My son is having problems in the wake county schools (raleigh, nc). The teachers get frustrated with him and write up for things that he can't control. The school has labled him in a negative way. His rights have been violated in many ways. There is alot more going on and we need to find representation fast. He is being discriminated against, mentally abused as well as neglected.
215617
You should look at your states bar association for a list of lawyers.  For example: \nIllinois State Bar Association http://www.illinoisbar.org/\nhas a link to http://www.illinoislawyerfinder.com/\nWhich you can search "Select a Field of Practice = DISABILITY".  \n\nDo the same kind of search or call your local library.  They will know where to look.
331431
First of all, I offer my empathy to you and your son; and I've said a little prayer for both of you.  I have an opinion on this but it is just that an opinion.  Maybe it will give you some ideas to confront the situation.\n\nHere are some thoughts:\n\nEvery child has the right to an education.  Ask Pres. Bush!  Not only that, but you'd be in trouble if you did not ensure your son received that education.\n\nBecome best friends so to speak with this social worker...especially if he/she seems to be on your side.  Sounds like she might be since she revealed what "she believes" to be the actual reason for the denial.  She will know how the school system works and she'll know who to contact up the chain of command AND maybe more importantly knows who to contact outside the school system when intervention and supervision of school practices should be reported.  \n\nMake absolutely certain that this is not in fact a zoning issue.  Maybe the social worker can show you how she got her information on zoning.  Also someone in the city or even voter registration office can tell you what school district you are in.  Make sure before you take this any further.  \n\nMake an appointment with the school principal.  The purpose of the visit is to ask them for an explanation in person.  Don't allow yourself to become confrontational or argumentative. Just listen to what they have to say.  If they take the zoning stance, calmly let them know that the social worker has looked into the matter for you and told you otherwise.  You might state that their letter to you gave one reason and that the social worker found there to be another reason and say, "attendance."  Again, just listen to what they have to say.  Don't get into a debate with them.  This is your first step to try to handle the matter rationally and on your own.  Of course, ask questions and have a discussion just keep it calm.  Don't make accusations.  Don't give them any reason to feel threatened.  By doing so, you will get the most information from them.  (and keep in mind, you want your son to return there in the fall...do everything you can to create and preserve a good, rational relationship with the principal and office staff.)  When the meeting is over, just politely thank them for their time.  Don't say anything about what you are thinking like what you might do next.  Just leave. Don't give them any insight into how you took the news.  Because, the news will probably be that your son cannot return for whatever reason they choose to stand by.   Take another adult with you as a witness.  If they ask who the person is and why they are there, just tell them you want to be sure that you understand everything they tell you.  Let them know that this matter is troubling to you and especially your son; and you need someone else to understand their reasoning so that you have someone to talk to.  Don't let them refuse to speak to both of you.  If they do, thank them for their time and leave.  Do not stay and listen to them without a witness.  You might even want to ask the social worker to join you BUT NOT in place of another adult you trust.  When you leave, you should both make notes immediately about what was said in the meeting...even before you discuss it.  Then compare notes.\n\nSave those notes.  I don't know if a school can refuse enrollment due to attendance.  I know shcools have rules and progressive disciplinary policies that can lead to expulsion for various reasons.  If your son is being denied enrollment due to attendance, the school should be able to produce evidence of progressive disciplinary action and a copy of the policy that relates to their action.  If he missed too many days to pass to the next grade, they should just have him repeat the year...not refuse enrollment.  \n\nYou might benefit from a consultation, advice and representation of an attorney if you have ruled out zoning and any clearly documente
447168
Ma'am, I agree with you. Many schools are limiting freedom, because it gives a school a "gang reputation". Honestly, they think that anything that speaks out against the school is 'gang-related'. I'm not saying that we should ignore possible gang and violence related activity, but something like wearing a wrist band isn't gonna kill someone. [but come on! for uniform?! Get over it! there are more inportant things in life than your clothes!] And is definitely not supposed to be punished by expulsion.  Of course if it violated a dress code then it could be punishable by a detention, but not expulsion from activities. \n            Also, I think that the politicians would pay more attention to young people if more young people showed more interest in politics and voting. \n            Plus, stuff like the protestrors getting arested, is still unknown in the American public, because the people take their rights for granted and dont' see the threats to them. They probably won't miss them until they're gone. They are just to busy with they're MTV and malls, to care about the community. What's gotta happen is that the power has got to go back to the people. Our schools teach the importance of staying away from drugs and violence and sex, but they don't say any words of encouragemetn about voting. Some do, but not enough. And that's another thing that has got to take place. I agree with you that we should do something about our speech rights being taken away. But as you can tell, protesting is not gonna get us anywhere. We've got to take the matter into our own hands. Like joining Congress, and law. I personally am considering joining politics.
