure if there would ever be a solution that would be suitable to them. She also said she wasn't sure the parents still had the time frame to press charges against the teacher if they chose to do so. Like I said she did acknowledge it was her understanding that the teacher had apologized. When I questioned her about the "Sorry" comment, she said she would think being called into the director's office would be scary enough - can someone explain that to me?? She kept talking about how great Lewis was and how he "got things done". She kept saying it was being handled at the school level, but if that were the case why would she investigate anything and why would the coach be called into Lewis' office?? She contradicted herself on several occassions. I did ask if an investigation was done, why was the victim not spoken to, and there was no answer. She did keep saying this had been taken care of. Seriously, everyone needs to call for yourselves. If you doubt any of what these parents said, you won't after you speak to her. Does anyone know the answer to my question regarding the coach having to be a school employee?
ReplyDeleteSchool board policy states for issues such as this to be settled at lowest level possible to the satifaction of all parties. If the parties involved are not satified then it passed to the next highest level of authority. The order of authority is the principal, Fox, Lewis, school board.
ReplyDeleteAfter 10 months and all the levels given the opportunity does that mean the school board can help now. How long should they wait? This is nuts.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in school, if I remember correctly, a coach did have to hold a teaching position. The coaches I had were the also the worst teachers I had. One stayed drunk half the time, another had so little patience with kids that he would throw erasers at them to get their attention, and one kept his feet on the desk for most of the class and he was just an all around jerk even to his team. I did have two coaches for teachers that did a reasonable job, considering I always felt like they were all coaches first and a teacher second.
ReplyDeleteMs. Fox repeat after me "NO COMMENT - I CANNOT discuss the punishment or issue of the teacher or student involved." Now say that ten times before you ever answer a phone on behalf of our school system again.
ReplyDeleteOnlooker was this a long conversation?
ReplyDeletetrueblue said...
ReplyDeleteQUOTE "Onlooker was this a long conversation?"
I was just wondering the same thing! Sounds like it might have been.
Any school board member can place someone on the agenda. The policy that you need to look at is Student Concerns, Complaints and Grievances. If you go and ask to see the policy it is likely they will tell you they do not have the time to get it and to come back later. This is information they do not want the public to know.
ReplyDeleteBlogwatcher, Just one board member or majority?
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why there isn't a copy of all school board policies readily available to the public.
ReplyDeleteWhat should they have to hide. Why does this seem to be such a control issue. Do parents really have this little control over what happens during their child's education? Do the teachers have more rights than the parent/child?
Jitterbug - it would shock you. Try getting a copy of any policy they are under lock and key in Lewis's office. You can only view them after you talk to him. So yes it is a control issue. He wants to figure out if he should be concerned before he lets you see them. If it is something he can sweep under the rug then you can view them if not he will try to fix the problem so you forget about seeing them.
ReplyDeleteAny one board member can request to allow a person to address the board for a specific amount of time or place someone on the agenda for the next meeting. The problem is convincing a board member to get invoved. Lewis would try to block this any way he could but if a board member demanded that it be placed on the agenda there is nothing he could do about it.
ReplyDeleteWell, he's not really short, so it can't be Napolean Syndrome.
ReplyDeleteWish I could be a fly on the wall in Lewis's office tomorrow. How do you think Bellar will handle this mess now? If they dont have an attorney they need to get one now.
ReplyDeleteBellar is their attorney and is on retainer all the time. It won't matter at all they can just drag it out if the parents actually file. Bellar likes the school systems money and he really dosen't care how it turns out. Because he still gets paid no matter and the longer it takes the more he makes.
ReplyDeleteYou are right the coach at SCHS cheerleaders is not a school system employee. But she is married to a coach so maybe that makes it work, all in the family isn't that how Lewis runs it.
