Muscatine

Family Outraged After Colorado 3rd Grader Suspended for Sniffing Shirt With Marker on It

Friday, April 04, 2008


The family of a Colorado third grader is furious after he was suspended for sniffing his shirt. School administrators accused 8-year-old Eathen Harris of trying to get high by huffing a stripe of magic marker on his shirt, MyFOXColorado reported.

Harris' teacher reported him for misbehaving and Harris Park Principal Christopher Benisch handed him a three day suspension.
James Harris, Eathen's father, insists the punishment is too extreme.
"[The school] automatically assumed that he was huffing a

marker," James Harris told MyFOXColorado. "He is in third grade, he's 8-years-old. And I think that's a ridiculous assumption."
When James Harris went to the school to argue his son did not know any better, the suspension was reduced from three days to one. He still does not think the school has done enough.
Principal Benisch stands by his decision, telling MyFOXColorado he believes the markers pose a serious safety issue if misused.
He says Eathen Harris' punishment stems from repeatedly sniffing the marker on his shirt, even after being told to stop.
"We really want to send a clear message to that student and the other students that we're responsible for that," Benisch told MyFOXColorado. "This is a real true danger."

IMO, the school acted responsibly in this instance. It's disturbing that the 8 year old was displaying the beginning tendencies to get high this early on. Not to mention his refusal to obey simple commands.

MUSCATINE, Iowa - Students were found with illegal drugs in at least three separate incidents on the West Middle School campus this week, Lt. Brett Talkington of the Muscatine Police Department confirmed Friday.

Muscatine School District Superintendent Tom Williams said possession and possible distribution of drugs is suspected.

"It's disappointing of course. We're hoping it's isolated to West at this time," Williams said.

On Wednesday, one student was found in possession of prescription drugs that were not authorized, according to Talkington.

That same day, another student was found in possession of marijuana. School officials contacted police after they realized what was going on, Talkington said. A teacher chased the student, who tried to run away, and then detained him until police arrived.

Friday, at least one other West Middle School student was being interviewed by police for possession of prescription drugs, Talkington said.

"The students aren't telling us where they're getting it. I don't know if they're getting it from their parents or what," Talkington said.

So far Williams said nine students have been interviewed and parents are cooperating with officials to get to the bottom of the situation.

He added that the students are subject to discipline at the school and there could be "extended suspensions and possible expulsions, depending on what we find out."

The investigation is ongoing, both from within the school and by the Muscatine Police Department.

Really sad.

*cough* Wii need a youth center *cough*

>_> I didn't say anything.

It is quite said though, how is this happening? I mean, seriously, who's letting this continue happening? And don't blame the liberals, Nedl - it's the fault of inattentive parents on all sides.

I disagree. I blame a system that holds no kid responsible for their actions. A system that tells and teaches kids that parents have no right to stop them. A system that has torn apart the very fiber of family.

Show me the parent that says "gee, hope my kid gets high today".

Bet I'm quicker in showing a system that allows and supports it?

Peace