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School bans student from field tripsMonday, May 21, 2007
Kevin Phelps, 15, admits to violating curfew at a state FBLA conference while staying at a hotel in Columbia, Mo., in April. He said he doesn't know how he ended up outside his hotel room after falling asleep inside his room. The punishment by school officials has angered and frustrated his parents, Robert and Diana Phelps of Scott City. They say the punishment doesn't fit the crime. They are appealing the decision to the Scott City school board. "I could understand it if he was a constant troublemaker," said Robert Phelps. "But you are talking about a straight-A student." The board will take up the matter behind closed doors June 20, superintendent Diann Bradshaw-Ulmer said. School officials insist they acted properly. "As a general rule, if we have students who do not adhere to field trip rules or things like that, they are prohibited from going again," the superintendent said. Bradshaw-Ulmer said she Bradshaw-Ulmer said she and other school officials won't discuss the situation publicly because of the federal education privacy law. She said the decision is in the best interest of the school district and its students. "It is all about the safety of the kids," she said. Kevin Phelps, a student at Scott City High School and a member of the school's FBLA chapter, won first place in the state on an exam on computer technology. He attended the state conference in Columbia in mid-April to pick up his award. He was looking forward to attending the national FBLA conference June 28 in Chicago. Kevin said he told his FBLA adviser that he woke up in the hotel hallway outside his room at 2 a.m. April 17. "I had no clue how I got out there," the teenager said at his home last week. Three other boys from the Scott City FBLA chapter shared a room with Kevin. He said he had earlier fallen asleep on the hotel bed fully dressed. He said he was wearing the same clothes when he awoke in the hallway. He said he took out his room key, unlocked the door to his room and went back inside and back to bed. Diana Phelps said the school's FBLA adviser told her that Kevin was asleep when she checked the room five minutes before the 1 a.m. curfew. Diana Phelps said the adviser, Donna Conaway, told her that two other students also were in the room. A fourth student who shared the room was in another motel room dealing with FBLA matters. The adviser reportedly had given him permission to do so. Reached at her Jackson home, Conaway refused to discuss the situation. She said the superintendent advised her to remain silent on the issue. Kevin said Conaway asked him at breakfast April 17 what he was doing at 2 a.m. Kevin said he told her he might have been sleepwalking. But Diana Phelps said her son has no history of sleepwalking. She believes the boys who shared the room may have carried her sleeping son into the hallway as a prank. She said her son is a heavy sleeper. Kevin thinks that's a possibility too. "Somebody could have probably carried me out," he said. School officials haven't said why Conaway confronted Kevin at breakfast. Diana Phelps speculates that the boys who shared the room with Kevin must have seen her son return to bed after curfew. Diana and Robert Phelps learned of the field trip ban in a letter dated May 3 from Scott City High School principal Kerry Thompson. "There has been concern expressed regarding Kevin being out after curfew. We are accountable for our students and their behavior while they are attending conferences and field trips; for liability reasons we must take steps to keep the school and teachers from risk," Thompson wrote in a brief letter. Diana Phelps said she and her husband met with Thompson and Bradshaw-Ulmer on May 7 in the school office. Diana Phelps said she offered to chaperon her son on future trips, pay for a separate hotel room and even sign a waiver releasing the school district from all liability. "He told me no at every turn," Phelps said. She said Thompson indicated that it would still be a liability problem for the school district. Thompson refused to discuss the issue with a reporter. "It is a private matter," he said. The Phelps say they're baffled by the actions of school officials. "It just doesn't make any sense," Diana Phelps said. Diana Phelps said teachers in the Scott City School District regularly sought her son's help when it came to using the school computers. She said her son has been building computer programs since he was 13. "His goal in life is to compete with Microsoft," she said. Kevin also is an active member of Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. 335-6611, extension 123 Comments  Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. 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Just another example of a school Administration out of control.Not
to mention the adult supervision
during this field trip was lacking.
Does that surprise anyone?There may be
more to this story then anyone is saying.
If the boy was under the influence of some
illegal substance then perhaps this punishment would be fitting.Unless there is substantial evidence, the school administration needs to back down.
It's a classic example of someone in a leadership position making a mistake and then refusing to admit it. This is muy loco.
Y tambien, I want to know how they knew he was outside the room to begin with--I didn't catch it in the story. If he was in his room at one am, woke up at 2 outside & went back in, how did Conaway know he was in the hallway at 2 am? If a chaparone saw him, they should have woke him up. It seems that there is something malo aqui...
The school is way out of line here from what I see.
I am Kevin Phelps' mother, the high school student that was banned from overnight field trips involving FBLA. I wanted to point a few things out that were not in the article printed on the front page Monday, May 21, 2007.
1)There was a high school junior that shared a room with Kevin as well as 2 seniors. This student made my son get batteries for the t.v. remote and when Kevin sat down on the edge of one of the hotel beds to watch t.v. the junior kicked him off the bed and told him it was his bed and Kevin would be lucky if he had a pillow to sleep on but to stay off the beds. This student repeatedly hazed Kevin throughout the weekend. Kevin called me from his cell phone to report the abuse and I asked him if he told Mrs. Donna Conaway, the FBLA advisor that was responsible for the students. Kevin said that he had and she said it was just normal freshman initiation. I told my son to give the phone to Donna. Upon speaking to her, she stated the same comment to me. I told her that it was uncalled for and the behavior of this junior needed to stop.
