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Varsity cheerleading suspended for year
By Scott Kaiser
Times Reporter
With its varsity football team off to a 4-0 start, Morton Ranch’s annual Town Pep Rally on Monday was a raucous affair. The band and drill team performed, and coaches introduced their respective teams before a large, enthusiastic crowd.
There was only one thing missing, varsity cheerleaders.
As a result of an investigation into an alleged hazing incident in July, all varsity cheerleading activities at Morton Ranch High School will remain suspended for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year.
Katy ISD spokesman Steve Stanford released a written statement Friday, stating school officials made the decision based on information obtained during an inquiry over the last two months.
Morton Ranch principal Joe Cammarata said Monday that he could not comment on the decision or details of the case.
“I adore Mr. Cammarata, but I don’t think this was handled properly,” said Pamela Davis, a parent of a senior varsity cheerleader. “His hands may have been tied, but I feel like the girls’ constitutional rights were taken away.”
Parents of the varsity cheerleaders were notified of the decision by certified mail.
“I was trying to give KISD the benefit of the doubt, but my daughter was not given the benefit of the doubt,” Davis said. “I don’t want my daughter to cheer … I just want my daughter’s name cleared. They have smeared her name.”
School officials said the investigation began July 25 when a parent of a junior varsity cheerleader informed Cammarata on the same day the hazing allegedly took place.
According to previous reports, administrators were told that members of the junior varsity cheerleading squad were “kidnapped” from their homes by varsity members, then blindfolded, had their hands and mouths bound by duct tape and tossed into a swimming pool.
Stanford said previously that Cammarata and other school officials had no prior knowledge of events that morning.
However, a calendar of events given to the cheerleaders dated July 2008 shows that cheer practice was scheduled from 9-12 on July 24 and below that item was written, “*pick little sisters Varsity sleepover to kidnap JV.”
When the issue of the calendar was raised, Cammarata reiterated that he could not comment.
According to several former cheerleaders who were asked about their experience with the “kidnapping” tradition, the “kidnapping” is arranged far in advance where the junior varsity or new cheerleaders are taken to a restaurant like Denny’s or IHOP in their pajamas without makeup or their hair fixed as they normally would in public.
According to the original complaint, the girls were to be picked up at 4 a.m. and taken to breakfast at Denny’s.
The Texas Education Code defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed at a student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in or maintain membership in an organization.”
The definition goes on to include physical brutality, physical activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student or an activity involving consumption of a food, liquid or drug that would put a student at risk, or any activity that brings about ostracism, humiliation, shame or mental stress.
According to the TEC Code 37.151 and 37.152, a student is considered to have engaged in the offense of hazing if the person:
1) Engages in hazing;
2) Solicits, encourages, directs, aids or attempts to aid another in engaging in hazing;
3) Recklessly permits hazing to occur; or
4) Has first hand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident involving a student in an educational institution, or has firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred and knowingly fails to report that knowledge in writing to the dean of students or other appropriate official of that institution.
Harris County assistant district attorney Donna Hawkins said Monday that no charges had been filed, but that a grand jury investigation would begin on Friday.
Hawkins added that there was no timetable for when the grand jury might reach a decision.
There was only one thing missing, varsity cheerleaders.
As a result of an investigation into an alleged hazing incident in July, all varsity cheerleading activities at Morton Ranch High School will remain suspended for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year.
Katy ISD spokesman Steve Stanford released a written statement Friday, stating school officials made the decision based on information obtained during an inquiry over the last two months.
Morton Ranch principal Joe Cammarata said Monday that he could not comment on the decision or details of the case.
“I adore Mr. Cammarata, but I don’t think this was handled properly,” said Pamela Davis, a parent of a senior varsity cheerleader. “His hands may have been tied, but I feel like the girls’ constitutional rights were taken away.”
Parents of the varsity cheerleaders were notified of the decision by certified mail.
“I was trying to give KISD the benefit of the doubt, but my daughter was not given the benefit of the doubt,” Davis said. “I don’t want my daughter to cheer … I just want my daughter’s name cleared. They have smeared her name.”
School officials said the investigation began July 25 when a parent of a junior varsity cheerleader informed Cammarata on the same day the hazing allegedly took place.
According to previous reports, administrators were told that members of the junior varsity cheerleading squad were “kidnapped” from their homes by varsity members, then blindfolded, had their hands and mouths bound by duct tape and tossed into a swimming pool.
Stanford said previously that Cammarata and other school officials had no prior knowledge of events that morning.
However, a calendar of events given to the cheerleaders dated July 2008 shows that cheer practice was scheduled from 9-12 on July 24 and below that item was written, “*pick little sisters Varsity sleepover to kidnap JV.”
When the issue of the calendar was raised, Cammarata reiterated that he could not comment.
