Dh is a ps teacher and was beaten by 4 students...

[Laurel T.]

We are so upset. He was not seriously injured, but its all over the news. He stepped in to break up a fight that he thought would lead to serious injury. The students (4 girls) had metal pipes, brooksticks, and glass bottles. It was caught on security camera and the media is trying to get the video. It was a "gang" related situation and he just wants to be left out of it. It really is aweful that there are about 2500 students who are expected to learn in that environment and this is supposed to be one of the "better" schools in our area.

They are charging the students as adults (felony assault) and I just can't imagine it all going away. I worry about his safety, but he worries about the other students. I want him to quit and he wants to continue to be an influence in the lives of students.

Thanks for listening.

[Joanne]

Wow. {{{many hugs}}}

I know you want it "to go away". I know you are concerned about his ongoing safety. Your DH sounds like a wonderful man.

I hope the kids are brought to justice.

[KidsHappen]

He sounds like a wonderful person. I hope that your family heals quickly and that you can feel safe again soon.

[True Blue]

I'm so sorry, Laurel.

[Adrianne]

God bless both of you! The world needs more men like your hubby. Good for him! :hurray:

We will pray for his swift recovery and for the lives of those girls.

[Rebel]

Oh my! That's horrible. At least,those 4 students won't be back this year, and thank goodness your dh was not seriously hurt. I used to teach ps and the day I broke up a fight and got punched in the face was the day I quit breaking up fights.

[Sue G in PA]

My dh taught for 8 years in 2 diff. innercity schools in Baltimore. He is the kind to get in the middle to break up fights and "help", too. My dh is tall and scrawny and most of the students in the school were quite a bit "larger" than him (boys anyway). He's had his glasses knocked off and broken, stuff stolen out of his bag while breaking up a fight, been knocked down and threatened, etc. Thankfully, nothing serious. BUT, I do know your fear and worry. When dh's last school had police come in and confiscated more than 100 guns and knives from unmarked lockers (students were never given their own lockers but rather just "claimed" one...talk about inefficient admin.), I was at my end! Who knew how many MORE weapons were on campus? Thankfully, dh worked something out w/ his previous job with JHU as an ed. reform specialist and left that school 2 mos. ago.

Can your dh transfer? Is there a "safer" school around where he could teach? I told my dh NOT to break up fights anymore...just call in a higher-up. You just never know what a kid is "packing" these days and it is sad. I'm praying for you and your dh...I do know what you are feeling right now. Hopefully, he can transfer.

[Jami]

Oh Laurel! How frightening. :( I can understand why you'd want him out of that situation. (( ))

[LG Gone Wild]

What a disaster.:ohmy: Thank you for sharing your painful story. Your dh was very brave.

[Rose in BC]

If my kids attended ps I would be encouraged if there were teachers with such courage. I'm sorry you are going through this.

Rose

[Tracey in TX]

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry DH had to endure that behavior, and pain. What a horrible situation for him, for your family, and for the students at the school. Shame on those girls for bringing that type of violence into their school. My heart hurts for you all.
(((hugs)))

[WendyK]

Oh my goodness. I am so sorry. That is really awful. Sending positive thoughts your way that nothing else happens.

[Cheryl in NM]

Your dh is the kind of teacher that all the others should look up to. If there were more like him the kids in public school would have a much better shot.

We'll pray for his swift recovery of his physical injuries and the recovery of your family and their feelings of safety.

[jail warden]

Wow! I'm so sorry! Your family must be a little freaked out. He's very courageous and a good man to want to stay and help the students. He's got a good heart.

Hmmm... What was that about that socialization?

[pixelroper]

This is sad...thoughts are with you. Glad to hear he is alright.

[gandpsmommy]

I'm so sorry this happened. I'm glad your husband is okay. Your husband does sound like a good, courageous man. I know it has to be difficult for all of you right now.

[Laurel T.]

Thank you all for your support. You really have become part of our extended family as we have dealt with quite a bit of craziness lately.