This behavior continued throughout the trip and after returning to school. I called Mr. Thompson about it on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 as Kevin told me this student was still bothering him. Mr. Thompson said he would talk to the student about it. I asked him if Donna Conaway had told him about it and he said, "No." The student didn't stop until I called his mother, a Scott City school teacher, at home and told her what her son did in Columbia, Mo to Kevin and what he was continuing to do. She stated that she would see what she could do.
2) On the night Kevin ended up outside of his hotel room, there was a dance. Kevin went for about 5-10 minutes and went back to his room to read. He was in his room at 11:00p.m. Donna Conaway stated that she checked on the room at 12:55a.m. and Kevin was asleep. I asked her what the other boys were doing and she said 2 of them were in the room, but awake and the 3rd was in another room. My question is, if the other 2 boys were awake at 12:55a.m., then what happened between then and 2:00a.m. when my son woke up in the hallway? Also, Kevin would have been in the deepest stage of sleep at this time.
3)Donna Conaway also stated that the roommates are the ones that reported Kevin coming into the room at 2:00a.m.
So, if they were awake at 12:55a.m. and at 2:00a.m., what happened between those times? And if Kevin left the room voluntarily why wasn't this reported sooner to someone of authority?
4) During the meeting my husband and I had with Mr. Thompson, the high school principle, Diann Bradshaw-Ulmer stood behind my husband and I and everytime we asked a question he looked to her for a cue.
5) One question I asked was, "Has anybody talked to the roommates about this to see what really happened?" Mr. Thompson admitted to us that a full investigation had not been done and the decision was based on the information provided, in writing, by Donna Conaway. I reminded him about Kevin being hazed by the high school junior and he said that matter was taken care of. I also reminded him that in the student handbook it states an offense of fighting was a serious misconduct with a minimum punishment of 3 days suspension and up to expulsion for continued offenses. He had no comment.
6) When Donna Conaway asked Kevin, at breakfast, in front of everyone, what he was doing at 2:00a.m., he freely admitted that he woke up outside of the hotel room. He told the truth and now he is being punsihed without an investigation.
7)During a meeting my son had with Mr. Thompson and Mrs. Northdurft, they banned Kevin's access to the internet at school because he editted a posting he had made on the FBLA-PBL website and Mrs. Northdurft told Kevin that she and the other advisors don't want him joining FBLA next year because he isn't a good teamworker. Kevin was recently elected to the position of Reporter.
Mr. Thompson also told Kevin not to talk to anyone about the ban from overnight field trips and to keep it a secret. I have always told my kids that if anyone tells them to keep something a secret, it is probably a bad thing and to tell everyone he can.
My son is an freshman honor student that earned a 1st place State Title for an FBLA competition. A feat not easily done by anyone let alone a freshman. Kevin has never had a history of sleepwalking, as stated in the story. He has been on many overnight trips in his life and has never had an issue like this. He is a quiet young man that has God as his priority and a desire to learn.
Furhter,I lost respect for Donna Conaway, doubther reliability, at our first parent-teacher conference when she told me the only complaint she had about my son is that he reads too much and needs a social life. More specifically, she told me my son needed a girlfriend and that she would be glad to "hook him up with someone". At the time, Kevin was 14 years old.
Hmmm, One of the boys in the room was the son of a Scott City teacher. Well of course he has to be telling the truth. He couldn't have been in on a prank against a freshman. If he says that the rest of the boys in the room have no idea how Kevin ended up out in the hallway, then he is telling the truth. Teacher's kids don't lie! They don't pick on other kids! They are always perfect. Don't you know that??? ;)
Hazing is the same as bullying, if not addressed things happen and not in a good way. Boys will be boys whether your the teachers son or the kid down the block, they all say I didn't do it and they all will cover up for the other one.
I think the school is overreacting and needs to look into the ones that claim they saw him.
Mom of teenage boys who doesn't have her blinders on....
This is two other students who were attended the Missouri FBLA Conference knowing Kevin. Not only did we know Kevin, but we knew all activities included a supervised bus ride to the state conference. It was apparent during this entire trip that Kevin was being bullied by fellow students. It would not be suprising to know that Kevin was put in the hallway by fellow roommates. The intire bus ride was an experience, knowing that Kevin was being "fooled around" with fellow students from his own school. We felt horrible for him. He is a sweet kid and would not lie, especially about something he is so passionate about. Kevin adores FBLA and loves being in Scott City High Schools organization. We understand how he would feel and hope that this matter is resolved accordingly.
"Kevin, we believe you!"
I hope that all members, of not only FBLA, but school members of Kevin's come out and let people know that he is telling the truth. Kevin is a sweet kid and deserves to attend this trip to the National Conference in Chicago.
Kevin should not be disregarded.
I think someone needs to take the seniors and the junior that was in the room with this poor boy and do maybe a little "hazing" on them. If this were my son, I would go and get me one of those high priced lawyers and sue the school district, the teacher, the teachers son, and that conaway lady. And I would pray every night someone might find those people walking down a dark alley in the middle of the night, and low and behold no one would have known what happened in that alley.
As an SCHS alum, I am very ashamed with the position the school has taken. I am also ashamed to call you my Alma Mater. Then again, I shouldn't be surprised that this happened. If you are a jock, teacher's kid, or a cheerleader, you always get away with murder. Unfortunately, this is the way it has always been at SCHS for as long as I can remember. I have lost all respect for my alma mater. Our school song states about "fair in all our play". How fair are you being in making a hasty decision without proper investigation? What happened to innocent until proven guilty?