595137
There is no adequete punishment for being tardy anymore.  Educators are not allowed to have  the guts to be tough anymore.  Our soceity will pay for it, just stay tuned.
9762
You really should consult a legal professional practicing in the jurisdiction where this took place rather than asking here.  \n\nHowever, what civil rights do you think were violated, and by whom?  A 4 hour time span may be perfectly legal where you live.
591195
I am not sure what questions you are reffering to, but as an educator, I am required to report.  Yes, the system is a bit messed up. I have seen children taken away for little things, and nothing done in cases of major abuse.   CPS is required to look into anything that is reported. If a family has identified problems on their own, I encourage them to get help. Go to counseling, whatever they need to do to get out of trouble. It is the parent's responsiblity to take care and protect our children.  If they can not, someone needs to protect the child. Unfortunately, CPS is overwhelmed and needs an overhaul.
572293
I can tell by your rambling letter that you really could use someones help and support.  Why Montel?  How about getting an appointment with one of the school administrators. I would think children going through the stress of having one or two of their parents in harms way is stressful enough.  The kids then have to be subjected to bullying. \n\nDon't just storm into anyones office with all your complaints.  I understand your frustration.  Instead, write down in short sentences the facts.  For example, on such a date little Mary was kicked on the bus.  Or, little Amy had her lunch stolen.  Explain their fears of school  and how long this torture has been going on.  Wait a week if you do not hear anything.  Go over that persons head.  Make sure you know who and when you spoke to these people.\n\nIf you don't get results, I hate to recommend this, but maybe a big antiwar news show such as MSNBC or CNN may want to hear your story.  Good luck
233769
Time to get the parents involved.  Authorities will listen to complaints from parents directed to the right person.  Try to get them to contact the Principal or the school Superintendent.  If this is affecting the students, this must be dealt with properly and quickly.
429076
The aggressive child has a right to a free appropriate public education.  It sounds as if the "appropriate" part needs to be addressed here.  There are times when a student is placed in a special education classroom that, for many different reasons, is not able to adequately provide for his needs.  Although medication might very well be helpful, a parent cannot be forced to put a child on meds.  So I would strongly suggest requesting a team meeting (teaching staff, parents, school administrator, school nurse, psychologist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, etc.) to address the issue.\n\nAs far as your rights, while it is true that there is an increased risk of injury from student assault in special ed classes, you absolutely have the right to a safe working environment.  Are you filing incident reports when a student injures someone or needs an emergency behavioral intervention (such as needing to restrain a child)?  In my district, this is mandatory.  The paper trail insures that administrators and parents are kept informed, and it helps to establish that there is a pattern of behavior.\n\nI would also suggest that, as the parent of another student, you address the rights of the other students in the class.  Every child has a right to feel safe at school, and if another child is terrorizing the class and harming other students, I would complain to the administration and ask for a meeting on how my child's safety and right to a secure classroom environment were going to be provided.\n\nIt sounds as if the assaultive child needs a behavior plan to help him learn appropriate behavior.  And it may well be that he needs a different, more structured classroom environment in order to succeed.
641060
i dont kno man i gotta learn it here in NC too though. complain to your school board i guess hopefully something will work our becuase i want to move down to texas when im out of college and i dont want my kids to have to learn it.
316553
It is out of control. And it's completely unfair. Teachers, cops, social workers, hell, even doctors, are far more valuable to society. But when was the last time you made a special appointment to watch a teacher teach, or write the name of a social worker on the back of a T-shirt and walk around town with it. They're only paid as much as we'll support them. It's our own fault.
627937
OK, I can understand what you are trying to say. But you must look at it much differently than you are looking at it. Example-In our school system in the US, the purpose is to educate children to a degree that they will be compatable in an educated world, however in some instances you will find teachers charged with raping a student. These are also highly trained professionals like soldiers are. Now here lies the dissimmilarity, You will never hear a public cry for a school where a teacher commited rape to be closed, only for the teacher to be brought to the fullest extent of justice under our law. However when a soldier or group of soldiers is accused of a crime, it seems that many would stop the operation at hand, and simply "close shop". We need to remember that individual soldiers are people, and will be tried as individual people for their crimes. Just because there are a few bad cops, doesnt mean that you should shut down the police force.  You are correct, this isnt right, but until the US military can find a breed of perfect people, they just have to work as hard as they can with those of us who choose to enlist, and we all have our faults. Remember that even soldiers are innocent until PROVEN guilty, and I hope IF proven guilty for rape and murder, these men will never see another day of freedom. I fought too hard, saw too much pain, lost too many friends, was too professional, to want any rapist/murderer to stain my reputation.