The sad thing is that this is not one of the "bad" schools. I will say that my husbands resolve and dedication to provide an alternative for our own children has been increased by his time teaching. Before he started teaching he thought that homeschooling was a "cool" thing for "me" to "try" for the earlier years. I have seen him change so much in this regard during the last few years. Now hs is what we do as a family and is a long term desire of us both. We are just heartbroken for students that don't have any alternatives.

Laurel T.

[*anj*]

Laurel,
I think that what your husband is doing is an awesome thing.
I'm really sorry that this happened to him. I'm just really glad that it wasn't worse. :grouphug:

[Pajama Mama]

Your dh is very brave. I know it must be scary to have that happen. But it's possible that he saved someone else from serious injury or even death. Tell him, he's a hero. I hope he heals soon both physically and emotionally.

[Testimony]

He sound like a true hero that your children can look up to.:thumbup:

I pray that he recovers and those children are brought to justice.

Blessings to you and your family,
Karen
www.homeschoolblogger.com/testimony

[Danestress]

We are just heartbroken for students that don't have any alternatives.

Laurel T.

Yes, I bet many of the students were terrified and will always remember your husband taking a personal risk to try to prevent and even worse injury. I'm sorry for you and for him, gratified that he wasn't injured more seriously, and just so sad that that should happen in a school.

[ConnieB]

I'm so sorry that your husband was hurt.

Of course most of us who homeschool probably view this as reason 4,234, 256, 239 that we DO homeschool.

I totally understand your fears for his safety, but I have to say that I greatly admire him for being willing to continue to work towards making other people's children's school experience a positive. In some ways his bravery and unselfish acts of courage are similiar to the brave men and women in our military. They chose their careers knowing that it would put them in grave danger, but willingly accepted the challenge for the "greater good". As the wife of a retired military man, I can assure you that their spouses feel as you do.....and yet the military member feels as your husband does.

My husband retired before 2001 as he'd put in his 22 years and had an injury (non-work related) that made military life more difficult. Yet, despite the fact that he had put in his years, been in many dangerous situations, and was no longer physically able to deploy, when 9/11 came he felt guilty and ashamed to not be going with the rest of his old unit to Iraq. His words stick with every time I think of it...."If not me, then who?" Meaning that if he's not willing to do the rough jobs, then someone else will have to do it in his place...and he doesn't like the idea of someone else fighting and dying while he sits on the backporch sipping ice tea watching the kids play.

Your husband is to be commended for his resolve to make things better for someone else's kid. He could easily say "forget it, my kids are safe at home so I'm outta here".

God Bless all who are willing to put themselves at risk for others.

[Jenny in Atl]

Just amazing how this is happening... All I can say is just, WOW! Like Lord of the Flies. What has happen to us?

[True Blue]

This has been happening since I was a kid. I remember in a middle school in OH, just outside Wright Patterson AFB where my dad was stationed a bunch of kids attacked and knifed my math teacher. They used to attack elderly ladies walking to the store, too. Its horrible and unexcusable but its not new. I wish it was. :(

[Unicorn]

I will say that my husbands resolve and dedication to provide an alternative for our own children has been increased by his time teaching. Before he started teaching he thought that homeschooling was a "cool" thing for "me" to "try" for the earlier years. I have seen him change so much in this regard during the last few years. Now hs is what we do as a family and is a long term desire of us both. We are just heartbroken for students that don't have any alternatives.

Laurel T.


I am so sorry that this happened. It is sad isn't it? Every year starting in April, I count the days to the end of the year by hoping that nothing happens today. Like your dh, mine's resolve to homeschool for the long term grows stronger every day as well.

I'm glad your dh is ok. ((((both of you)))

[Daisy]

That is so terrifying. I'll never forget the day my DH called and said they had arrested a 4th grader who threatened to shoot my husband at school. They locked down the school and everything. My DH wasn't even hurt and I was terrified. Being a school teacher can be a really scary professions now-a-days. I'll say a prayer for your family. I'd want my husband to quit or AT THE VERY LEAST be moved immediately to another school site. You really should push for that. If this was gang-related (as most of ours are) you really want your husband out of that turf.