To Mrs. Bradshaw-Ulmer and Ms. Nothdurft, both of you taught me in numerous classes in high school. I always saw each of you as honest and fair individuals; not to mention that each of you were one of my favorite teachers. I learned a lot from both of you, but it is very unfortunate that you have decided NOT to stand up for what is right. I have lost all respect for both of you as educators and human beings. Please investigate and find the truth. If this young man was being hazed and pranked, then please right the injustice. It's okay to admit you were wrong in making a hasty decision. I would have a lot more respect for you if you did. Thank you for your time.
I used to go to SC and this doesn't surprise me one bit. It's called favortism and has always been an issue there. I haven't been to the school in over 5 yrs and I dont know how things are there anymore but things like this with an A Honor roll student, does need to be investigated further because obviously one of Kevin's roommate's is lying or hiding something.
Thank You !!!!! I fell the support of other parents, students, alumni and citizens in our quest for justice. If anyone would like to comment personally to me, my e-mail is diana_cns@yahoo.com . I would appreciate any and all support we can get as we are appealing this decision before the school board on June 20, 2007, which Diann has placed inclosed session.
School officials have also stated "off the record", of course, that Kevin was banned as a retaliation effort for my ongoing fight to ensure my younger son's IEP is followed. Diann Bradshaw-Ulmer is in the driver's seat as far as the school administration in concerned. I wonder if she sleeps well at night, knowing what she has done.
As a former member of the youth group at Lynwood Baptist Church with Kevin, I can personally vouch for the fact that he is a very heavy sleeper. On a trip to Florida a couple summers ago, Kevin slept through loud chattering, in-bus movies, and music. It is possible that he may have been moved in his sleep; however, I am not accusing any of the other students that were in his room that night. As of now, no body knows, or is willing to confess, how Kevin ended up in the hotel hallway after the 1a.m. curfew, and it will more than likely remain that way.
I see no reason why Kevin is being banned from future field trips with the school. He was not causing any trouble nor did he cause any problems. Kevin went to bed, woke up in the hallway, and we right back into the room and into bed. I see no reason for him to receive this punishment.
Kevin is a bright student and has earned the right as first place at the conference earlier in the school year. For many years in the youth group he has learned the sound and video projection software used in our youth meetings and has been interested in computers. This kid lives to work with computers and other natures of technology. Why take that away from him?
I am ashamed to say that Scott City Public School officials are stripping this bright young man of the opportunity of further education and success. I hope they can honestly say they sleep peacefuly knowing what kind of out-of-porportionate crime they have committed against Kevin.
I graduated from SCHS several years ago and it looks like things have not changed one bit. I work at a store Scott City and I see these kids come into our stores acting so disrespectful. They are brats to say the least. Im sure they are the same way at school. It was the same way when I was in school. Certain students was always allowed to get away with anything. Unless you had a certian last name or played sports you wasnt anything at Scott City High School. Hopefully things change before my child is school age.
To the Phelps family...You all are in my prayers!
Most likely the reason the school is taking such a stand is that our culture expects the school to babysit our kids, thus such rigid guidelines. They are held liable for the smallest of incidents. Let's say Mrs. Conaway had known about this incident and had not said anything, it was just a meaningless prank right? So next summer at the trip I can paint two scenarios, another kid gets caught out in the hallway at 2am and he says, well Kevin was out at the last trip until 2 so you can't do anything to me. what should the school do then? Without this investigation there would be nothing to say this is why he is now allowed to continue coming to FBLA trips. Scenario B could be the trip this summer comes up and the same thing happens, maybe the same kids do the same thing if they did it this time, i am not saying they did because no one knows 100% fact certain except the students that were involved, but if this is what happened then it is Not Kevin's fault, but nonetheless, same thing happens. This time another guest in the hotel sees Kevin Laying in the hall and decided to "have a littlefun" with Kevin himself, God forbid, then the question would be raised that Mrs. Conaway knew of this behavior because it happened last time and they allowed him to go, now the school is in more trouble because this happened. So maybe this is a blessing in disquise to put the light on what has happened to maybe stop further incidents of this type of behavior from all parties involved. Maybe this will cause the school to look at not putting older boys in the same room as the freshman boys IF this is just part of freshman initiation. Maybe if there are not enough freshman from our school, being in FBLA I know how hard it was for me to get to state as a jr and senior, much less a freshman, so if there are students from Chaffee or other schools that we know maybe we could put the same age groups together to try to rid the problem. i think careful investigation needs to be made before a decision like this is called, however, I have not heard both sides due to the school not being able to say anything due to the federal education privacy law.
As much as I would like to say and used to believe that hazing/initiation are part of life and kids have to learn how to deal with this on there own and stand up for themselves, not run to a teacher or tell on them to their parents, we are living in a time when this kind of behavior can lead to far worse things as the situation i have stated earlier, there are too many predators out there, that a simple prank as leaving a student to sleep in a hallway of a hotel room can lead to life scarring incidences. 20 years ago I would say, so what they left him out in a hallway, big deal, lets move on, but we are just not living in that time anymore, and I think the actions of the school reflect the times we are living in.
I am an alumni of good ole Scott City and was active in FBLA and I have every belief that upon investigation and meetings with the school board the matter will be justly and fairly resolved with both sides of the parties being content with the decision.
I am also a fellow Baptist and the school and the phelps family are all in my prayers.
If this child was subjected to any form of harassment by another student, it is the absolute responsibility of the school's administration to take appropriate action against the responsible party or parties. Failure to do so is complicit to the crime.