According to several former cheerleaders who were asked about their experience with the “kidnapping” tradition, the “kidnapping” is arranged far in advance where the junior varsity or new cheerleaders are taken to a restaurant like Denny’s or IHOP in their pajamas without makeup or their hair fixed as they normally would in public.
According to the original complaint, the girls were to be picked up at 4 a.m. and taken to breakfast at Denny’s.
The Texas Education Code defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed at a student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in or maintain membership in an organization.”
The definition goes on to include physical brutality, physical activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student or an activity involving consumption of a food, liquid or drug that would put a student at risk, or any activity that brings about ostracism, humiliation, shame or mental stress.
According to the TEC Code 37.151 and 37.152, a student is considered to have engaged in the offense of hazing if the person:
1) Engages in hazing;
2) Solicits, encourages, directs, aids or attempts to aid another in engaging in hazing;
3) Recklessly permits hazing to occur; or
4) Has first hand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident involving a student in an educational institution, or has firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred and knowingly fails to report that knowledge in writing to the dean of students or other appropriate official of that institution.
Harris County assistant district attorney Donna Hawkins said Monday that no charges had been filed, but that a grand jury investigation would begin on Friday.
Hawkins added that there was no timetable for when the grand jury might reach a decision.
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of katytimes.com.
MavFan1 wrote on Oct 1, 2008 6:48 AM:
" Finally an article that somewhat supports the Varsity cheerleaders (or should i say, former cheerleaders....). One thing that has not been mentioned, though, is that the little JV girls were not duct taped before they were in the pool. Also, not all of the varsity girls threw girls in the pool. Some of them didn't find that out until the next week when they wrote statements of what happened. Yes, each and every one of them wrote statements. And the law says that if you know about the incident you must let an authority figure know, which the girls did when they wrote their statements.
Thank you so much for writing something that somewhat supports our former Varsity Cheerleaders. We greatly miss them. "
Thank you so much for writing something that somewhat supports our former Varsity Cheerleaders. We greatly miss them. "
wrong is wrong wrote on Oct 1, 2008 10:04 AM:
" The JV girls were duct taped. Good thing the varsity girls were dumb enough to take pictures. I’m embarrassed that these girls didn’t have enough sense not to do this.
Yes, a few walked away, but they still knew. The varsity girls brought this on themselves and I don’t feel sorry for them. The parents of these girls should be ashamed as well! "
Yes, a few walked away, but they still knew. The varsity girls brought this on themselves and I don’t feel sorry for them. The parents of these girls should be ashamed as well! "
FormerStudent wrote on Oct 1, 2008 10:14 AM:
" I first saw this on the news and was appalled by what I heard. Not that this is the first time that something like this would happen. But thanks to the district it may never happen again. These girls can't get away with this. Ok I get it some of them didn't do it. Then you speak up. I have friends that attend MRHS and I've heard the stories first hand of the abuse that the Varsity Cheerleaders deal out to anyone they don't like. And that's exactly what it is abuse. These girls needed a lesson. Hopefully the JV girls will be ok and this won't affect them in the long run. And hopefully the Varsity girls have learned their lesson. "
sicktired wrote on Oct 1, 2008 11:16 AM:
" I am tired of parents trying to pass blame!! The cheerleaders NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS!!! PERIOD!!! If the situation were reversed, I'll bet (the parents) would be crying a different tune!! (Parents) are you saying that your child NEEDS SUPERVISION AT ALL TIMES?? What does this say about YOUR parenting skills????? "
sicktired wrote on Oct 1, 2008 11:20 AM:
" MavFan1 - ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? This article doesn't support your Mean Girl Varsity cheerleader, it's explains the rules of hazing and how your varsity cheerleader took part by either participating OR KNOWING about it and NOT STOPPING IT AT THE TIME!!! GET A CLUE AND STOP CODDLING YOUR MEAN GIRL!!!!!!! "
billly wrote on Oct 1, 2008 1:07 PM:
" MavFan1 - Are you on drugs. The investigation went to the DA the DA is turning it over to the Grand Jury. hello - that would not happen if there was not enough evidence. Also, this article does not take a side.
Also, the pictures clearly show the girls taped up in the pool.
Also, I dont think anyone misses them at all.
JV girls are victims - they had the guts to stand up and say this was wrong.
they should be proud for being that brave. not victimized again by stupid people like you "
Also, the pictures clearly show the girls taped up in the pool.
Also, I dont think anyone misses them at all.
JV girls are victims - they had the guts to stand up and say this was wrong.
they should be proud for being that brave. not victimized again by stupid people like you "
Rhinosaur wrote on Oct 1, 2008 1:53 PM:
" I remember when I was in school (and it wasn't too long ago) when if you got into trouble, you also got in trouble by your parents.
