VA- 6-YEAR-OLD is in custody after shooting teacher

[katydid23]

A couple of thoughts stand out immediately after reading this horrifying article.

I honestly don't know the politically correct language so I can't even state my questions the way I'd really like to. However, it most certainly feels like there's some sort of socio/political favoritism sort of thing, happening here.

This clearly disturbed and dangerous kid and his family are being treated differently than in most cases any of us have ever followed.

The most obvious question is WHY?

My guess is that the school is afraid of a lawsuit that could come from asking the child be transferred out of that school. Many administrators seem to be afraid of just that. Afraid they would be labeled as racist, sexist, ableist or something and then sued and possibly fired ?

 

[Lilibet]

My guess is that the school is afraid of a lawsuit that could come from asking the child be transferred out of that school. Many administrators seem to be afraid of just that. Afraid they would be labeled as racist, sexist, ableist or something and then sued and possibly fired ?

My retired teacher husband said this was the reason permission wasn’t given to search his pockets…fear of a lawsuit and being fired. I don’t understand why they didn’t call his mother to come immediately and keep him in the office until she arrived. Let her search him if they’re afraid of lawsuits. But don’t send him back to class!

 

[katydid23]

My retired teacher husband said this was the reason permission wasn’t given to search his pockets…fear of a lawsuit and being fired. I don’t understand why they didn’t call his mother to come immediately and keep him in the office until she arrived. Let her search him if they’re afraid of lawsuits. But don’t send him back to class!

Nowadays, an adult cannot prevent a student from doing whatever they want. If the student 'wants' to go back to class, or to leave the class, they just do so. They know that teachers or administrators are not going to physically stop them in any way for fear of being fired, sued or publicly cancelled.

It is so hard for me to believe that a teacher could not search his backpack and his pockets once they were told he may have a weapon. That is so sad.

 

[IDK]

As someone who lives in the same general area, I often ask that too. Are his parents known in the area? I’ve worked in mental health for years in VA and I’ve never seen a parent in class as part of a BIP, 504 plan or IEP.

Mental health is an issue here. Reimbursement rate is atrocious for Medicaid funded programs or just school funded mental health needs in general. There are other schools that probably would’ve been better suited for him but time and effort and willingness for the city to fund it. The city I live in has better resources than Newport News does but there’s still issues. And waiting lists everywhere.

I know where he was sent initially after the shooting. I don’t know if he’s still there as I haven’t asked but I’m still perplexed why there’s seemingly no consequences for the parents yet. There’s going to be residual impacts from PTSD for a lot of those little kids. And that makes me sad.

I appreciate your post and I know you may not be able to answer the following question— was the child taken somewhere for psychiatric treatment after the shooting? My hope is “yes”, but who knows these days with bed availability.

 

[Simply Southern]

More on the The Uvalde Foundation For Kids statement today...

The foundation’s founder, Daniel Chapin said part of those developing circumstances included the lack of accountability on the school’s part.

“If we can’t trust that the school will care for the concerns of its teachers to make sure they’re safe and are able to care for their kids, in all confidence I cannot put hundreds and thousands of dollars into the pockets of those same individuals that donors from around the nation are contributing,” Chapin said.

Chapin said he didn’t make the decision to switch the hands of the money on a whim and consulted many people beforehand.

“I’m looking at 32 emails from people that said we would donate to the fund because teachers deserve it like Abby, but not if Richneck oversees it,” he said.

He said to fix the longstanding problem of guns in schools, people must first fix their own internal issues.

“But we’ve got to start by being human beings and they failed in that aspect. They don’t like me telling them that, but that’s ok.”

Foundation cancels grant oversight from Richneck Elementary School

What a powerful statement. I am glad the foundation recognized the internal issues prior to creating the donation.

I'm sure they don't like him pulling the oversite of the funds. Sounds like the SB wasn't happy with the decision.

What I still find unusal, parents seemed to be upset initially after the shooting, but little is said now. No one is questioning the SB or seems unhappy with their response to the shooting. Most just returned to school, after the first two meetings. The SB is making no attempt to reassure the community of changes or future actions. And parents seem OK with this.