367281
First, carefully evaluate all of the answers here in YA before moving forward.\n\nThe district does have some responsiblity to protect students from emotional and mental harm.  But honestly, if every middle school pursued every instance emotional and mental things that go on, nothing would get done.  In this case, the offending student was arrested and removed from the school (even if by his parents).\n\nThe district also has the responsibility to educate, or try to, each student.  Every student then has the right to attend school in a safe and caring environment.  Your school has to attempt to act in the best interests of all students.  But...\n\nThe boy that committed this crime against your daughter has apparently been re-admitted on a "final straw" basis.  Unfortunately, your school may have taken the attitude that many schools do... and that is to let the student remain in school as long as he behaves himself.  \n\nThat is what you need to discuss with your principal... rationally, without letting your motherly anger and emotion overtake you.  You're concerned and your daughter is frightened.  Did the SCHOOL punish the boy the first time?  Has he returned on any sort of probationary basis?  What happens if he tries the same thing again (on ANYBODY) or intimidates or threatens your daughter?  How many other girls has this happened to?\n\nRemember to keep emotions out of it, because you're helping many more kids than your own now.  Be strong as you let him know how you believe that the boy should not be there, and if he is, he shoud be seperated.  Talk to other parents.\n\nThen ask the principal when the next school board meeting is.
284110
The best answer I could possibly give would be to consult with the teachers association as well, possibly the school board. This is a tough spot your in and I understand you are at a loss as to what to do but those are the only options you have unless you take legal action.
292449
I am not a mother but i was a student before I’ve never had this happen to me in middle school but in high school it was done before with a student exposing him self to the young 9th graders. i find it disturbing. It was my senior year and what I and a few other students did to help students that are being sexually harassed or who see it being done. we set up a Confidentiality program where in every class we put a box any box like a shoe box or something with a open slit on top and we sent home letters to parents telling them to advise their children that if they are ever in that situation to write it down and put it in that box they may choose to  put their name or not and they should put the what class they are in and room number and if they can the first and last name of the student that harassed them or they seeing harassing someone. At the end of each day either you or a group of parents can go through the boxes it may be to many so if not at the end of the week may be good it gives you the weekend to look them over you can even have a group of class rooms assigned to each parent. And when you have all of these you show them to school officials and let them know what is going on at their school and they should be paying more attention to their students... Another thing where are the teachers in all this they should let students know that they can come to them for anything even if its after class.. My idea worked for us I hope it will work for you if you decide to use it.. just make sure you get permission from the school and parents the slip you send home can also have a place where the parents sign so that they are okay with what is being done to keep the school safe if you need any more deep info please contact me i think I’ve said a lot good luck! Buh Bye
364417
First, I want to tell you that your son hitting the teacher is very wrong. I am myself a teacher and I have a students threaten me and insult me. It upsets me. I became a teacher with the desire to make a change in the life of the young people that I meet on a daily basis. \nThe teacher did not have direct physical contact with your son, therefore he didn't not touch him.  He probably tried to prevent him to get in trouble. Your son has rights under the IDEA act. There are organization in every state to help with special and legal problems. I wish you good luck. I will enclose a few links. \nSome schools will argue that a student that has ADD does not qualifies under IDEA but you can make a case that if he has a lot of anger, upset or emotional crisis he does. You need to search under IDEA and your state and advocacy. I feel that if a student hits a teacher or another student, there is definitely a cause for concern. I know that you love your son and that you want what is best for him. Don't blame the teacher because he already got hit, don't blame your son because he is filled with anger and that won't help. Search for a good therapist and work through the issues. It is not your fault, the fact that you are asking us this question means that you love him and that you care. \nGOOD LUCK!
32819
I went through a very similar situation and after months of being told by the teacher and the principal that there must be a problem at home, I found out another child was having the same problems mine was.  The other mom and I got together and came up with a plan.  We each got our child to tell us why the other child was having so much trouble.\n\nTurned out there was another child in the class bullying and intimidating ours so badly that there were days they spent all their time huddled under their desks.  \n\nWhile I still could not get the school to admit to a problem, I did find a sympathetic vice principal who allowed my child access to her office at any time he felt he could not handle being in the class anymore.  \n\nIt wasn't the perfect solution but it got us to the end of that school year and I made sure I had some say in what class he went into the next year.  Things improved after that.  \n\nIf you truly are not having discipline problems at home and the only place there really seems to be a problem is at school, then I would be looking very hard at why there is a problem at school.  Don't take the teacher's word for anything...that teacher may very well be the problem.  Talk to other parents and find out if anyone else is going through something similar to what you are.  Make sure your child understands that you know there is a problem and you are doing your best to help.  Let him know he has you on his side.  \n\nGood luck.  Sure would like to know the outcome of this one.