The coach at SCHS also has a sister in law in the central office. So I guess family over rides any policies.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, it was a very LONG conversation (almost 2 hours). I address a lot of issues brought up on the blog and some that were not. Again, she said she didn't read the blog, but that I needed to understand that the information put on here was based on just this parent's side of the story. I advised she read the blog, she would then understand there were people who admitted they had witnessed the incident and how great the anger was at how this had been handled. This would have been where Armistead went under the bus again... I asked her if Medley was the AD, why wasn't he brought in at this time and help resolve this situation? She said she had no idea. He should have. Her answer was that they were not provided any witnesses to question (I guess that victims don't count as witnesses to their own assult). At that point I asked again about the investigation and she said she had completed one. I told her I was confused as to why she would do an investigation when this was being handled at the school level and how it was completed without speaking to the child. Silence was my answer. Anyone else confused by that? I was and told her so. I told her I had never heard of an investigation where you don't question the victim. I told her what I thought about any teacher/coach who would ever think of repeating what she had about this child and that alone should constitute a dismissal. She said the teacher never said this. Again, who did they ask about it? Just the teacher? Talk about one sided. Again, I was told Lewis got things done. I told her that this blog had caused all the problems that have been brewing at GHS to surface and it was just snowballing out of control. She said they knew that, but they were backing Medley on his decision. I addressed a lot of things not on this blog and she claimed to not know anything about any of them. Told her she was one of the few in the county who didn't.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, don't want to cause any problems at SCHS, but according to Fox, any coach MUST be a school employee. Want to bet she doesn't take any more calls??? I wasn't rude, I just asked questions regarding policy. Lots of questions about policy. She said the policy regarding teachers handling students was a state one. Then who do you go to? From what she said, they consider this closed. Lewis, Lewis, Lewis that was all she kept talking about.
Have the parents ever contacted the board members and tried to get on the ajenda? I know when this blog first started the new members left contact information on here. Did the parents try that route? Just wondering. It just looks like things will keep going this way until the board members get a grip on Lewis and his personel picks to run this system,
ReplyDeleteIf you go to the SCHS web site there are several coaches who are not listed as teachers or other employees. Are they considered "school system employees if the are coaching "staff"?
ReplyDeleteFYI the SCHS cheer sponsor is a teacher of the school. If Fox is talking does that mean the parents can start giving us an update? I assume their silence started with the hush hush meeting. Has anyone else heard anything from the parents? Also heard cheer practice at GHS has been cancelled all week. Was the return of this young lady to much for the coach?
ReplyDeleteAccording to Fox, in order to be a coach, you must be a school employee. Maybe that only applies to GHS?
ReplyDeleteMy first visit all I can say is WOW. First this family needs to get an attorney fast. Second the teacher needs an attorney to sue the pants off Fox for disclosing her punishment. Third someone needs to tell FOX that no one in her position should disclose anything on the phone. What if the person on the other line was from the media?
ReplyDeleteI hadn't visited the blog because I felt it would be one-sided but after reading everything on here the board needs to step in. If these parents haven't called the board I suggest the board members take the proper steps in contacting them. The longer this goes on the worse it is getting for the school district, this is becoming a legal nightmare that even Lewis won’t be able to bury.
SCBOE jumped out of the fire & into the frying pan. You people crack me up by the stupid moves you keep making.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is jumping on the bandwagon. How do we know that Ms. Fox said all this? Just another onesided story for all to read without her being able to defend herself. I DO NOT beleive a professional in this position would act this way. She has been in this position to long. A 2 hour conversation come in you expect us to beleive that?