It is obvious that harassment has occurred. Conaway's response about being "just normal freshman initiation", indicates it, that remark along with her offer to "hook him up with someone", should be grounds for dismissal.
If a student was kicked off of a bed, that is an assault. Since appropriate actions have not been taken by the administration, the Scott County Prosecuting Attorney should get involved.
Kerry Thompson and Diann Bradshaw-Ulmer need to be mandated, by the school board, to take an insightful seminar on bullying at school; not to be reimbursed by the school system. If I were on that board, they would be getting unpaid administrative leave, until they complete the requirement. Their apparent indifferences toward these actions contradict mainstream psychological research that advocates a zero tolerance policy toward bullying.
Last August the Missouri Legislature recognized the serious negative effects of school harassment and passed a law requiring all school districts to adopt an antibulling policy. If Scott City has a policy, why was it not enforced? If they do not have such a policy, why not?
The Missouri Statue follows:
160.775. 1. Every district shall adopt an antibullying policy by September 1, 2007.
2. "Bullying" means intimidation or harassment that causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property. Bullying may consist of physical actions, including gestures, or oral or written communication, and any threat of retaliation for reporting of such acts.
3. Each district's antibullying policy shall be founded on the assumption that all students need a safe learning environment. Policies shall treat students equally and shall not contain specific lists of protected classes of students who are to receive special treatment. Policies may include age appropriate differences for schools based on the grade levels at the school. Each such policy shall contain a statement of the consequences of bullying.
4. Each district's antibullying policy shall require district employees to report any instance of bullying of which the employee has firsthand knowledge. The district policy shall address training of employees in the requirements of the district policy.
I happen to know Kevin, and I personally would be more apt to listen to the school's side in this drama. I think that there is more to the story and I don't feel that the school has been able to defend itself yet. The parents do deserve a complete explanation for all punishments incurred, however maybe the parents should be able to accept a realistic view of their son.
After reading the comments made about this story, I remembered how things used to be settled when I was in school. When you couldn't get all the facts of a story and things seemed a bit "fishy", teachers used to punish the whole group involved. I think that if Kevin isn't allowed to go on anymore trips, then the Junior in the room shouldn't be allowed to go on any trips either. Perhaps trips in general will need to be called off at SCHS until some one tells all. When something like this happens, you can bet your boots that the majority of the kids know the what happened. Bullies are known for having big mouths and needing to brag about their meaness. I think if the other students were faced with the possibility of losing their right to go on field trips, then the truth would come out pretty quickly. Then the ones who did the deed get peer punishment, the hardest punishment of all. They will be forever remembered as the the jerks they really are and possibly they could even learn a major life lesson here. In my opinion, that would be sweet.
I think it's funny that now SCHS wants to punish people for these kinds of things. This same trip a few years ago when i went to school there I remember a group of girls that got caught with a room full of alcohol and they got a slap on the wrist and got to attend the next trip. I guess that happens at SC after all alcohol has never been frowned upon in SC i also remember a softball coach who threw a kegger for her daughter, and got all spring sports teams in trouble because they were there drinking. Then she got promoted to AD so why is SCHS trying to punish people now? Maybe it's just me but i think people should get punished for actually doing things like "CRIMES" but hey it is SC.
Were the boys in the room not friends with Kevin? If they weren't it sounds like hazing, but to me it seems like something I would do to a friend who I knew was a heavy sleeper. Either way if this is what happened the other boys should be punished. I think everyone is over looking another more important issue. Why do high school students, on a field trip, have a curfew of 1:00 a.m.
Mrs.Phelps
The school following an IEP is a state requirement. If you are having problems with that and the school i would get the state involved.
To ambkel:
I do not believe you know my son very well. You give no indication of why you feel like Kevin is guilty. Also, the Administration took over two weeks to send me a certified letter of it's decision to ban Kevin. Two weeks and no investiation was done. Upon talking to Principle Thompson, he stated that this wasn't his decision and Diann Bradshaw-Ulmer told him to write the letter to me. I went to school today to go through Kevin's high school personal/ educational file and the only things in there are Kevin's IQ test scores and the letter I received from Principle Thompson. The written document from Donna Conaway has been withdrawn and ther are no disciplinary action statements, because Kevin has not been in trouble for any reason in his one year of high school. He is an honor student and very active in his church youth group. The school had over two weeks to investigate and research this before making their decision. They have had plenty of time to defend themselves! No investigation was done. Principle Thompson admitted to my husband and I that Diann Bradshaw-Ulmer made this decision based soley on Donna Conaway's statement. The other students sharing a room with Kevin were never questioned. Also, upon attemting to contact one of the Seniors in the room, a female answered the phone for the first time today and said that "the student" was home. After a few moments, the line disconnected. I tried to call back and was sent to an answering machine. If these students are innocent, why are they hiding? What are they (or at least this one) afraid of?
Apparently the adult supervision on
this trip wasnt lacking, if the advisor noticed he was not in his room, and turned the offense in!!
no offense but your son does need a girlfriend.. if he has time to send in a story like this, he needs a life!!!