Today, however, parents act like defense lawyers anytime their kids get in trouble at school. The sense of entitlement this current generation is having heaped upon them is revolting.
And it is not a constitutional right to be a cheerleader last time I looked. "
Today, however, parents act like defense lawyers anytime their kids get in trouble at school. The sense of entitlement this current generation is having heaped upon them is revolting.
And it is not a constitutional right to be a cheerleader last time I looked. "
Tacos Rock wrote on Oct 1, 2008 8:48 PM:
" I agree with MavFan.
Plus, billly, did you see the pictures? There were none with duct tape on the girls while they were in the pool. I know varsity and jv cheerleaders, so i have seen the pictures. ALL of them. And i have heard the stories. The duct tape was involved after he pool and that was only done by like 3 or 4 girls... the other girls did not know about it, then when they saw the tape on the jv girls they apologized on behalf of the other girls and took the tape off.
So before all of you start to call all of the varsity girls criminals and say that they knew everything that was going on i think you should get your facts straight.
Yes, i do think some girls are guilty, but i know that at LEAST half of the squad is innocent. "
Plus, billly, did you see the pictures? There were none with duct tape on the girls while they were in the pool. I know varsity and jv cheerleaders, so i have seen the pictures. ALL of them. And i have heard the stories. The duct tape was involved after he pool and that was only done by like 3 or 4 girls... the other girls did not know about it, then when they saw the tape on the jv girls they apologized on behalf of the other girls and took the tape off.
So before all of you start to call all of the varsity girls criminals and say that they knew everything that was going on i think you should get your facts straight.
Yes, i do think some girls are guilty, but i know that at LEAST half of the squad is innocent. "
Slightly Sassy wrote on Oct 1, 2008 11:09 PM:
" Tacos Rock: It doesn't matter if they took the duct tape off or not, they were there and they know hazing is wrong or they would be apologizing at all. The punishment is correct. Bet it won't happen again. "
Tacos Rock wrote on Oct 2, 2008 6:54 AM:
" Slightly Sassy- The law states you must report the hazing event whether it's in writing a statement, or verbal. Each of these girls did write what happened that night in a statement.
Everyone is trying to put their 2 cents in by automatically assuming these girls are guilty.
But you don't really know what happened that night. 11 JV girls do, and 12 varsity girls (plus mascot and manager) do. 16 out of the 25 girls are saying one thing, and the other 9 are saying another.
From what i am hearing most of the varsity girls are telling the truth... but most of the JV girls are stretching the truth making it seem like it was worse than it really was. "
Everyone is trying to put their 2 cents in by automatically assuming these girls are guilty.
But you don't really know what happened that night. 11 JV girls do, and 12 varsity girls (plus mascot and manager) do. 16 out of the 25 girls are saying one thing, and the other 9 are saying another.
From what i am hearing most of the varsity girls are telling the truth... but most of the JV girls are stretching the truth making it seem like it was worse than it really was. "
Imatschool wrote on Oct 2, 2008 12:15 PM:
" Well I am glad they got suspended because they could have died while in the pool. Serves all of them right for what could have killed them. One also has to examine the parents and their watch over their childern, what were they thinking? Hopefully this punishment will discouarge future hazing events within KISD schools. "
wow wrote on Oct 2, 2008 12:18 PM:
" Tacos
I am thinking you are a var parent
as a JV paerent - we are not the ones pressing charges to the da or pushing the school to. it is KISD Police.
They saw the 100 pics from Haley's Camera she brought to school on monday. I wounder if MR Davis have seen them. or anyone other than Grimes.
WE have seen a few. very disturbing. there are voice mails with what the Var girls told us they were going to do.... It certainly does not match Mr Davis accounts. JV had a diff calendar than Var. ours shows nothing that Mr Davis says.
you know an apology would have been nice. non-offered.
again - all our girls did was report what happen. it was the Var girls that took the pictures. that is what increminated them.....
Ask your self - would the KISD Police have given it to DA. Then the DA to Grand Jury if there was nothing.... "
I am thinking you are a var parent
as a JV paerent - we are not the ones pressing charges to the da or pushing the school to. it is KISD Police.
They saw the 100 pics from Haley's Camera she brought to school on monday. I wounder if MR Davis have seen them. or anyone other than Grimes.
WE have seen a few. very disturbing. there are voice mails with what the Var girls told us they were going to do.... It certainly does not match Mr Davis accounts. JV had a diff calendar than Var. ours shows nothing that Mr Davis says.
you know an apology would have been nice. non-offered.
again - all our girls did was report what happen. it was the Var girls that took the pictures. that is what increminated them.....