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I think I should make sure everyone understands, I told this woman about the behavior I have personally witnessed by this teacher/coach and then I questioned this woman regarding policies. I simply told her what I thought of how the teacher had behaved at that particular ballgame and what I thought of her behavior regarding other cheerleaders. I told her I had spoken personally with some of them and knew how they felt they had been treated and how she had spoken to them. She claimed to be unaware of any issues with any other cheerleaders since this coach took over (funny, everyone else seemed to know). I also told her how I felt about how a lot of things had been mishandled at the school. Again, she claims to have no knowledge of any of the things I was referring to. Guess in addition to this blog, she must not read the Courier either. How can the SBOE not be aware of problems that are as public knowledge as the team records in the county? This makes no sense to me. I did not get into an argument with this woman, but I did let her know how disgraceful I felt it was that: one, this teacher was not reprimaned any more severely than she was. Even leaving this at the school level, when Lewis and Fox became aware of this teacher's actions, they should have stepped in and fixed it immediately. If as she states they were not aware of any problems then my advise to them is that they need to get out and talk to parents more. I do not understand standing behind a principal's decision simply because you feel you have to support him. Armistead and Medley were both wrong. No matter what Medley says, as the AD he was aware of what happened and chose to stand aside and let this child suffer. I questioned Fox about the view of Medley that as AD the cheerleaders, and any problems with them, were not his concern. She said that "yes, they were. Cheerleaders are considered to be athletes the same as football, basketball, ect." Two: the fact that the saying "what do you expect, it is Gordonsville and will never change" has been said for years. She said she hated that it was like that, but that changes had been made. Three: I am aware of the nature of the slander this teacher was saying about this child. Even though these parents haven't given details, it is well known what she said and to put it mildly, it was disgraceful and a personal attack on this child's morals, not to mention it is just plain wrong for a teacher to gossip about a student with other students. I told Fox that alone was cause for dismissal. She again said it never happened, but who did she talk to? She kept talking about her investigation, but other than the teacher, Armistead, and maybe Medley, I don't believe she has spoken to anyone. She did disclose more than she should have. Maybe it was because I was questioning her about specific policies and expressing my opinion on how things have been handled, not only about this but also about other things that have been let go for years and overlooked at this school. Her response was, now there is a new principal. He was the AD before and is just as much a part of the "in crowd" as Armistead is. Four: It is my personal opinion that the main reason they don't have more parents camped out in their offices is the fact that parents are afraid of retaliation against either their child or close family members. To give her credit, she did not disagree that it probably does happen on some level in the schools. She didn't go so far as to admit it, but she didn't deny it either. Even though she assured me that the conversation was confidential, I am aware there is a very good possiblity that my conversation was recorded, and I don't mind. That is why I am willing to state what was discussed.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I encourage everyone to call her or Lewis, however, after my posts about my conversations with her, expect her to be unavailable or to receive a "No comment". She will probably get to feel the wrath of Lewis today. That should be interesting to say the least.
P.S. Sorry my post are so long, but I want everyone to understand how much I vented to this woman.
ghsfan, would you like to know the time it began and ended? it is called cell phone records, therefore, oh, my gosh, proof for you. or do you think those are fake too? Just out of curosity, if I hadn't spoken to her, how would I have known about the apology, them considering it resolved, and the teacher/coach being called into Lewis' office? Did anyone else know about that one?
ReplyDeleteThe sponser at SCHS maybe a teacher but the coach is not. She is the wife of a coach.
ReplyDeleteGuess that rule must only apply to GHS. Why would there be different rules regarding that? Just a thought. Has anyone else called Fox or any of the other places recommended to call?
ReplyDeleteghsfan, if you think this is all onesided, then why aren't you calling yourself? are you afraid you will find out the mom you keep referring to as "Queen Mom" is telling the truth? You should call and then post the content of your conversation. After finding out about this blog on Sunday I got online and read all of it. You are taking this as personally as the parents whose daughter was assulted. Why is that? You can't just be a blog reader. You are actually calling the mom involved names for standing up for her child. Worse of all, you are referring to a child that was grabbed and shoved by her coach as a "Princess". Sorry, but like someone posted on another section, I honestly believe you are either this teacher/coach, or someone closely related to her. No one else is taking this personally and attacking the child as well as the parents. Everyone else is voicing their opinions regarding how this was all handled, the state of the school system, and the problems they have had dealing with the Director of Schools.