You can not say that Mrs. Nothdurft didnt want him to join FBLA, because they allowed him to run for office and receive office...As FBLA advisors they have the right to turn down any officer applications that they receive for any reason!
according to a previous comment "Bullying" means intimidation or harassment that causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property. Bullying may consist of physical actions, including gestures, or oral or written communication, and any threat of retaliation for reporting of such acts.
if this is so than kevin is probably the biggest bulley in the school everytime i see him walk in the computer lab i hear students ask each other if he has a weapon or something like that because he seems to be the kind to shoot up the school..we are always in fear when he is around and he trash talks other students also this year i know of one fight he was in and started it happened in the locker room because he was running his mouth i dont know why this was not on his reacord but it happened i also know the other students who were also on the trip all of them are smart to or they would not make it to state so pointing out that kevin is a straight a student and implying that he did nothing wrong because of it is hyppocritical because useing that logic none of the studens could do wrong because they are smart...i have also been on many trips with the other students in the room and they are not the bullying type i would take a room with the three of them and have to sleep on the floor than have to stay in the same room as kevin and day and i believe the majority of the school would also do this
I have been very involved with FBLA for the past 4 years...I would like to congradulate Kevin for receiving SCHS's FBLA Historian Reporter!! You have already gotten a article sent into and published in the paper.. good job you're ahead of the game... however, during FBLA officer installation last years historian reporter stated "As reporter, your job shall be to report meetings and other *newsworthy** activities of the chapter through the proper channels.. then asked " Do you accept this responsibility and promise to fulfill your duties to the best of your ability??" You then stated "I do"... The flower then handed to you which was Green.. symbolized the inspiration and enlightenment that can be brought by reporting the activities of the Chapter.. This article did not inspire or enlight anyone.. especially not your chapter!!! You might need to look over your office duties!!
I would also like to stand up for each FBLA advisor... they are all wonderful teachers, and extremely good people!!! They would do anything for each student.. and volunteer to take trips with the students and volunteer their time to do activities with them!! Rather than dealing with other kids and being dissed on like this for going out of their way they could be at home with their own children!! Maybe you should donate your time, however, they seem to be more mature because they dont send in articles such as this!!
As a former active FBLA member , I would like to say the school FBLA advisors have been very responsible. Also, Mrs.Conway is an amazing teacher and person. She always tries to help her students, even if that means staying after school or coming before school. She was my favorite teacher!!!
I don't care how heavy a sleeper you are wouldn't you wake up if somebody picked you up. Also there would have been two boys picking him up. Why did they just report it, if it was "hazing" wouldn't they want the other boys to get into trouble. And another thing Kevin had no right to report any information about anyone on the national website. For Mrs.Phelps, Mrs.Conaway was trying to help your son because from what I heard he is a loner. Also, your son is probably lying about half that stuff about Mrs.Conaway, so you can feel so sorry for him. She wouldn't say that kind of stuff. Mrs. Nothdurft is also an amazing person. Don't judge these people by what ONE person said. Also, about your Kevin joining FBLA, maybe they don't want to deal with a whinning little kid who tells on people. GROW UP!!! I don't blame them for not wanting to take him. I think just left the room because he wanted to get the two other boys in trouble. I would also like to say the Scott City teacher whom is the parent of the boy is a very good mother and she does punish her kids.
To tms72180- not everybody at Scott City are disrespectful. There are only a handful.
I love you, Mrs. Conaway and Mrs. Nothdurft!!!!! I will ALWAYS have respect for all that you have to do and put up with!!
i would also like to stand up for the fbla advisors they are some of the best people that i know and i would do anything for them except lie for them and i dont think that i would ever have to they are all honest people and would not punish a person with as much potential as kevin has unless it is nessiary.....i also feel that they would do anything for any of the students at the school thats the kind of people they are the have helped me with with filling out scholorships and geting in to other things to help me further my studies in multimedia all anyone has to do is ask and they will help if the advisors are reading this i want you guys to know that i love and appreciate you all so much
to:tms72180
I would like to agree with you lots of kids at SCHS are very disrespectful.. however that is a hasty generalization...most high school kids are disrespectful.. so you cant say that its only Scott City.. and so much for brats.. I consider elementary kids brats rather than high school kids... brats are taddle tails.. which describes Kevin, all that I have heard is how if any little thing happens to him he'll run to his mom.. which is good, but only to an extent!!... He's going to be a junior if this is the behavior the Future Buisness Leaders of America have to look forward to, we better all get prepared!!
The more I read this story the more fishy it sounds!... The guys that went on the trip along with Kevin and roomed with him, are all absolutly amazing, wonderful people.. they would not do such a thing. they are all more mature than that!! They would not bully anyone or pull a prank but if it was a prank, it would not have been "carry the underclassman to the hallway".. what kind of prank is that... a pretty lame one! Something is fishy and twisted with this story..!!
To: Kalvin & Kaden's Mom
Keep on praying... if you dont know God is who answer's prayers, you're suppose to pray about ways to help others, not hurt others.. so I have a feeling that prayer will never be answered!... Sueing people over a thing such as this is childish, its worst than sueing McDonalds for being burnt from their coffee, which states "Caution: Contents are hot!!"... I dont believe this was a prank, however, lets say it was, simple pranks are part of life.. grow up!!..