[Laurel T.]

Another observation from this experience...the news (including newspapers) is not a realiable source of information. The newspaper is reporting that "the unamed teacher" (my husband) left the school in an ambulance after sustaining injuries. UMMM no. He drove home and asked for 3 tylenol. I guess that is not as exciting to report. It is really like this kind of thing takes on a life of its own. DH did just call and say that the District Attorney wants to speak with him again. UGGGG. We do not have time for this.

Laurel T.

[Doran]

Laurel,

I know you must be reeling from this. I can't imagine how vulnerable and anxious you must feel. I'm so sorry. I can tell you, though, that your husband's example has positively affected lives, young and old. Whether they come right out and say it, you can be sure they are feeling grateful that someone as selfless as your husband walks on this earth.

Peace to you both!
Doran

[Laurel T.]

I'd want my husband to quit or AT THE VERY LEAST be moved immediately to another school site. You really should push for that.a

I wish so much that he had that option. The subject he teaches is not taught in any other school within a 250 mile radius. I think things will intensify as it is being made into a political issue.

Thank you all for your prayers.

Laurel T.

[CookieMonster]

:crying:

[Brigitte]

a

I wish so much that he had that option. The subject he teaches is not taught in any other school within a 250 mile radius. I think things will intensify as it is being made into a political issue.

Thank you all for your prayers.

Laurel T.

(((Laurel)))

I can't imagine what you two are going through. After 9 years of boarding school teaching my dh has never encountered anything like that. As much as he complains about his job, he says he has it easy compared to ps teachers. Have you checked with private schools to see if they offer what he teaches? The pay is not great, but the safety is (and boarding schools give you housing, meals, etc.).

I hope this all passes quicker than you think.

[WTMindy]

Wow, I hope your dh is OK and good job to him for doing the right thing!

[Jackie in AR]

We are so upset. He was not seriously injured, but its all over the news. He stepped in to break up a fight that he thought would lead to serious injury. The students (4 girls) had metal pipes, brooksticks, and glass bottles. It was caught on security camera and the media is trying to get the video. It was a "gang" related situation and he just wants to be left out of it. It really is aweful that there are about 2500 students who are expected to learn in that environment and this is supposed to be one of the "better" schools in our area.

They are charging the students as adults (felony assault) and I just can't imagine it all going away. I worry about his safety, but he worries about the other students. I want him to quit and he wants to continue to be an influence in the lives of students.

Thanks for listening.

((Laurel)) I am speechless. Thank the Lord that he is OK.

[HappyatHome]

Dh is a ps teacher too. High School. There are fights weekly at his school. I know the fear. I am so sorry this happened to your dh. Prayers are going up for you guys.

[Musical Belle]

My dh is also a ps middle school teacher and he was assaulted a few weeks ago while trying to break up a fight -- and he is a big guy (see my profile). The student was taken into juvenile detention, given a talking-to, and sent home. Today a dangerous student was returned to school because a psychological evaluation by the school system showed he's not responsible for his actions. Things get worse daily, but he can't leave before the end of the school year.

My heart SO goes out to you. We need our own support group!:grouphug:

Kim

[Lisa at Home]

That is so absolutely awful! I'm glad he's not seriously injured. Please let him know for us how highly we think of him!!

:grouphug:

~Lisa

[MichelleWI]

Oh, Laurel, I can't imagine how upsetting this must be for you! :grouphug:

[Laurel T.]

All of your support means so much to both of us.

I did not realize how many teacher's wives there are on this board. We should all get together and figure out how to live on a teacher's salary.

[Laurel T.]

Oh and all of this hero talk is doing alot for his mood. I never really thought about it in those terms--I just wanted to fuss at him for putting himself in harms way. But, this approach is working alot better than mine.

Laurel T.