Onlooker-Thank you for your considerate post and for calling Fox
ReplyDeleteCommandersMom said.. QUOTE~ "I honestly believe you are either this teacher/coach, or someone closely related to her."
ghsfan~ I totally agree with CommandersMom, you are way to personal to not be involved it some way. I, myself, even suggested that you do your own investigation and share what you find with us, but evidently you have no desire to that.
Even if you disagree with ghsparent, surely you can't disagree with the fact that something needs to change with the school system. After so many concerns have been and continue to be posted here, all you seem to do is bash this family.
Do us all a favor and either do your own investigation and let us know what you find, if you find that ghsparent and all the others on here are telling the truth, I swear, I won't rub it in your face! Otherwise, do us all a bigger favor and don't come back here.
ghsfan~ The more I think about the things you say on here the more warped they seem to me. You are so worried about the reputation of these public employees that you fail to care about the child.
ReplyDeleteIf a teacher suspected a parent of abuse, then social services would be called and a real investigation would be done. If allegations were serious enough, the child could be removed from their home. Even if it proved to be untrue the child would be the one in need of defending (pointing that out because you consistently say that the teachers have know way of defending themselves).
My point is though, when a teacher suspects a parent of something, then everyone is on board and wants an investigation (in the best interest of the child), but if a parent questions a teacher, then it must not be true? Doesn't this seem ass backward to anyone else but me?
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone tried caling Fox yet? I am very interested in if she is still talking today.
ReplyDeleteI am shocked that Fox would share anything about a student or teacher. Well then again maybe not that shocked.
ReplyDeleteMaking The Grade - Smith County Schools among the top 4 counties in Tennessee.
ReplyDeleteJanice Fox - Supervisor of Instruction - Janice Fox received Supervisor of the Year for the Upper Cumberland Region for 2008.
Like I said in the past dont like our school MOVE. Our county is tops in the state.
justamom if your last name is not Armistead, Medley, or Vaden then don't expect to much. Unless you are related to, married into or go to church with them you are a nobody. That is a well know fact at GES, GJHS and GHS.
ReplyDeleteI'll admit I am impressed with the results of the systems report card. Titles, however, don't impress me, since I am not entirely sure how one comes to the conclusion that a person deserves such a title as Supervisor of the Year.
ReplyDeleteThis is not the result of you investigation into real life issues I hope.
The standardized grading of a system which is the ultimately result of the hard work of the students, and their parents and teachers, have no bearing on the handling of this situation and others like it. Janice Fox could be First Lady and that still wouldn't excuse the apparent mishandling of this situation.
Like I said before, make a real point or leave the forum.
Fox and Lewis can win all of the titles they want. The facts are the students make the grades and the teachers (most of who are unhappy with their leadership) do the teaching. Lewis and Fox are a disgrace not only to the system but to the county and their profession, because of their inability to address this and many other problems in the system.
ReplyDeleteghsfan you have made it clear you are on the inside with Lewis and we all get it, you are one of his chose ones we are so happy for you. But is the real world Lewis and Fox are making this system a mess and a disgrace. They are breaking their own rules and putting the education of children in last place to keep their friends happy. They are suspose to be in the business of education, clearly they are in help your freinds and family and forget what is right and what the rules say. We can change them and lie about them to fit our needs.
In response to anonymous,there are a few other names that could be thrown in there but I won't,but what you said is exactly true.Wonder if this had happened to one of those names what would have been done?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous if that were true then this kid would be somebody wouldnt she. See what I mean about you people just randomly attacking respectable people in our community without knowing what you are talking about. Stop bashing the leaders of GES, GJHS and GHS.
ReplyDeleteJB if these parents had proof of the supposed assault dont you think they would have already pressed charges? The only reason this has gone on for 10 months is because they have no proof. Plain and Simple.
