leadership in high schools

The recommendation of the hearing officer received due consideration by the Superintendent following a plea of guilty by the mother of “Nimo”, the student.  Whereas the student was present at the hearing, it was clear to all who did not know her there, that based on disability and all other mental, psychological and neurological symptoms as testified to by the School Psychologist of the School District, she was in no rational state (nor ever will be) to enter her own plea.  “Nimo”  will receive a 45 day suspension from school inclusive of the days she has already spent in Out of School Suspension (OSS).  Her mother has been  provided with a home tutor whom she can access for her daughter, but due to the nature of the severe disability the mother has chosen not to avail herself of this option pending a return of her daughter to the BOCES program. 

Interpretation of the VERDICT:  Following a 6 day suspension from BOCES, not including the succeeding 5 day Spring Break of April 14-18, Nimo will return to half day AM programming at the Hewes Center,with an assigned half-time 1:1 paraprofessional.  This will constitute a 45 day suspencion from regular school program and will end on June 15, 2008.  It is hoped that during this time the medications issues will be addressed to curve the tendency to become violent and that the 1:1 para will be able to remove/re-direct Nimo before any violent acts are committed on other students or staff.  Therefore whereas  Nimo lashed out at her teacher and injured her because she did not want to go into the classroom, the paraprofessional will be able to supervise and monitor “Nimo”, if she is unable/unwilling to enter into a safe mode be it in the classroom or other instructional area. 

The above scenario meets the needs of the mother and the classroom teacher both of whom, best understand this female student.  A representative of the student representing, The Resource Center, and the transition service team outside of school, did say that outside of school instructional resources are non-existent for students this age who are deemed violent an inappropriate for school settings. 

Nimo has an experienced, thoughtful and caring teacher who understands the limitations of our local community, restrictions of social services in terms of programming for students like Nimo outside of school.  Amy Jo S. understands this student population and without any coercion from parent, school district or employer, has chosen to provide Nimo with a school program that will meet and benefit her needs.  Teachers like Amy Jo understand the intricate connection between school, family and community;  these teachers taking risks with life and limb,  intrinsically understand the mission of all schools which is to improve and better the life of individuals through training and opportunity.  In teaching Nimo, her family is empowered to work with others to improve her quality of life now and in the future.