Ask your self - would the KISD Police have given it to DA. Then the DA to Grand Jury if there was nothing.... "
Slightly Sassy wrote on Oct 2, 2008 6:37 PM:
" Tacos Rock- I'm 99.9% sure you were not there either, everything the both of us know is through media and what we know from MRHS Students, and mine is one of them. The Varsity girls did not put it in writing until AFTER it was reported by one of the JV girls, I'm not saying they are "legally guilty" however they are morally guilty for having played a role in the hazing event, even before it went too far, it was wrong, wrong, wrong. Again, they deserved to have the team suspended for the year, if they didn't what does that say about anyone else that tries to do something so stupid, well it says that it's ok and it's not. "
Level Head wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:02 PM:
" wow
Please help your children by learning how to spell. Your grammar and sentence structure could use some help as well. Here are a few examples, and no, they're not just typos.
paerent - parent
wounder - wonder
increminated - incriminated
your self - yourself
The sooner the parents leave this behind, the faster the children will be able to move on. By dwelling on it, you are hurting your children. "
Please help your children by learning how to spell. Your grammar and sentence structure could use some help as well. Here are a few examples, and no, they're not just typos.
paerent - parent
wounder - wonder
increminated - incriminated
your self - yourself
The sooner the parents leave this behind, the faster the children will be able to move on. By dwelling on it, you are hurting your children. "
MavMom2011 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:16 AM:
" I would like to say that (parents) needs to get a clue. What your daughter did was illegal. I don't feel sorry for any of them. I would also like to say that I am VERY DISAPPOINTED that there is a varsity cheerleader on the homecoming court. In my opinion that should not be allowed either. Either way, my child is a MAV and knows right from wrong. This incident was definitely wrong. These girls have lost future opportunities because of this. Mom & Dad need to put their big girl panties on and accept what happened. Some of the hardest lessons learned are from mistakes.
I would also like to point out that I am disappointed that the MAV family is not supporting the JV cheerleaders at the games. It's sad that hardly anyone cheers for them. They've had to step up and fill in and I think they are doing a GREAT JOB!!!!
GO MAVS!!!!!! "
I would also like to point out that I am disappointed that the MAV family is not supporting the JV cheerleaders at the games. It's sad that hardly anyone cheers for them. They've had to step up and fill in and I think they are doing a GREAT JOB!!!!
GO MAVS!!!!!! "
sicktired wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:41 AM:
" Level Head...is that all you could come up with??? Keep your insults since you bring nothing informative to this conversation! "
Vicky wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:56 PM:
" MavMom2011 - The crowd has never supported the cheerleaders at Maverick games. The students have never supported the cheerleaders, and often boo them. My daughter has already graduated, but it was the same then and it often frustrated her.
Because of the way the stadium is designed, the cheerleaders have to stand at the very end of the field. Otherwise they'd be in the way of the players. Hardly anyone sits down there except the cheerleader parents. The sections that most of the parents and students are in are quite far away, and on the other side of the band, so no one can really hear them. It was actually better when they cheered at the JV field at the school. When they go into the stands to cheer, the parents will cheer with them, but that is generally only once during a game and they do one cheer. Perhaps if they spent more time in the stands in front of the parents it would be better. Or perhaps since the Mavs are winning, more fans will show up and people will be in front of them. Please don't think it has anything to do with your kids.
KISD Board - When the new stadium is designed, think about putting an area near the middle of the field where the cheerleaders can cheer! "
Because of the way the stadium is designed, the cheerleaders have to stand at the very end of the field. Otherwise they'd be in the way of the players. Hardly anyone sits down there except the cheerleader parents. The sections that most of the parents and students are in are quite far away, and on the other side of the band, so no one can really hear them. It was actually better when they cheered at the JV field at the school. When they go into the stands to cheer, the parents will cheer with them, but that is generally only once during a game and they do one cheer. Perhaps if they spent more time in the stands in front of the parents it would be better. Or perhaps since the Mavs are winning, more fans will show up and people will be in front of them. Please don't think it has anything to do with your kids.