To: ethansmommy
You said obviously the boys are lying or hiding something, how do you know that it is not kevin lying.. trying to be "an angel kid" to make him mommy happy... ??? Now lets not jump to conclusions!!!!
to Kalvin & Kaden's Mom
are you saying that if someone participates in hazing or bullying they should be hazed or bullyed because if the other students in the room did do this (although i do not believe they did) they did nothing wrong because kevin is always trash talking and trying to get people to do stuff to them so he can do stupid stuff like this he is a bully but if some one bucks up to him he runs and calls mama and then they get one of those "high priced lawyers" as you call them and sue...this is not there first stunt look at there familys history they have done it before...these teachers would not ban him if he did not need to be baned from trips this is not because he does not have a prominiant name or because he does not have money or play sports i have none of these eaither and they have helped me alot but as for your comment "And I would pray every night someone might find those people walking down a dark alley in the middle of the night, and low and behold no one would have known what happened in that alley."- i find the childish and think you should grow up you dont know what actually happend you only know what kevins mom said what she said the advisors said is twisted
i know these teachers and they would not say anything like that
This story is absurd. How can you try to tell me that since Kevin is smart, involved in church, and making 1st place that he can do no wrong? I formerly held office in FBLA for two years and was a member all through my high school career, in which Mrs. Conaway and Mrs. Nothdurft were advisors. They are both amazing people and I do not believe anything that the Phelps family has quoted Mrs. Conaway as saying. Also, the three boys that were rooming with Kevin are all in the top of their class and involved in church, so wouldn't that mean that they could do no wrong as well? This was implied on Kevin so it should also be implied on the three boys as well.
I do not believe that the Junior was hazing Kevin. I know the junior personally and he is one of the nicest people that you could ever met. He constantly goes out of his way to help others. Also, just because Kevin has no history of sleep walking does not mean that it is not a possiblity.
I am personally outraged at this article. I have never seen a worse case of misquotes, and people lying like crazy just to get the public to sympathize with them.
As for Mrs. Conaway, I do not believe the quotes that Mrs. Phelps has reported.
I will be praying that the truth comes out. I look forward to hearing the Board's ruling.
I think it's funny that now SCHS wants to punish people for these kinds of things. This same trip a few years ago when i went to school there I remember a group of girls that got caught with a room full of alcohol and they got a slap on the wrist and got to attend the next trip. I guess that happens at SC after all alcohol has never been frowned upon in SC i also remember a softball coach who threw a kegger for her daughter, and got all spring sports teams in trouble because they were there drinking. Then she got promoted to AD so why is SCHS trying to punish people now? Maybe it's just me but i think people should get punished for actually doing things like "CRIMES" but hey it is SC.
This is supposed to be news?
The majority of the comments against Kevin seem to be from the same 2 students. Let's think about that for a minute. Hmmmm......
First of all, I guarantee that the couple of students that keep posting negative things against Kevin have a little something to do with this whole thing...
Second of all, I'm not standing up for Kevin; I don't even know the kid. I do know for a fact that just because you are smart and go to a church does NOT mean you're a good person. When you're smart, you know how to be a bad kid but make it LOOK like you're not the bad kid. (if that makes sense?)
All in all, I'm not putting blame on anyone... because I don't know the situation. But I do know a lot of those "smart church kids" that are everything but "well behaved".
I honestly have nothing against Kevin, I dont really know him that well.. Im just posting against him because I know the other students that were with him, and the advisors!!.. I know that there has to be something up with this story.. and I believe it is wrong how they are talking so badly against FBLA and the advisors.. I know that there must be lots of truth not being told within this article, and others are shunning the other 3 students and advisors, .. these people are only receiving information told by Kevins family, and most dont know anything about the others or the advisor!!
LOGICALLY, had they pushed him out of the room they would have been the ones to call that night to get him into trouble if that were what they were aiming for. Also, those involved would have to be silent the entire time in order not to wake the advisors just right across the hall. Also, wouldn't someone have noticed in that two hour span that someone was fast asleep in the hallway?
LOGICALLY, I've been on the same trip multiple times and know that nobody eats breakfast, normally, if they do it is not the whole group from the same school. This is just one example of how her statement is filled with lies.
If you expect respect from the school then how do you think you will get it if you refer to the teacher and principle without using the proper title (example: Mr. , Mrs.)
To Mrs.Phelps, what do you plan to accomplish by trash talking the school?
To zxcvb and jorazz:
First of all..Kevin did not report this to the paper, nor did he wirte it nor does he voluntarily complain about what you all do to him at school. I reported this issue!!! I will stand up for my children and for what is right. Kevin is a quiet and shy young man and I take your intent to cause trouble in this message board with a shrug as there is not a shred of evidence in your defense. On the other hand, let's revisit the facts.
1)The decision to ban Kevin is based on a letter from Donna Conaway to the Administration with no investigation being done.
2)I personally spoke with Mrs. Conaway while she was in Columbia with Kevin and she told me that what this kid was doing to Kevin was "normal Freshman initiation" and that she would talk to him about it. It is not normal, My other children have had problems with this student being mean to them and they aren't even in high school.
3)There is probably more to the reason Diann Bradshaw-Ulmer banned Kevin, why don't you ask her and get her to tell the truth. I gave her the opportunity and she wouldn't speak.
4) There was never an investigation done. The 2 boys were never questioned and I bet after this article, they will lie.
5) I spoke with the junior in question when he answered my son's phone in the hotel room and that discussion will come out in the closed session with the school board, but I will tell he has given enough info to admit guilt.
6)To give_me_a_break, you're right, why was this decision based on ONE person's testimony?
7) Between the 3 of you, your statements written here are so contradictory that you have hung yourselves out to dry. One says Kevin is a loner and another says he is a bully. Come on...the next time you decide to comment get together and get your story straight. As of right now I don't see anyone believing you.
As for FBLA, Kevin will remain a member and he will report good news and bad. He will not report a lie to make SC schools look good. As for Mrs. Nothruft telling him she and the other advisors think he should step down...ask Mr. Thompson...he was in the room.
