I can't believe I missed this one... The Rhinotimes published an article on 10/19 about the large amount of crime in CMS Schools.
The Rhinotimes published (Link:
tinyurl.com/y5fjog) the 'memos' the CMS Schools' communications staff sends to school board members can prove prime indicators of the day-to-day discipline problems the district faces. Here's a sampling from recent weeks:
October 12Alexander Middle SchoolIn response to a tip to the Crime Stoppers phone line and to rumors at school regarding possible retaliation tomorrow among students for the fight (where one student grabbed the knife from another and received 26 stitches) that occurred at school on Monday, the school has put additional safety and security measures in place at the school tomorrow. The principal also sent a Connect-Ed message to parents alerting them to the rumors, letting them know the school was taking the concerns seriously, and that additional measures were being taken to ensure a safe learning environment at school.
Vance High SchoolA 14-year-old female student was arrested this morning after attacking two students with a razor blade. The charges include possession of a weapon on campus, assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Middle School911 was called to respond to a seventh-grade male student who became violent in the principal's office and had to be restrained. Unfortunately, the school resource officer was not on campus during the incident. The student was arrested and also charged with possession of a weapon (a knife was in his pocket).
October 11Coulwood Middle SchoolA student has been arrested for having a BB gun in his possession.
South Mecklenburg High SchoolA student was arrested for having a BB gun in his possession, along with the BBs and a CO2 cartridge.
West Mecklenburg High SchoolA student was assaulted by three other students today. The student was transported to the hospital. Police believe the incident is gang-related, and are investigating.
Piedmont Middle School The assistant principal of Piedmont Middle School reports that an 8th-grade female student was in possession of a kitchen knife (5" blade) this morning. Administrators received a tip from another student. The school resource officer filed charges against the student. Parents were notified. The student has been suspended from school for ten days with a request for a hearing.
October 9Independence High SchoolTwo female students were arrested today for disorderly conduct for fighting in a classroom. One student had a knife in her purse and was also charged with possession of a weapon. The other student, who is pregnant, was transported to CMC due to abdominal pains.
Vance High School911 received at least two prank calls today regarding Vance High School, one reporting a fire and one reporting a gun in front of the school. After the first call, the fire department was dispatched. The second call was investigated by the SRO [School Resource Officer], and determined to be a false report. Law enforcement officials are investigating the calls.
Alexander Middle SchoolThe principal of Alexander Middle School reported late Friday evening that on Thursday (10-05-06), a mother filed charges with the Huntersville Police against a 7th grade male student. The 7th grader had approached her 8th grade son in the multipurpose room and pulled his feet out from under him, causing him to hit his head on the stage. The mother also stated she was going to the media regarding the violence in the schools.
Two Alexander Middle students were involved in a fight earlier this morning (Monday, Oct. 9). One student then stabbed the other student with a knife. The injured student was transported to the hospital by his mother (who declined emergency transport for her son) where he received 16 stitches on one hand, 10 on the other.
October 4Spaugh Middle SchoolA student at Spaugh Middle School was arrested today for assaulting the School Resource Officer. Appropriate disciplinary action will also be taken.
September 21Hopewell High SchoolHopewell High School was on partial lockdown on Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. as a precaution due to a bomb threat. A Connect-Ed message was sent to parents. Additional security was in place throughout the week.
David Cox Elementary SchoolA David Cox Elementary School student was hit in the face today with a plastic pellet when another student discharged an Airsoft Pistol. CMPD [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department] responded immediately and a Connect-Ed message was sent to all parents. The injured student was able to remain at school and did not require additional medical treatment. The student who shot the Airsoft Pistol is being disciplined in accordance with the CMS discipline code, and is being charged under NC statutes. Dr. Gorman met with members of the CMS Interfaith Council prior to this incident and enlisted their support in spreading the word to parents about this dangerous new "toy." We are also working with local police departments regarding this and other school safety issues and concerns.
Myers Park High SchoolCMPD and CMFD [Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Department] responded to a bomb threat at Myers Park High School today after a note outlining specific details was discovered by school personnel. CMPD and CMFD moved students to a secure location and conducted a thorough search. Nothing was found. CMPD gave the "all clear" and classes resumed. As a precaution, additional security will be present tomorrow. A Connect-Ed message about the situation was sent to parents.
McClintock Middle SchoolA teacher at McClintock Middle School was suspended with pay pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of inappropriate contact with a student.
Harding University High SchoolA shot was fired in the air from a moving car on a street near the back of Harding University High School earlier this week. Additional security is in place and CMPD is investigating the incident, which appears to be gang-related. A student who police believe may have been the target of the threat has been moved to another setting for safety reasons.