KISD Board - When the new stadium is designed, think about putting an area near the middle of the field where the cheerleaders can cheer! "
MavMom2011 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 3:06 PM:
" My kid is not a cheerleader, she is the pride of the Maverick Band whom also doesn't get much support....that's a different topic. I've heard students talking bad about the JV squad in the stands and I think it's sickening. I've heard it 1st hand. It sucks "
Vicky wrote on Oct 3, 2008 4:30 PM:
" Yes. They did the same thing about my daughter's team when she was JV and Varsity. I constantly heard things like "I could dance better than those sl***." and "The only reason she's a cheerleader is so she can sleep with the football team." I never said anything and wrote if off to jealousy. I have a friend whose daughter cheered at Mayde Creek and she said it's about the same there. "
CougMom wrote on Oct 3, 2008 5:46 PM:
" Tacos Rock and MavFan you are nuts. Those girls were wrong. Period. They should be punished. If the DA finds criminal responsibility then they should also be punished by the court. Parents should stop looking through rose colored glasses. MCHS Ram Band Drumline has initiation every year. The directors know, everyone knows and everyone is happy as long as it's not "out of hand". Duct tape is definitely involved. It bothers me that no one cares to stop that but they stop the cheerleaders. All hazing should stop before someone is seriously hurt or killed. I think it was appropriate to suspend the cheerleaders. "
Slightly Sassy wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:32 PM:
" To all of the parents complaining about whether or not their child's "squad" gets support. It has been this way for years! The band is not popular because they don't play "Hip" music, the cheerleaders are females, the Girls Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Girls Soccer, Girls Softball or Girls Wrestling, none of them are greatly supported except by their own parents as a majority. If it's not Football or Boys Basketball, or anything else the Boys are doing, it will always be this way. Girls are just not interesting in High School extracurricular activities, sad but so true, so please don't take it personal. I rarely EVER see a cheeleader mom watch a Girls Soccer game, so please don't point the finger either unless we are willing to rally together to support each group whole heartedly. "
PARENT OF GRADUATE 04 wrote on Oct 4, 2008 3:48 PM:
" what a shame that some parents will not admit when their child does stupid and wrong things. This is the hardest thing to do, but the best thing for you and your child. Get over it and move on and find your child some new hobby. I am just so relieved that one of those girls is not 6 feet under now from drowning. "
Concerned Grandparent wrote on Oct 4, 2008 3:50 PM:
" While visiting family in the area in July, I was shocked this had happened. I was curious how this would be handled and now I am pleased to see the position KISD has taken. ...Ms. Davis, if your var daughter had no knowlede nor anything to do with the incident, I am confident your daughter's name can easily be cleared. ...As an outsider, I do not know the real position or all the issues of the parents but it sounds as though some of the var cheerleaders needed more supervision. This was dangerous and evil. It is also disgusting to hear dingy bra straps showing, etc. WHAT HAS HAPPENED with raising children these days? It use to be a honor to be a cheerleader and they had to sign a statement they will be of good character, etc. The language and dress attire you parents are allowing your children to use is disgusting. The character of your child and how they treat others should be more important than wanting to be their 'girlfriend'. It appears it is more important how high they can wear their shoes or how short they can wear their skirt. ...My grandchildren attend KISD, hence the reason for this reply. I just hope and pray there are enough parents with guts that will standup for morals, character, honor, modesty, respect, honesty, courage, etc. If we don't take a stand, the future of America will continue down the gutter as we are presently witnessing in the 'credit crisis' and our future leaders will be 'spoiled brats' because they weren't taught the right values. ...Thankfully, all the girls could swim. If that had been done to me, I would have drowned. May this incident be an opportunity to teach your children a lesson. They need to learn to be kind to others and not be a bully. Best wishes to all. "
imatschoolagain wrote on Oct 6, 2008 12:26 PM:
" I think you guys are all retards for defending these cheerleaders, they should be expelled forever. "
DAD wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:47 PM:
" My understanding is most JV parents were present when the girls were picked up and blind folded & binded. That no girl was gagged and screams in the AM in any neighborhood would raise concern with neighbors yet no report. The JV girls went to breakfast with the varsity girls and were seen laughing and having a good time after the alleged incident. One Jv parent showed up at the breakfast and was told to leave by his Daughter because he was embarrassing her. .Sounds like a lot of physical and mental distress to me
SCHOOL -- 1957 vs. 2007
Scenario:
Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.
1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
Scenario:
Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.
1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.
Scenario:
Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.
Scenario:
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.
Scenario:
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1957 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario:
Pedro fails high school English.
1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.
2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.
Scenario:
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1957 - Ants die.
2007 - BATF, Homeland Security, and FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.
Scenario:
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy. "
SCHOOL -- 1957 vs. 2007
Scenario:
Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.
1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
Scenario:
Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.
1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.
Scenario:
Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.
Scenario:
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.
Scenario:
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1957 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario:
Pedro fails high school English.
1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.
2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.
Scenario:
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1957 - Ants die.
2007 - BATF, Homeland Security, and FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.
Scenario:
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy. "
Concerned Grandparent wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:41 PM:
" Oh, I am so relieved to see parents standing up for what is right. It is a disservice to our kids if we don't have 'tough love' and teach them to hehave responsible and that for every actiion is a reaction, ie consequences of our actions. That is called 'learning a lesson'. The easy way out is not to enforce discipline BUT that is not parenting and that is not a good thing! If our kids don't learn these lessons growing up, how do you think they will be prepared to handle life as an adult? They won't. This is a very critical time in their life for them to learn the right lessons and you as parents, you won't get to have 'overs'.