ReplyDeleteJB please explain how Ms. Fox mishandled the situation it was handled on the school level as posted by onlooker.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed someone else called the BOE to talk about this situation. Unless you are directly involved it is not your place to call. I guess ghs fan should not talk because everyone thinks he/she is related to the teacher. WHat about all the people who are for ghs parent are they related or know her. DO they know all about her. She seems to enjoy putting all this out about the teacher, but never lets on to who she is. If some people knew her for what she really was, a pathological liar, then you wouldn't be so supportive. I personally know of several lawsuits she has attempted. Did anyone know her daughter did not get co captain and that is when all this stuff started.
ReplyDeleteHow many of you on this site personally with your own eyes saw this teacher assualt this child. I know many who said it never happened. THey were at that game too. It is a shame that people will call others names for taking up for someone. But I can bet that I will be called names for calling ghs parent a pathological liar. can't wait to read what is said about me. Keep it up ghs fan, at least you seem to have a mind of your own.
Unless ghsparent has over 1400 family members and friends then I would guess they aren’t backing her for that reason. How about you fill us in on how many lawsuits this family has filed because from this blog they aren’t filing against the school. When all of this happened her daughter was captain so why would she care if she got co-captain? If what you are saying is true then we must believe that this mother forced this teacher to grab her daughter, shove her and start or be part of a terrible rumor all because her daughter didn’t get co-captain. Pathologic liar that is laughable considering our own supervisor of instruction backed up her story. Just like ghsfan you are making your attack personal for what reason?
ReplyDeleteI would just like for everyone to know that the "Director of the Year" award is just past around to all the members and it was Lewis' turn this year and the "Supervisor of the year"? What a joke! Fox was the only one that would fill out all of the paperwork and that is why she won! She is very good at taking credit for things just to make herself look good. IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI saw her grab and shove both girls. Incase you forgot this is a public school system all parents have a right to question what is going on in the schools. How dare you attack this mother by name calling. ghsparent I am emailing you and if you need me to testify just call. I have more information about this teacher then what has been even posted on this blog.
ReplyDeletefan of ghsfan sounds like one in the same or the same group of buddies. Sounds like Lewis pals to me, why else would you attack a child.
ReplyDeleteFan of ghs I personally witnessed this teacher grabbing & pushing these girls and the childish act of the asst. coach. I agree with jitterbug this mother has not bashed, attack or done any name calling on this blog. She never even named the coach. The only name calling has been from posters, ghsfan and now you.
ReplyDeleteHey fan tell us all about the several lawsuits this mother has attempted to file we would love to hear about it or are you just like ghsfan full of it....
ReplyDeleteFan of ghsfan you are wrong about this family and especially this parent. As a cheerleading parent I can tell you that captains and co-captains are selected in the spring not the winter or right before football season. Her daughter not being co-captain has nothing to do with the way this teacher has acted towards this family and their child. She has had it out for this mom and her both her daughters since she took over. You have only heard the things she said about this child when in fact this teacher has said things about both her girls, other cheerleaders and their parents to students, parents, and other staff members. If any of you knew even half of what the cheerleaders and their parents have had to put up with from this teacher you would be shocked. .
ReplyDeleteA lot of you have asked why we haven’t came forward to do something about this teacher several of us did back in January, February, and April nothing was done. These parents choose to keep fighting because the more the teacher got away with the more she said. I can tell you after the retaliation we have seen towards this girl and her family the rest of us just keep quiet in fear our children will be next. A lot of the parents don’t go the games and we are not as involved as we use to be due to the fact we don’t want any confrontation with this coach. We all know who this mom is just like we know who the teacher is. No one needs to name names we aren't stupid.
For ghsfan and your one "fan"
ReplyDelete“It’s high time you were shown, that you really don’t know all there is to be known.” ~Dr. Seuss
and again...
“I know up on top you are seeing great sights, but down on the bottom we, too, should have rights.” ~also...Dr. Seuss
For all of us here~
ReplyDelete"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple." ~Dr. Seuss
and just for you ghsparent~
"And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed." ~ Dr. Seuss
fan of ghsfan I would be more amazed that Fox talk to them.