The school has had plenty of time to investigate and make an informed decision, but as I stated earlier, it was made by one person based on another's written statement. No other investigation was done. Kevin wasn't even questioned and as far Mrs. Conaway knowing Kevin was out of the room...why don't you ask the boys in the room. Written and verbal testimony says they were awake at 12:55am and 2:00am, when Kevin ended up in the hall.
I love how parents now days think their children are perfect and have never offended anyone, or ever done anything wrong. Be realistic, and possibly think maybe your child did something wrong. Church or not, good grades or not, kids do things wrong and at least most kids and parents are strong enough to stand up and say "my bad" and accept the punishment instead of cry about it in the news paper. He got suspended from field trips...WHO CARES. Maybe if he had something to do he wouldn't be crying about some field trips.
Many of these comments are incredibly translucent in both bias and intent. This issue is not that complex. Bullying and harassment are intolerable acts, at all levels of society, particularly in our schools.
It appears that the younger child is a victim, how much of one is not yet determined. Donna Conaway, the FBLA advisor, was made aware of a problem early on, yet took no action. At least two other students (see -- Posted by Other Students) on the trip, observed continual harassment throughout, including on the bus rides. Why did the chaperones allow it? Where is the written disciplinary document from Donna Conaway? The parents have a right to a copy of it. Even if Kevin Phelps provided some type of incentive for the hazing, it does not absolve the perpetrators. Bullying is a criminal offence in many states, and responsible parties can be held liable for civil penalties in others.
The school board would be well advised to hold a comprehensive and transparent investigation, into all of the contentious issues arising from this FBLA trip, without Kerry Thompson's or Diann Bradshaw-Ulmer's participation. If reprimands or punishments are necessitated, they should be dispensed properly to those responsible for this predicament, both students and staff.
By waiting until June 20th, wounds will have way too much time to fester. By then the national media may have picked up the story, and provided the type of exposure that the citizens of Scott City would not look forward to.
to kevins momma
you say that our storys contridict each others becaus one says bully and one says loner i dont know the last time you checked but most bullys dont have many friends because people dont like to be picked on and expecially not sued so being a bully goes hand in hand with being a loner and you say that kevin was never questioned what about breakfast i thoght you said he was questioned by mrs connaway then...
you also say that this is all based on one persons testomony but it is not just one persons it is one of the advisors testomony what they say should be taken with more weight than what a student suggest because she is responsable for them and she should have the right to refuse to take a student if she fell he is to much of a risk...and if this was hazing (even though it is not)why would you want your kid to go on another field trip if they are going to haze him it seems to me that removing him would be the best way to keep him safe and you would be endangering your child by sending him
Voice your concerns here.....
ConawayD@scschools.k12.mo.us
Thompsnk@scschool.k12.mo.us
diann@scschools.k12.mo.us
I regretfully announce that I am a Scott City alumnus. If that kid's name was Kevin Amick, Kevin Miller, or Kevin Bradshaw this wouldn't be an issue. Scott City is a small school with big issues.
Remember a few years back when Derek McCord told a player that "he was dumber than a snicker bar"? That kid was a school board member's son and all of a sudden they were going to fire Derek McCord after he brought the basketball program from the bottom of the barrel to the top. They were going to get rid of him because of that, no questions asked until Marty Mishow brought it to light. Then all of a sudden an open door school board meeting was held and probably 1000-1500 supporters showed up for Derek.
Remember about 3-4 years ago when Sally O'Brien hosted an party for her child and a bunch of kids and provided alcohol? They suspended her with pay for the remainder of the school year...a whole 4 weeks...of paid vacation. After that she was still able to keep her job and was even PROMOTED! I wish I had those kind of connections. By the way Sally's maiden name is Amick.
Unless you were close to the situation nobody would have known that Coach Lance Amick has quit the basketball program several times, but has reneged every time he resigned. I heard he was even ejected from a summer league game for cursing at his players. I hope one of those kids parents isn't on the school board, oh wait he is an Amick. I think I need to change my name to Stonewall Jefferson Amick.
Anyway I think after reading these discussions, I know who the prankster is. If I thinking right his momma needs to straighten him up or take away the fancy car.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18790581/?GT...
The above link is an article that was on MSN today. It is a story of a man that slept through being shot in the head! So it is very possible for Kevin to have slept through beinging carried into the hallway. I'm not advicating he was and it is possible he slept walk... which I highly doubt.
I think everyone is getting away from the real story... Why is this a story? In my opinion it is because a through investigation was not conducted before a fair and just decision was made. No matter what the real story is... In my opinion an uneducated baised decision has been made that coould possibly affect this young man's future.
Hopefully Kevin with the support of his family will not let this affect his future and I believe they will not. However in todays world getting into most college's is based off of your transripts and depending on what a student has done and accomplished. With Kevin not being involved in athletics, grades and clubs like the FBLA will be his route to building his resume. And it is extremly unfair for such a decision to have been made without a through investigation.
It is really ashame SC school representitives have allowed this to get this far. It is thier fault and NO one esle's. Mrs. Phelp's offer to pay for a seperate hotel room and chaporone was a great offer that in my opinion. It would have fixed everything without bringing anything into the public eye and I feel from what I have read that the Phelps family would have been satisfied(since it was indeed her offer). That wasn't good enough and now the SC school rep's are going to have to deal with the story they created, No matter who called the press. If other topics(hazing, favortism, etc.) of interest that have now have been brought to light affect some of the people that have made poor decisions it is only the fault of the SC school rep's, Not the Phelps family. Mrs. Phelps is standing up for her son, which I think all of us with kids can admire and those of you students who parents aren't involved in your lives might even be a little jealous.
