tina22, the video cameras that I meant to be at schools are the ones that parents would have access from the computer at their own home which parents could have access through a secret code to get to watch it, like the ones that they have in some daycares, that parents can check anytime to see how your child is doing, this gives parents piece of mind to know that your child is in a safe environment and in good hands, in my opinion, this would be a great thing to have at every school in all the classes.

Tobbyandlui, I have ask to see the camera at school, I was told that they could not show me what was on the camera.

Tina22, this is my opinion with all respect, at least if the school have a live camera in each classroom, you will be able to see what it is really going on, even if the principal tries to protect the teacher, is something at least you can prove with evidence.

My child has been hit and kick by other kids at her school when I went to her teacher and principal about it they make a remark what do you want me to do about it? cameras do not do any good at schools be cause the principals cover the teachers.The teachers yell at the kids, I have seen them do it. and when my Child tells me that a teacher grabed her by the shirt and pulled her down the hall I sent a note and the teacher tells my child that she told a lie. I think all teachers cover each other because they don't like their jobs and they would get sued if people only saw what gose on in the school.

First you should talk to the children’s parents who heard the teacher make a threat and see if they would back you the more the better. They then can’t say your child could be lying or fabricating the issue.
Then call and speak with the principal (Anonymously) and first let he/she know your a concerned parent, Ask he/she on how they feel about rules regulations and threats before you just say a teacher purposed a threat to a child. If he/she seems to be concerned you then let them know what happened and be sure to let them know you’re not the only concerned parent.

parentzkare: I believe that particular policy is in place for the protection of our children. I was a PTO president for several years during my son's elementary school years and during that time, locked school front doors with cameras, and buzzers where installed after 3 teenage boys entered the middle school (not students) and went on a rampage through the school just fooling around.

All of our area schools are now locked during the day, you must be buzzed in, report to the office, sign in, leave your car keys and wear a visitor pass.

parentzkare, principals of individual schools are overseen by the School District Superintendent. The District Superintendent is hired by school board members, who are usually elected by the community. Have you asked the principal why there's a new policy regarding parents who have checked in to the main office, being unable to go into the lunchroom or the playground at recess? If you don't get an answer, submit a written response from the Superintendent, and copy the individual School Board Members. If that doesn't get a response, contact your local news media...elected people hate negative publicity, and I'm sure many other parents would be outraged to find out they can't visit the school during lunch and recess, either....they just may not know about the restriction yet.

I agree, especially when the principal has posted a new sign on the cafeteria door prohibiting all parents from being on school grounds during recess and lunch. I inquired about this with the district and was told that the principal can attempt to establish policies for the school, like check into the office before going on campus. WHich is already established but the sign on the cafeteria door clearly states parents prohibited without telling us whether or not this is true even though a parent has checked in at the office? Sounds a bit too foggy for me!

I said in my opinion, that video live cameras should be put in every school and in every class so this can give us parent peace of mind, also to see what our children are doing as well as teachers, plus, we can check if our kids are learning. As other places like daycares have them, it will be great and parents can be able to have a personal password to get into it and check on their kids.

Thank you for all of your time and supportive information. However, I have not reported the incident to the administration as of yet because I have been educating myself on the "chain of command" for the school, district and also rights of our students and parents. Nevertheless, I have documented all of the relevant information and facts surrounding the incident and since have learned that the agresive and abusive language and manner of speaking to parents and teachers from that teacher was not excluded to only that one particular day. However, because the subject is such a sensitive one and I am not on school grounds monitoring how child will be treated after the matter is reported, I must proceed with caution and with much professionalism and education so as to not be the "crazy parent"... Suggestions?

Just wondering if you proceeded in any way. It may help others to know how you handled the situation.

Yes, do something. I would never tolerate this if happened in my son's class. If the principal won't listen and do something, than take it to the district. Go higher up until someone listens. I'd also talk to the teacher directly and notify all parents. This is not acceptable and if you have this information, please use it productively so other students are not abused.

I just want to add something, you may want to get a "TAPE RECORDING" , of what the children saw and heard, NOW, while it is fresh in their minds. "You have received get advice." She need relieve of her "duties".

I would definitely tell someone. I would contact the superintendent of schools, a member of the school committee, and the principal for a meeting with the parents of the other students that witnessed this. This way things will not get misinterpreted, twisted and should be documented. If the allegations are proven true, I would demand immediate action be taken by the school.

Does your son know the names of the other children who witnessed the abuse? If so, and you can contact the parents of those kids, and they agree to sign a letter that documents what happened, I think it would be very effective in getting the teacher disciplined. You would want to address the letter to the Principal, and send a copy to the School District Superintendent.

It would be best to try and keep emotion out of the letter, but clearly state the facts of what happened. Something on the order of "Dear Principal, On (date) an incident occurred at your school, (XYZ Elementary) in (Mrs. Teacher's) first grade classroom, and we feel you need to be informed. Our children, (names) were present when (Mrs. Teacher) verbally threatened another child (name) by saying that she intended to call the police if he did not improve his reading skills. If that wasn't upsetting enough, she then instructed our children to never to speak of what they had just heard and witnessed."

I don't know if you've got a copy of the school handbook regarding bullying (as usually it pertains to children's behaviors) but I'd probably quote from it and say that a teacher who displays the actions that your children witnessed should be expected to uphold a higher standard, as a good example to the children, and this particular situation was a disgrace. The teacher should be held accountable for her actions, and threatening students should never be tolerated. You can end by saying that you know what your children witness can never be erased from their mind, but you want to ensure no other child has to go through a similar situation. You might request that your children be moved to a different classroom, if she is allowed to remain as a teacher. To conclude your letter, you might say something like "We appreciate your prompt attention to this urgent matter, and we thank you for letting us know by Friday how this situation is resolved. Our children deserve to trust their teachers, not be fearful of them."