ReplyDeletefan of ghsfan just like ghsfan you trash this child and her mom but have no details. You think the parents of this county whose children sit in this teachers class have no say and should mind there own business? How would you feel if the school system you trust to teach and care for your children treated you and your children like they have this family?
ReplyDeleteghsparent you ready to take down the blog so this poor teacher can get back to her life? Looks like the truth about you is coming out. We all know you are just mad the princess DID NOT get co-captain so you are trying to get this teacher fired. People that live in glass houses shouldnt throw stones.
ReplyDeleteghsfan What planet are you on? If you look at the number of people who have stated that they saw this happen, how can you claim it is parents who are unhappy with her over a cap. position? Even if you believe that you have to agree that there have been numerous problems within the system brought out on this blog. If you are anywhere in Smith County you have to know that the majority of the people are unhappy with Lewis' leadership. You also have to acknowledge that the county has major problems, due to the number a problems that have been addresses. Not even including the number of lawsuits filed against the county. The problems with the school system are wide spread and the majority of the teachers are unhappy, but will not speak out in public for fear of retaliation. If you talk to them they will tell you how out of hand Lewis and Fox are and how out of touch they are with what is really going on. You and your fan are the only ones who want to bash on this blog, the others here want a change to make things better for the students. You come across as wanting to defend you pals.
ReplyDeleteDon't take down the blog!!! We need a place to address the problems in our system. This is a great way to get the word out. Just like the resolution, I would probably never had known about it if it wasn't for this blog. I am happy to know that people are working for a change. We know Lewis had the board in his pocket and we can only hope the new board members will stand up for the students. They are suspose to be Lewis' boss and that hadn't happened in years, lets hope these new members make change happen. Because the ones who are being hurt are the students. We have already lost many teacher to other counties because on Lewis and Fox, and many more will leave if things don't improve. This blog give a public forum for envoking change, lets hopr it begins with Lewis and Fox out the doors.
ReplyDeleteKeep This Blog Going!! May Lewis and Fox and his little girls be on their way out. Start on our elected officals to put the power back with the people.
ReplyDeleteEveryone please continue to talk to others about the unresponsiveness of our county superintendent of schools, Lewis. When he does respond in private it is condesending and arrogant. In public his persona is much different. He is very good at this public display and controlling all others aspects that happen. Other counties have public records open to the public online. Our board was told that it was too expensive to put online yet he supposedly took county money and paid the School Bd Association over $2,000 to do so.(where did that money really go?) Let's ask more questions about everthing.
ReplyDeleteNext board meeting is Tues. Nov. 18. Join the NMS bunch in trying to bring about change.
By the way, Smith Co. schools have always done well against surrounding counties and in producing top students. Our children now have become great at test-taking, big yea. They and most of the teachers here always rise to the challenge. Do not let Lewis and Fox take the credit because all they did is spend money on things like pretty furniture and items for their offices. The teachers, students and parents should be congratulated instead for delivering as requested once again!!!
This is so much bigger then a cheerleading spot open your eyes. Ghsfan and your fan these parents aren't upset about their child not getting co-captain...GET REAL. The coach grabbed these students at a game in January the team already had a captain and co-captain. In May the coach again singled this child out not the parents. In July they pulled their daughter after knowledge that the coach started or was apart of a horrible rumor referencing their child. This doesn’t sound like sue happy pathological liars to me, it sounds like parents that want justice for their child after a coach crossed the line.
ReplyDeleteThe coach started the reputation attacks and public bashing against the cheerleaders, a student and her family. I have heard the stories of what has been said about this girl, her family and the cheerleaders by this coach. Being a school employee she should be fired. I wonder how many of you would stand for this women referring to your child in an inappropriate manner to other students, parents and faculty. This is a complete misuse of power by the administration and the coach. There should have completed a investigation into the matter as stated by school board policy. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Medley need to talk to the family and rectify this immediately. You also need to remind Ms. Fox not to talk about other students complaints to complete strangers. She might need a refresher course in school board policy since she is our complaints coordinator.