This type of behavior is not limited to the Katy area. I have seen it where I live and it is so sad. Girls in positions of honor behaving in ways so unbecoming. And boys having zero respect for anyone or anything. Boys should be taught to respect girls, not say vulgar things about them. And girls should be taught how to behave as a lady and not be so uninhibited. They should not be allowed to use filthy language or dress like they are trying to get picked up. Moms, believe me, other men don't like to see your teenage girls dress and act like a prostitute.
For you parents that care, my daughter and husband are trying to teach their teenage son to respect girls just like they hope you are teaching your sons that will come in contact with their daughter. And they are teaching their daughter to dress in good taste so your son will think of her as classy not sexy.
Thanks for the opportunity for me to include my 2 cents. Good luck to all our kids... and parents. It's tough raising kids. "
This type of behavior is not limited to the Katy area. I have seen it where I live and it is so sad. Girls in positions of honor behaving in ways so unbecoming. And boys having zero respect for anyone or anything. Boys should be taught to respect girls, not say vulgar things about them. And girls should be taught how to behave as a lady and not be so uninhibited. They should not be allowed to use filthy language or dress like they are trying to get picked up. Moms, believe me, other men don't like to see your teenage girls dress and act like a prostitute.
For you parents that care, my daughter and husband are trying to teach their teenage son to respect girls just like they hope you are teaching your sons that will come in contact with their daughter. And they are teaching their daughter to dress in good taste so your son will think of her as classy not sexy.
Thanks for the opportunity for me to include my 2 cents. Good luck to all our kids... and parents. It's tough raising kids. "
MOM of 2007 and 2011 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:03 PM:
" As for all of this:
Varsity was WRONG
NO Girl that was on Varsity, that hazed, should be on Homecoming Court!!!!
The JV and Old Varity Cheerleaders were and are supported by the Mid feild Reserved Sec. Our sections supports
all of our MAVS
IF my child had been involved she would have been made to appolgize in front of the whole school and would have not done or gone any where the rest of the year. "
Varsity was WRONG
NO Girl that was on Varsity, that hazed, should be on Homecoming Court!!!!
The JV and Old Varity Cheerleaders were and are supported by the Mid feild Reserved Sec. Our sections supports
all of our MAVS
IF my child had been involved she would have been made to appolgize in front of the whole school and would have not done or gone any where the rest of the year. "
MavMom2011 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:34 PM:
" MOM of 2007 and 2011 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:03 PM:
" As for all of this:
Varsity was WRONG
NO Girl that was on Varsity, that hazed, should be on Homecoming Court!!!!
The JV and Old Varity Cheerleaders were and are supported by the Mid feild Reserved Sec. Our sections supports
all of our MAVS
IF my child had been involved she would have been made to appolgize in front of the whole school and would have not done or gone any where the rest of the year. "
****************************************************
-AGREED....
-AGREED.....BUT THERE IS ONE ON THE HC COURT.
-They should be supported by EVERYONE....I would like to point out all the people that left at the pep rally BEFORE the band played INCLLUDING the athletic students.....The band works very hard and long hours....I support all sports that I am able to support.
-AGREED!!!! "
" As for all of this:
Varsity was WRONG
NO Girl that was on Varsity, that hazed, should be on Homecoming Court!!!!
The JV and Old Varity Cheerleaders were and are supported by the Mid feild Reserved Sec. Our sections supports
all of our MAVS
IF my child had been involved she would have been made to appolgize in front of the whole school and would have not done or gone any where the rest of the year. "
****************************************************
-AGREED....
-AGREED.....BUT THERE IS ONE ON THE HC COURT.
-They should be supported by EVERYONE....I would like to point out all the people that left at the pep rally BEFORE the band played INCLLUDING the athletic students.....The band works very hard and long hours....I support all sports that I am able to support.
-AGREED!!!! "
Slightly Sassy wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:08 PM:
" THS Senior...I hope you spell better than that in school.
And no, but the DA will get to the bottom of it. "
And no, but the DA will get to the bottom of it. "
Amazing wrote on Oct 8, 2008 9:45 AM:
" I'm amazed that some of you who claim to be adults have nothing better to do. Really, you're worried about who supports the band? Did anyone support the band when you were in high school? I know they didn't at my school, and I was in band. Lots of people work long hours and get little support. Get over it. Life's not fair! You're worried about who's on Homecoming Court? Don't you believe in innocent until proven guilty? Do you think these girls should be executed? Does who's on Homecoming Court really mean that much in your world? Again, get over it!
This has gone to the Grand Jury. Until then, and unlike what school districts think, it is innocent until proven guilty. Go back and look at the Duke Lacrosse team and see what happens when something gets tried in the media and by a school. They totally screw it up! "
This has gone to the Grand Jury. Until then, and unlike what school districts think, it is innocent until proven guilty. Go back and look at the Duke Lacrosse team and see what happens when something gets tried in the media and by a school. They totally screw it up! "
THSSenior wrote on Oct 8, 2008 9:22 PM:
" Slightly Sassy: its called a typo. we all make mistakes, calm down. I misspelled ONE word. big deal.