[Amy loves Bud]

Good night. I will pray that some good things will happen because of this - changes in the school, the students who attacked him - just something good.

Your husband sounds like a courageous, principled man and the school system is VERY lucky to have him. (((hugs)))

[Quiver0f10]

Wow, I am so sorry ! Praying for you all.

[Sugarfoot]

Laurel, I'm so glad he's okay.:grouphug:

[Colleen]

nt

[Elisabeth in IL]

Wow!!! I'm glad that he wasn't seriously hurt. I'd be afraid for my dh too. He is doing a great service to society by trying to help and influence the next generation.

[Valerie in Chicago]

He stepped up and did the right thing. Once things settle down a bit, perhaps suggest to him that he never, ever step into a girl-fight. They are the worst. They just do NOT back down! When I was teaching, we all agreed to that. A girlfriend of mine who teaches is a tiny thing -- she'll step into a guy-fight because they'll stop (ok, i'm speaking in generalities here), but never, ever into a girl-fight. Just call security and stay out of the way.

My DH is still teaching high school. It's a great school, but all you need is one kid making a bad decision in a bad moment.....

Will your DH pursue charges?

[Plaid Dad]

Thank goodness he is all right! I would be terrified, too, but bless him for his courage and his dedication.

[Twinmom]

How awful! I'm so sorry for you and your husband. It's so hard to believe that doing the right thing can end up so terribly. I hope he is alright.

[SnowWhite]

(((hugs))) and prayers for you and your dh coming your way. How sad.

[Laurel T.]

Will your DH pursue charges

He has no desire to pursue charges. He just wants the whole thing to go away, but the District Attorney is moving forward on adult felony assault charges. Which could bring a max. of 10 years in prison. I don't think that they will get that heavy of a sentence, but I just don't know. They are not backing down and there were other students hurt in the incident.

You all are so kind to express your care and concern. DH is feeling better this morning and really looking forward to the weekend and springbreak!

Laurel T.

[Kris]

Holy buckets!!!! How scary is that?! I can't believe he wasn't seriously injured considering how these "little darlings" were armed!

I agree with you about the newspapers and always take everything I read there with a grain of salt. When I was working in a law office, they never could get the details right of the cases we were trying, even though all they had to do was get their facts from the written documents. Unfortunately, not enough people realize this, and it's easy to forget even if they do.

I am *so* glad he only needed Tylenol!!!!

(I'm sorry -- I can't help myself --)

So much for socialization!

[Dayle in Guatemala]

What a horrible thing to happen. I can't believe it. I just can't believe it whenever I hear about violence like that in schools. I'm praying for your dh and yourself.

[mysticamethyst]

Speechless, really. I am so, so sorry this has happen to your DH. That is just simply unacceptable for you to have to live with that kind of fear of when your DH when he goes to work at a school. I am glad that he was not injured and that he is still ready to help/teach the rest of those children.

[True Blue]

Laurel, I googled the incident. These girls are from a violent family and have a violent past. I'm sure you know this. If these girls don't get more than a slap on the wrist they may kill someone next time. I sympathize with you and your dh's situation. I'm so very sorry.

[Kay in Cal]

Oh Laurel... I'm so sorry for you. We'll be praying for you and your dh. I must say that I do admire people who are called to teach public school... it is a tough job, and I'm sure for some of these kids a much better place to be than a violent home. But as a wife, that probably isn't very much comfort. Ugh. Please come and vent here... it must be so scary.

[Elm in NJ]

I am so sorry you and your dh are going through this.

Elmeryl

[Lizzie in Ma]

So wrong in so very many ways. :grouphug:

[Lisawa]

How horrifying! I understand your concerns and I admire your husband’s commitment to these kids... How sad that this is the learning environment these kids have!

I’m so sorry, and I’m glad your husband is ok.... I hope you both can find an amicable solution.... it’s a tough one.

[Just a Jen in Mississippi]

Oh, I am so sorry this happened to your husband! I can not imagine how difficult this must be for you all!

((hugs)) and prayers....