An assault on a minor is a criminal offense, even by an teacher and is not justified under any circumstances. Even misbehavior. File a complaint of abuse with your local child protection services. Another option is to file a criminal complaint with the police. If this behavior is allowed to continue, another student may suffer greater harm. Do not expect anything from the principal of the school- they are there to protect the teacher in such cases. You need to go to the agencies designated to handle these matters carefully.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, ANY adult employee of the school who witnessed any sort of physical attack on a student at ANY appreciable level, would generally be a MANDATED reporter, by law, and could face serious legal troubles of their own if they witnessed or knew of the incident and failed in their obligation to report it.
ReplyDeletelawyer~
ReplyDeleteIs there a statute of limitations for this family if they choose the route you have suggested?
Thank you for you input.
lawyer~
ReplyDeleteWhere have you been all this blogs life? ;)
They have 365 days from the date of the assault to file charges in the county where the assault occured.
ReplyDeleteJust heard about it today from a old friend that graduated from Smith County.
ReplyDeleteYou heard it here ghsparent, free legal advice! I hope you have something in the works. You don't have a lot of time left.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about how you were told your daughter was being made an example, perhaps it is this teacher's turn to be made and example of.
QUOTE"Just heard about it today from a old friend that graduated from Smith County."
ReplyDeleteThank your friend for us as well then!
Glad you stopped by, stick around!
Before they can file anything dont they have to have proof? That could be the reason this has been going on so long no proof right Queen Mom.
ReplyDeleteThlfekjoaieu nna jie lkjaisudf nr luiuoe. Blah, blah, blah.
ReplyDeleteThat is about how much sense you are making.
ghsfan, just so we will know, how many witnesses do you require before you would admit she did exactly what these parents said? remember, on here, there are not only cheerleading parents who saw it, but bball parents too. this teacher had no business having any type of authority over anyone to begin with. I have to admit, you and your fan are the only ones who seem to fail to understand, the coach has never denied she did it. that is what is so amazing! you are defending a woman who has admitted to abusing a child! What does that say about you and your fan?
ReplyDeleteLawyer,
ReplyDeleteDo you know if any way these people can force Lewis to but them or anyone who wants to address the board on the agenda? I had a teacher tell me yesterday if they had an issue that they felt the principal did not resolve. they were out of luck. Because the only way to get on the agenda was thru Lewis and he always refuses. The teacher also stated that you would have problems from then on because you dared to question Lewis. They also said if you spoke up in disagreement of Lewis and he made your job misserable. I ask how? They said the principal and Fox would be on you all the time about nothing, just anonymous complaits constantly. It seems to me that there should be some type of law that would allow a citizen to address the board? But then again maybe there is and Lewis just ignores it like he dose anything he dosen't agree with. It is a shame what a mess this system is in, because we have allowed it to become a dictatorship, under Lewis.
If the pricipal is there for the teacher in this situation then who is there for the child? Shouldn’t that person be Ms. Fox being the complaints coordinator? What exactly is the complaints coordinators job description? What is Mr. Lewis's responsibilty in all of this?
ReplyDeleteOne Sided BS….I would like to hear what the cheerleader did that caused the teacher to go off.