All moo.....

 

[iamshadow21]

I appreciate your post and I know you may not be able to answer the following question— was the child taken to a psych hospital after the incident? My hope is “yes”, but who knows these days with bed availability.

As a he is a minor, I don't think that information is publicly available, nor should it be.

 

[Simply Southern]

Nowadays, an adult cannot prevent a student from doing whatever they want. If the student 'wants' to go back to class, or to leave the class, they just do so. They know that teachers or administrators are not going to physically stop them in any way for fear of being fired, sued or publicly cancelled.

It is so hard for me to believe that a teacher could not search his backpack and his pockets once they were told he may have a weapon. That is so sad.

That is the case is one local school system in my area. The other six surrounding districts, don't put up with this behavior. Many of our smaller, strictest school districts have the highest test scores in the state. Many maintained this status during COVID, even lacking internet connects, picking up school assignments weekly.

No, not all school operate in fear of the children, parents or racism. It takes the SB and administration supporting teachers, safety and the best interest of all students. It takes utilization of funding for core education, advanced, special education, and home school services; verses special projects/play days, prizes, administration retreats, trips, etc.

Rickneck really shook me up, and woke me up to the risk in our schools. I recently had a long conversation with my school board rep, after Richneck. We currently have a total of 26 students in alternate education, 6 are special needs, 20 on year long suspension/ disciplinary. A teacher goes to the home or safe place, 3 to 4 hours per day. 10 of these students are taught at an alternate locations due to unsafe homes. As, we reviewed the budget and expenses, it was clear this type education is expensive. He laughed and said, we provide less perks, trips and get away retreats than the big districts but all our children are given an opportunity to learn in an appropriate environment. I almost hugged him!!!

Home based education can be challenging. It requires a parent to be in attendance, many classes are in the evening to accommodate parents. Some parents lack supervision/child care. Daycares don't take older children. Some parents just won't particulate. Its up to the Superintendent and SB on now to proceed. We either allow the child back in school or become involved in a legal process with the parent.

When we closed all our alternate schools, several years ago, the burden fell to the schools and the parents. Currently the only special school we have is a few mental health, in patient hospitals.


All my opinion...

 

[IDK]

What a powerful statement. I am glad the foundation recognized the internal issues prior to creating the donation.

I'm sure they don't like him pulling the oversite ipof funds. Sounds like the SB wasn't happy with the decision.

What I still find unusal, parents seemed to be upset initially after the shooting, but little is said now. No one is questioning the SB or seems unhappy with their response to the shooting. Most just returned to school, after the first two meetings. The SB is making no attempt to reassure the community of changes or future actions. And parents seem OK with this.

All moo.....

You raise a good point and I’m not sure if you read the article from the Washington Post, but I counted at least 5 families that have sought legal advice— there was one group of 4 parents with one law office, and another family with a different law office. There may be more who didn’t want to talk to them, for all we know.

What I’ve seen in our community, is that families trying to improve things for their children sometimes get slapped with all kinds of nasty labels—troublemakers, intolerant, etc.
Many parents give up and go private. It’s not worth it to them. I don’t know if that’s a factor.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Nowadays, an adult cannot prevent a student from doing whatever they want. If the student 'wants' to go back to class, or to leave the class, they just do so. They know that teachers or administrators are not going to physically stop them in any way for fear of being fired, sued or publicly cancelled.

It is so hard for me to believe that a teacher could not search his backpack and his pockets once they were told he may have a weapon. That is so sad.

The same thing happened in the case of the Oxford High School shooting in Michigan. The perp sat in a school office with administor/s and both of his parents, but no one asked Ethan to open his backpack so they could see what was inside. Neither parent asked to search their son's backpack, nor did school personnel ask to search the backpack. The parents refused to take Ethan out of school and get him to counseling, and he was allowed to return to class.