Amazing: I agree 100%. "
Amazing: I agree 100%. "
Slightly Sassy wrote on Oct 9, 2008 12:16 PM:
" THS Senior- No it's not called a typo, it's called a homonym that you got wrong. And yes we all make mistakes which is a perfect point for the cheerleaders that you seem to be taking up for that made a HUGE mistake or misjudgment...now they pay the price. "
Grammar Police - NOT wrote on Oct 9, 2008 4:47 PM:
" Slightly Sassy - Didn't you mean "...you got it wrong"? "
Slightly Sassy wrote on Oct 9, 2008 7:52 PM:
" Grammar Police -NOT or umm THS Senior
No I didn't
Punishment fair-Bottom Line
Toodles "
No I didn't
Punishment fair-Bottom Line
Toodles "
mhmm wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:47 PM:
" Those of you who comment these articles thinking you know what you're talking about, remember, you weren't there and you most certainly don't have a clue as to what happened based on what you're reading. The Varsity girls worked hard to get where they were, and they didn't torment these girls. Once they had seen the JV girls were uncomfortable, they immediately took care of it. Varsity girls do not attend games in any unformal manner, their appearance are..and will always be..better than that of the JV girls. This is proven clearly, and almost everyone knows how pathetic JV is. I'm sorry, but if anyone here that ANY of you claim to feel sorry for, it's definitely not Varsity. Those girls are far better than any of you ever will be. Grow up, "parents". "
Too Old to be Sassy wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:10 AM:
" Be careful Sassy! Your very first post has a spelling error. Your October 3, 10:32 post has a spelling error. The problem with pointing out such errors is that you have to be sure you are perfect, and that's hardly ever the case.
Anyway, I agree with Amazing. Very few on this board are in high school anymore. Why are you still so overly involved in high school drama? Do you remember who was on the Homecoming Court at your high school? I remember the queen my senior year, but none of the others. It's just not that important once you graduate, so why worry about it? I hope that you are all adult enough to show support for the entire Court, or at least not to show your true high school drama colors. Really, it's not for you. It's for the high school, primarily the seniors, who obviously voted for this girl. "
Anyway, I agree with Amazing. Very few on this board are in high school anymore. Why are you still so overly involved in high school drama? Do you remember who was on the Homecoming Court at your high school? I remember the queen my senior year, but none of the others. It's just not that important once you graduate, so why worry about it? I hope that you are all adult enough to show support for the entire Court, or at least not to show your true high school drama colors. Really, it's not for you. It's for the high school, primarily the seniors, who obviously voted for this girl. "
MavMom2011 wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:14 AM:
" Amazing wrote on Oct 8, 2008 9:45 AM:
" I'm amazed that some of you who claim to be adults have nothing better to do. Really, you're worried about who supports the band? Did anyone support the band when you were in high school? I know they didn't at my school, and I was in band. Lots of people work long hours and get little support. Get over it. Life's not fair! You're worried about who's on Homecoming Court? Don't you believe in innocent until proven guilty? Do you think these girls should be executed? Does who's on Homecoming Court really mean that much in your world? Again, get over it!
This has gone to the Grand Jury. Until then, and unlike what school districts think, it is innocent until proven guilty. Go back and look at the Duke Lacrosse team and see what happens when something gets tried in the media and by a school. They totally screw it up! "
Too Old to be Sassy wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:10 AM:
" Be careful Sassy! Your very first post has a spelling error. Your October 3, 10:32 post has a spelling error. The problem with pointing out such errors is that you have to be sure you are perfect, and that's hardly ever the case.
Anyway, I agree with Amazing. Very few on this board are in high school anymore. Why are you still so overly involved in high school drama? Do you remember who was on the Homecoming Court at your high school? I remember the queen my senior year, but none of the others. It's just not that important once you graduate, so why worry about it? I hope that you are all adult enough to show support for the entire Court, or at least not to show your true high school drama colors. Really, it's not for you. It's for the high school, primarily the seniors, who obviously voted for this girl. "
**************************************************
These girls do not provide a good image for the younger kids in the school including my own....no she shouldn't be on homecoming court....break the law and be punished. I was just making a statement that the fans should be more supportive to the girls that have had to step in and fill the duties....I am a huge supportor of all MRHS activities. No I'm not living in the drama, just trying to keep it drama free from my kids that attend. I have the right to do that. "
" I'm amazed that some of you who claim to be adults have nothing better to do. Really, you're worried about who supports the band? Did anyone support the band when you were in high school? I know they didn't at my school, and I was in band. Lots of people work long hours and get little support. Get over it. Life's not fair! You're worried about who's on Homecoming Court? Don't you believe in innocent until proven guilty? Do you think these girls should be executed? Does who's on Homecoming Court really mean that much in your world? Again, get over it!