ReplyDelete“Never Underestimate the Power of Stupid People in Large Groups”
Anonymous read the comments she didn’t do anything but that came from several different posters on the blog. So much for one sided "BS". Are you calling the taxpayer and residents of Smith County "Stupid People in Large Groups"? Just wondering…you must be a friend of ghsfan or maybe his one fan. Welcome to the blog we like to get all sides of the story.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't people just get over this? From what I have been told the girl quit the squad, which means she should be out for 365 just like on other teams, but they have let her come back to cheer for basketball. 1. If she was treated so bad why would she want to come back, and 2.If the parents are so pissed off about it why would they let their child go back to being under the leadership of the coach? Also I thought if she was allowed back on the team this blog was supposed to stop and it hasn't and the school and school system continues to be put down. Honestly this is not the first time a child has been pushed or talked down to in a sport and YES it does happen to employees of the school. I have seen this with my own eyes, but yet they have never caused an issue like this one. If we want such a change out of our school system why don't we stop bashing them and give them the support they need and deserve. How can they deal with real issues making decisions for the school if they have to worry bout angry moms all the time? There is no reason to judge them let them do their jobs and you do yours whatever that may be. Teaching is not easy and I'm sure if you tried it for one day you would change you view about it. Kids these days have no respect for anyone and give them trouble daily. I think it is time to grow up and stop trying to ruin everyone’s reputation and stop playing these childish games and writing blogs about everyone that is what teenagers do on MySpace.
ReplyDeleteQUOTE "Never Underestimate the Power of Stupid People in Large Groups”
ReplyDeleteAnonymous~ I totally agree!
That is a great quote to use in this situation!
We taxpayers really underestimated the power of that "large group" of people at the SC Board of EDU!
Quote "I think it is time to grow up and stop trying to ruin everyone’s reputation and stop playing these childish games and writing blogs about everyone that is what teenagers do on MySpace."
ReplyDeleteI agree that teenagers do bad mouth people and show a complete lack of respect. Wait a minute that is exactly what a GJHS teacher did to a 16 year old girl. Who needs to grow up the parents or the teacher who GRABED, SHOVED AND STARTED RUMORS ABOUT A 16 YR OLD. Another thing it is and never will be ok for a teacher to grab a child that is called CHILD ABUSE. If you are ok with that then I pray you are not a teacher, principal or administer for our school district.
FYI – Athletes at G-Ville quit all the time and are allowed to come back the same season. No one has had to sit out for 365 so I am really not sure where you are getting your information. Why would the parents be required to take down the blog they still do have rights. I am pretty sure they didn’t agree to sell their souls for a cheerleading spot.
Quote “Honestly this is not the first time a child has been pushed or talked down to in a sport and YES it does happen to employees of the school. I have seen this with my own eyes, but yet they have never caused an issue like this one.”
You are saying that students at GHS are talked down to and pushed all the time. So are we to believe that school officials at GHS are allowing teachers and coaches to verbally and physically abuse children and NO ONE is reporting it to the proper authorities? Maybe it needs to become an issue…. Oh wait it already has. Keep fighting ghsparent you got my support!!!!
ghsparent it was great seeing your daughter back on the floor. The beam of her smile had to be worth the fight. Keep fighting for change our schools and children are worth the fight.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous can you tell us what happens to students that push, shove or grab teachers at GJHS or GHS. Is there any punishment? It appears you have the inside track or why would you say the parents agreed to take down the blog? Since it is still up maybe Lewis and staff didn't hold up there end of the bargain? Finally Lewis meets his match and these parents aren’t putting up with him trying to bully them around. Maybe the NME group and these parents are opening the eyes of our county to just how bad the support for our teachers and students from Lewis is. Maybe our schools will get the change they need with NO LEWIS OR FOX.
ReplyDeleteThe girl didn't quit her parents pulled her. We need to examine the reason the parents pulled her and what made them get to that point instead of what the girl did wrong. From what I was told there were a lot of reasons that escalated to the point where the parents had to pull her until the school addressed the issues. Doesn't appear they have because the teacher got away with everything scott free.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteghsparent requested that specifics of other children be left off the blog.
ReplyDeleteThat is part of the problem as a whole, people who are supposed to be adults don't know how to communicate in a way that is in the best interest of children. Leave the kids out of it, they can't help what the adults are doing.
Posters:
ReplyDeletePlease remember that children are off limits on this blog.
Thank you