GUILTY - MI - 4 students killed, 6 injured, Oxford High School shooting, 30 Nov 2021 *Arrest incl parents* *teen guilty* #4

When I read this I felt sick- just horrible- a 6 year old wannabe killer- she is critical so how did he get the gun-- These parents have to be held to account for this Absolutely.

www.websleuths.com

 

[Simply Southern]

You raise a good point and I’m not sure if you read the article from the Washington Post, but I counted at least 5 families that have sought legal advice— there was one group of 4 parents with one law office, and another family with a different law office. There may be more who didn’t want to talk to them, for all we know.

What I’ve seen in our community, is that families trying to improve things for their children sometimes get slapped with all kinds of nasty labels—troublemakers, intolerant, etc.
Many parents give up and go private. It’s not worth it to them. I don’t know if that’s a factor.

Yes, I read WP article, that's why I'm so disappointed. Richneck serves 627 students and only 5 families standing up to the school. You are right, there maybe more. I hope so, I don't see change without exposure. I would imagine the media is monitoring court filings.

In my opinion, we can only make change/improve things by open honest discussions. The SB has not admitted/discussed the failure of policy/staff, nor the corrective action to prevent in the future. Metal dectors are not the answer.

At a recent City Council meeting parents voiced concerns. The mayor response, we hear your concerns. The mayor, nor CC addressed or responded to the citizens. (Article thread)

I'm in a rural area and I believe we would be the SBs worst nightmare. Our county residents are always "up in", the SB meetings, especially when it comes to grants/windfall money usage. We pay a 1% extra sales tax to help fully funds our schools, so everyone's gotta say.

All my opinion...

 

[Simply Southern]

What I’ve seen in our community, is that families trying to improve things for their children sometimes get slapped with all kinds of nasty labels—troublemakers, intolerant, etc.
Many parents give up and go private. It’s not worth it to them. I don’t know if that’s a factor.

This is true. Our community is pro education. In the 70s our band booster (501c3) started weekend bingo (legal for NFP), after years, we purchased the shopping center we rented from, later brought two more rental venues and host fund raiser and galas several times per year. The "foundation" funds all kinds of extras, every school has free dinner for teachers, student and family (M-F til 7:30), trips, equipment, computers, tutors, even prom dresses and tuxedos for those in need, all school parties/fun days.

I feel very luck to have been a part of a group of financial savvy parents, that created a long term funding source. It's a lot of work, parents, community volunteering, the money doesn't come easy. We are a rural, poor community, and our kids need every advantage possible to become successful adults.

All my opinion.

 

[Simply Southern]

School security expert weighs in on effectiveness of clear backpacks

What started as a fashion accessory in the 1940s and 1950s evolved into a security measure in the late 1990s and early 2000s after the Columbine High School shooting.

www.wavy.com

Canady is a retired Lieutenant of the Hoover Police Department in Alabama and spent the last 12 years of his 25-year career as a school resource officer.

“It’s one of those situations where is someone going to be monitoring what’s in those backpacks as students arrive at school. When you think about the number of things you might put in a backpack, a T-shirt, gym clothes, something like that can certainly and I’m not trying to give anyone ideas but can certainly conceal something within that clear backpack. We have to be careful to not create a false sense of security and to make sure that we’re willing as school staff to go to the next level if you see something suspicious in that clear backpack or if there are items you can’t see in that clear backpack that there has to be something or a policy about searching it,” Canady stated.

 

[Simply Southern]

The foundation's been supporting additional trauma and safety.
I would think the SB would be openly praising the foundation.

I reallyyyyyyyy wanna know what the developing circumstances are!!!

I sure hope, the SB and administration are not blaming AZ. That did not work out well for the NJ superintendent, who blamed the recent suicide student.
Moo....

Foundation revises oversight plan for grant supporting Zwerner and Richneck Elementary

The Uvalde Foundation for Kids said it's cancelling the school's oversight of it's "Hero" grant award "due to developing circumstances" at the school.

www.13newsnow.com

The Uvalde Foundation for Kids said it's cancelling the school's oversight of it's "Hero" grant award "due to developing circumstances" at the school.

The foundation has been coordinating additional trauma support and safety resources with Richneck Elementary School since Zwerner was shot on January 6.

