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Teacher receives written reprimand for showing 'Thriller' video in gym class
December 6, 2009
by Bill Hammerstrom
Editor
Hudson -- The gym teacher who showed the Michael Jackson "Thriller" video to second-graders received a written reprimand for what the school district termed a "mistake."
The Hudson City School District issued the following statement about its response:
"The district recognized and acknowledged the positive intent on the part of the teacher to use the Michael Jackson video as an instructional tool. However, it was made clear to the teacher that he is responsible for evaluating instructional materials to be sure they are age appropriate and for fostering open communications with and between parents and students. Additionally, the teacher was reprimanded for insubordination once it was determined that he used the video for instruction after he was told by the principal to stop using the video in his classes."
The Ellsworth Hill elementary school gym teacher was not suspended, but the reprimand was placed in his personnel file, said Assistant Superintendent Phil Herman.
The teacher showed the Michael Jackson "Thriller" video to second-graders in October in preparation for a Halloween party dance routine. Three parents complained about the age-appropriateness of the video and the teacher's use of the word "secret" when he told students not to tell their parents in order to surprise them at the Halloween party, according to District Communications Manager Sheryl Sheatzley.
After the complaints, Ellsworth Hill Principal Lisa Hunt sent a note home to all parents Oct. 15 apologizing for the use of the video and the word "secret." She said the video will not be used any longer.
Sheatzley said at the time that the teacher's intentions were positive, but he made a "mistake" in showing the video.
E-mail:
bhammerstrom@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3944
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