This has gone to the Grand Jury. Until then, and unlike what school districts think, it is innocent until proven guilty. Go back and look at the Duke Lacrosse team and see what happens when something gets tried in the media and by a school. They totally screw it up! "
Too Old to be Sassy wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:10 AM:
" Be careful Sassy! Your very first post has a spelling error. Your October 3, 10:32 post has a spelling error. The problem with pointing out such errors is that you have to be sure you are perfect, and that's hardly ever the case.
Anyway, I agree with Amazing. Very few on this board are in high school anymore. Why are you still so overly involved in high school drama? Do you remember who was on the Homecoming Court at your high school? I remember the queen my senior year, but none of the others. It's just not that important once you graduate, so why worry about it? I hope that you are all adult enough to show support for the entire Court, or at least not to show your true high school drama colors. Really, it's not for you. It's for the high school, primarily the seniors, who obviously voted for this girl. "
**************************************************
These girls do not provide a good image for the younger kids in the school including my own....no she shouldn't be on homecoming court....break the law and be punished. I was just making a statement that the fans should be more supportive to the girls that have had to step in and fill the duties....I am a huge supportor of all MRHS activities. No I'm not living in the drama, just trying to keep it drama free from my kids that attend. I have the right to do that. "
Slightly Sassy wrote on Oct 11, 2008 12:44 AM:
" Too Old 2 B Sassy- It's ok for me, I'm not posting as a THS Senior..... I just thought it was funny...guess not!
PS-I remember who was homecoming court, it was me! "
PS-I remember who was homecoming court, it was me! "
Slightly Sassy wrote on Oct 11, 2008 12:51 AM:
" mhmm- Actually you are right, the Varsity girls did work hard to get where they are, so they should've thought about that when they did this stupid act. And no!!! I just saw the JV girls cheering at the Varsity MRHS vs Katy game (blow out) and they did a great job stepping up. And while on the subject of what we are reading, I once read when the story first broke that one of the girls pooped in her undies and was made to wear it like a hat? What happened to that story? "
Slightly Sassy wrote on Oct 11, 2008 12:59 AM:
" MavMom2011: I meant to tell ya that tonight was the first football game I was able to attend and the Band was superior! I stood behind them the entire 1st half and I truly enjoyed them and asked the back row if they would come to a couple of basketball games to play :) "
b wrote on Nov 20, 2008 8:11 AM:
" I liked what DAD said Depending on what time it is people will react differently to different situations. "
brian wrote on Nov 20, 2008 8:56 AM:
" It is a shame such a new school has become such a blight on KISD. We hear of nothing but problems over there with gangs, violence etc. No surprise this happened then. No one wants to be a parent anymore, they all want to be cool to their kids or be their friends. Parents were the enemy when I was a kid, beacuse they had consequences for our actions, and we typically did not like them, but always learned from them! "
27 yr old wrote on Nov 20, 2008 9:34 PM:
" I believe that what these girls did was wrong! No matter how you put it no one should be hazed to join a group or an organization in school, weither it is junior high, high or college. I graduated in 2000 and back then at my school, I joined a popular organization. I never was hazed but being embarrassed was hard. Can you imagine what these JV girls felt like? Taking their pride and self esteem away by being a target of stupidity and dumbness?! I believe that the students should take responsibility for their actions and not the parents. If they are found guility, sorry to say, the punishment that they get, they deserve. And it will be hard for them and their families, but a lesson needs to be learned. "
KATYMOMCARES wrote on Nov 26, 2008 2:48 PM:
" "brian"
Give me a break! MRHS has no more problems than some of the newest schools in KISD. Last year a kid had a gun and killed himself at Seven Lakes, at Cinco Ranch kids have been caught having sex under the stairwell, Taylor has been known for their huge drug problem since I moved to Katy in 1991. Have you been living under a rock? "
Give me a break! MRHS has no more problems than some of the newest schools in KISD. Last year a kid had a gun and killed himself at Seven Lakes, at Cinco Ranch kids have been caught having sex under the stairwell, Taylor has been known for their huge drug problem since I moved to Katy in 1991. Have you been living under a rock? "
mrhs cheerleader 07-08 wrote on Nov 29, 2008 12:27 AM:
" half of ya'll are so blind... lets this go,yes they mess up but can you blame them, their human just like we are, humans are suppose to make mistakes... it was a prank you cant seriously say that you would never do such a thing, just think how it must feel to be them right now, step off, its not your problem no one died. "
Slightly Sassy wrote on Sep 30, 2008 11:29 PM: