Florence School District One

Florence School District One implemented a Zero Tolerance Policy in December 2021.  Any student fighting first offense, whether provoked or unprovoked can be expelled or sent to the Alternative School on probation.  This is so harsh and puts education second.  My son was defending himself and was sent to Alternative School, ordered to psychological counseling, family counseling, and community service.  This is excessive for defending himself in a class that was not being actively monitored.  This school district receives Title One funds but none of the funds have been used to put two to four assistants in the classroom to ensure better monitoring to prevent, stop bullying or physical play that can lead to physical altercations quickly.  While Title One does not focus on disciplinary issues and school district policies, it would be a benefit to students if federal funding was used to put more teacher assistants in each classroom to help monitor students to prevent bullyingand physical encounters or at least to de-escalate these types of situations. My son was punished harshly because he hit the student back after several hits to the head.  The district hearing officer said he should have told the teacher.  I would like to know why a Zero Tolerance Policy is necessary.  It should be based on the individual case and severity of the physical altercation.  My son was really beaten up but the school notified law enforcement and charged him with assault and battery, 3rd degree.  I have contacted legal counsel to determine my options to minimize the negative impact to his school record.  Your signature would really help bring attention to this matter.  This is very serious and damaging for my community.  This is only the fourth week of school and a significant number of students have been affected by the Zero Tolerance policy. The goal of the school district is to be fair and address each incident individually taken everything into account.  Even the aggressor should be given a second chance if no one was hurt and it's a first offense.  No one is perfect; students are children whose brains are still developing and learning.

Michele D. Robinson
Worried Parent