Latest news with #EastMiddleSchool
USA Today
26-06-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Lawsuit: Michigan teacher tried to force Palestinian American student to stand for Pledge
A Palestinian American student in Michigan is suing a middle school teacher and Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, claiming in federal court that the educator violated the student's First Amendment right by attempting to force the student to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The East Middle School teacher, Carissa Soranno, according to the lawsuit, allegedly told the student, 'Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don't like it, you should go back to your country.' The student, 14, is referred to as D.K. in the suit and is represented in the claim in U.S. District Court in Detroit by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan and Arab American Civil Rights League. The student did not want to stand for the pledge because she believes the U.S. government has supported Israel in the Israel-Hamas war that has devastated Gaza and left thousands dead, according to the claim. The suit, filed June 25, asks for a judgment that finds the educator's actions unconstitutional and awards damages, claiming Soranno's actions inflicted emotional distress on the student. A spokesperson for Plymouth-Canton Community Schools did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. Soranno did not answer a voicemail left by a reporter at a phone number associated with her name. "The right to freely speak — or not speak — is a form of protest that is fundamental to a well-functioning democracy — even when its exercise creates controversy or makes others uncomfortable," wrote Bonitsu Kitaba, interim legal director for the ACLU of Michigan, in a news release. According to the suit, Soranno asked her class on Jan. 6 to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. D.K. refused to stand, sitting quietly during the recitation. Soranno told the student the action was disrespectful to the U.S. military and the flag. The district admonished Soranno for her actions, according to the suit, sending a corrective action notice that read, "During the week of 1/6 – 1/10/2025, you made multiple comments expressing your beliefs as to why students should stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. ... This is a direct violation of what was discussed at the staff meeting dated January 6, 2025.' But, the claim states that the discussion at the Jan. 6 staff meeting was not enough. On Jan. 9, Soranno urged D.K. to stand and then told her she was being disrespectful and should be ashamed of herself, according to the suit. D.K. has suffered since these incidents: She struggles to sleep, she has been more stressed and is more guarded, according to the suit. Academically, she has slid. Nabih Ayad, an attorney with the Arab American Civil Rights League, wrote in a statement that it is "disturbing" a teacher would "call the student out for simply exercising her constitutional right not to partake in the Pledge of Allegiance as a sign of protest." The Pledge's place in school — and students' right to refuse — has long been the source of controversy. The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in 1943 that compelling public school students to say the pledge was unconstitutional. Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
East Middle School in Aurora lifts lockdown after reports of shots fired nearby
DENVER (KDVR) — Aurora police say there are no injuries reported as officers investigate a call of shots fired near East Middle School, which resulted in the school being placed on lockdown. The call came in to the department at about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, with the shots fired reported near the intersection of 13th Avenue and Fraser Street. Free on Your TV • New FOX31+ App for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV East Middle School was placed on lockdown 'out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students and staff,' according to the Aurora Police Department. The lockdown was lifted as of 4:30 p.m. and the school said that it would begin a controlled release of the students. The agency reported a large police presence in the area for an active, ongoing investigation. FOX31 has a crew on the way to learn more information about this incident, such as if there was any property damage and if there are suspects. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
08-05-2025
- CBS News
Aurora shots fired call causes lockdown at nearby East Middle School
Aurora's East Middle School was placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon after police received reports of shots fired nearby. Authorities said the incident happened at the intersection of 13th Avenue and Fraser Street around 3:30 p.m. No injuries were reported in the incident. The middle school was reportedly placed on lockdown out of an abundance of caution. School officials said they are working to transition out of lockdown so students can be dismissed. This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Golden Apple Award: Dan Walsh, East Middle School
In an Erie middle school classroom that is a melting pot of the world, we find this week's JET 24 PennWest University Golden Apple award-winning teacher. Dan Walsh teaches English as a second language to students from all over the world at East Middle School in Erie. The city has a large population of refugee and immigrant students. Ironically, English is the only language Walsh speaks. He says some forms of communication are international. 'A smile is a universal language, so is a tear. 'You have a lot of empathy for the different things these students have been through and you're just there for them and consistent with them. Every single day. And they need somebody like that,' he said. Mr. Walsh has been teaching school for 18 years. But he didn't go to college to be a teacher. 'I wanted to do community recreation programs and work with students, work with children through that kind of avenue,' he said, 'And I decided maybe teaching was a better call.' He admits that decision came with encouragement from his wife, who is also a teacher. And he couldn't be happier for his career decision. 'Honestly, I love my job. I told my kids if I won the lottery, I'd be back to work the next day. I love working with this population, with their families, helping these students find their way here. It's been extremely enjoyable,' he what a difference it's made in the life of this week's student nominator, Hadeel Alkasabra, who came here from Syria just a year ago. 'I love Mr. Walsh because he helped me a lot. Mr. Walsh is an amazing person. Thank you, Mr. Walsh, for everything!' she said with excitement. PennWest University early childhood education professor, Mary Jo Melvin PhD, who attends every Golden Apple Award presentation, said of Mr. Walsh, 'I think he's always going to be a hero in her heart and for that reason, he's definitely deserving of this week Golden Apple.'Like all Golden Apple teachers, Walsh received a financial gift of $250 from Big Ideas Learning, a locally based national math textbook company. 'It's so much about relationships and inspiration and care for the child. and Mr. Walsh exemplifies that and for us to be able to support that and to give a little something so he can provide more resources for these experiences he has for the students; it's such an honor and blessing for us to do so,' said Damon Finazzo of Big Ideas. To nominate your favorite teacher for a Golden Apple Award, Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Joplin School District starts peer learning summit for educators
JOPLIN, Mo. — The Joplin School District has launched its first ever peer-to-peer learning opportunity for educators. The 'Joplin Connect Summit' highlights teachers already on staff – and how they can share their experience with others. Sessions Friday involved things like math – software – and the role technology plays in schools. Having the expert within the school district also means it's easier to follow up if there are questions down the road. 'They're within walking distance for everyone in the building. Or an email. Or a quick phone call. It's going to build that community you want in a high school, and that's the secondary part,' said JHS Principal Dr. Randy Oliver. Middle and high school staff members were part of sessions at the high school – while pre and elementary teachers worked out of East Middle School and Soaring Heights Elementary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