They said that "given recent events at the school, the oversight and responsibility of the grant program itself would not be appropriate for the school itself to implement."

They said they "will instead be working with Ms. Zwerner and her representatives to oversee the grant directly."

 

[Simply Southern]

Abby Zwerner, teacher shot by Newport News first-grade student, reacts to receiving grant

The grant is funded by The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, a nonprofit that aims to end school violence “one life at a time.”

www.wtkr.com

The grant is funded by The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, a nonprofit that aims to end school violence “one life at a time.”

Toscano shared Abby’s reaction to receiving the grant:

“Abby and her family have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from students, parents, and fellow teachers in Newport News and from educators and organizations around the country. Thank you all!”

 

[Simply Southern]

Actual interview with Uvalde Foundation For Kids, director. He states, the grant will be for 100,000s of dollars and requires accountability. There mission is safety, access risk, training. After discovering the number of teacher concerns, the number of times teachers reported the child to administration, the foundation felt AZ would better serve over those funds. Those aren't the exact words, he was very careful how he worded the statement.

Moo....I don't think he trust the SB and administration. That's just my vibe.

'Hero' grant money will go to teacher instead of Virginia elementary school

Richneck Elementary School will no longer control how a "hero" grant from the Uvalde Foundation For Kids is spent in the wake of the shooting at the school in January.

www.yahoo.com

 

[fred&edna]

We still don't know if a threat assessment was ever done on the 6 year old.

Is the school district responsible for paying "alternative placement" costs for each qualifying child?

 

[Simply Southern]

We still don't know if a threat assessment was ever done on the 6 year old.

Is the school district responsible for paying "alternative placement" costs for each qualifying child?

It is my understand yes, unless placed in a juvenile facility, long term medical or psychiatric facility.

We just do not have any special schools, or very limited slots. The state disbanded these several years ago. The only other opinion is to school at home, with a visiting teacher. Most private schools are very selective, and upfront in the lack of resources for special needs. We have focused on inclusion, at all cost.

Moo...

 

[YepperBepper]

You raise a good point and I’m not sure if you read the article from the Washington Post, but I counted at least 5 families that have sought legal advice— there was one group of 4 parents with one law office, and another family with a different law office. There may be more who didn’t want to talk to them, for all we know.

What I’ve seen in our community, is that families trying to improve things for their children sometimes get slapped with all kinds of nasty labels—troublemakers, intolerant, etc.
Many parents give up and go private. It’s not worth it to them. I don’t know if that’s a factor.

Absolutely.

I will never forget what happened to the father at the Loudon School Board meeting. He ended up arrested and on a investigation list with DHS, if I'm not mistaken.

The cage rattlers need to have a lot of grit and thick skin. IMHO

 

[YepperBepper]

It is my understand yes, unless placed in a juvenile facility, long term medical or psychiatric facility.

We just do not have any special schools, or very limited slots. The state disbanded these several years ago. The only other opinion is to school at home, with a visiting teacher. Most private schools are very selective, and upfront in the lack of resources for special needs. We have focused on inclusion, at all cost.

Moo...

I found this article from several years ago. I'd suggest this was probably the begining of what we are seeing now...with few alternative schools available and the absorption of extreme behavioral and emotionally disturbed children in both regular and special Ed.

If a school district has the threat of federal investigation and fines hanging over their heads, there's really no option. On the flip side, there needs to be SOME oversight so the alternative placement is not abused. A definite conundrum. IMHO

How Students Get Banished to Alternative Schools

In this era of so-called “school choice,” a pattern has emerged: Students don’t choose their alternative schools. They’re sentenced to them.

www.propublica.org

 

[mickey2942]

The problem I have seen is that children are becoming more violent, younger. And the schools are getting more of these kids. Much of this is due to more children survive after being exposed to drugs, prenatally, family and social upheavals, parents working more, leaving young kids alone, with siblings, or poor child care.

Now, the plan is when a child acts out, the teacher is supposed to empty the classroom to keep the other children safe, and try to de-escalate to defuse the situation. It creates disorganization for the other students, and doesn't really solve the problem.