I live in ST. Louis and do not know any of the people mentioned. I do hope all parties involed can get together and come up with a fair and propper decision. From what I have read on this blog it seems SC schools really need to take a hard look at what is going on and get back to the most important thing in all this... All of the students in the district, not just the favorites!!
To FBLA members and graduates: Although Mrs. Conaway and I appreciate the votes of confidence, I'm asking you to stop posting to this story thread. FBLA promotes leadership, character, and teamwork. In my opinion, continuing these comments are doing nothing to promote such commendable traits.
I'd also like to thank the Scott City community for giving me the opportunity to work in your school district for the last 30 years as a teacher and FBLA adviser. You have a wonderful school and great kids, and I feel extremely lucky that I've been able to spend my career working in your community. You've always elected a strong Board of Education which works diligently to provide an excellent education for your children. The administration, faculty, and staff are simply the best!
Martha Nothdurft, FBLA adviser
I think that I remember that his big brother did the same thing when he was in school. The football team traveled to St Louis and he also was caught out after hours. His name was Blake. Maybe the time does fit the crime.
Leadership, character, and teamwork. Hmmm.
Just how does the association of bullying with "normal freshman initiation", by an FBLA advisor promote any of these 'commendable traits'? How does allowing harassing behaviors to continue, promote even one? And, quite frankly, which of these traits are you fostering, by telling a high school freshman that he should not join your group next year. You are his teacher, his mentor. What lesson do you teach, by indicating to a 14-year old child that he is "not wanted" by his advisors?
Martha Nothdurft, me think "thow doeth protest too much".
Blake Phelps is not his older brother.
First of all, I want to say that I never said Kevin was perfect and could do no wrong...I said he was an Honor student, that is a fact, and I said he was active in his church. he operates the power point every Sunday morning, he has made videos to be shown during service, he has operated the sound systems and among many other services to his church and faith, he knows the book of Revelations better than anyone I know!!! I said he was active, not just a member and attender. His heart is in the right place. Can you attest to the same for the ones you are defending?
Hey Mikey!!! No disclosure is right...Kevin doesn't have an older brother named Blake. So that ruins your logic.
No Disclosure,
Thank You for your post on May 22. You are right..certain last names in this town can do no wrong. God will judge them in due time. Also, please note that anything e-mailed, written or spoken to with school officials about this issue becomes part of Kevin's record and gives me full access. I would like to include my e-mail to that list to avoid further issues later. It is diana_cns@yahoo.com.
jorazz...If Kevin is a bully- the students I have spoken with and his teachers must be liars. They say he is quite the opposite. You seem brave behind an undisclosed user name. E-mail me at diana_cns@yahoo.com and we will talk...then we will discuss what slander is.
Many thanks to JACK S. and PARENT OF A TEENAGER...wish you could attend the school board meeting. If possible please do. Parent of a Teenager ...funny to me that you mentioned a FANCY CAR owned by the prankster...my children will not have things handed to them...they will earn them.
abcd..Kevin is not "crying about field trips" as you put it. I am the one who felt the public had a right to know exactly what happened and how the Scott City Administration handled this situation. Are you saying if your child was dealt with like this you would let it go?
Stoner62,
Funny you mention a "2 hour span" that Kevin was missing and the advisors being "across the hall". Certain things were only mentioned in certain places and you have helped incriminate the guilty. By the way 12:55am to 2:00am is not 2 hours.
Mrs. Nothdurft,
I certainly hope you didn't use the school's server to post your comment. You could lose your internet privledges at school for this type of unbecoming conduct. Isn't that what you did to Kevin?
and finally...anyone wishing to further this discussion, please do e-mail at diana_cns@yahoo.com. I'd love to hear from all of the students and parents that know in their hearts that Scott City Schools did wrong and those that have insight as to what a last name in this town means.
Hello, I am a student at Scott City High School and it personally sickens me how so many parents and adults can write so many hateful things on here about the school, the teachers, and the board of education. They are who you trust with your kids everyday and when the slightest thing happens you are going to snap and say how you have to have the "right" last name. The teachers shouldn't have to say sorry for doing their job and Mrs. Phelps I personally think you are being a little harsh.
Well, in this case, all of you cannot keep saying how you KNOW he's innocent or you KNOW he's guilty. I've read every comment and I'm personally sick of hearing so many "He's an honor student, so why would he do something like this" There are plenty of intelligent and honorable students who do things and get punished, its how the system works. Honor students can't lie too to get out of trouble?
Like I said none of you know for a fact because YOU WEREN'T THERE! With Kevin being bullied, I never see it at school really except some of the things every upperclassmen say to almost every underclassmen. Yes he does seem to be a loner but that just appears to be because he has difficulty getting along with people.
To anyone who read this thank you for the time and to Mrs. Phelps I didn't mean any disrespect to you but I do like my school and I do respect its leaders.
I go to SCHS.
I am in the same grade as Kevin.
One thing you don't know is, is that Kevin picks on other people.
He lies all the time about things that didn't happen.
I've been an innocent bystander, watching things happen.
And I really don't appreciate the fact that he tried to get into a fight with me.
A couple of friends and I played a card game outside during the MAP testing week, Kevin was being obnoxious and ruining our game for us. We were getting really mad at him. He wouldn't go away and wouldn't stop messing things up.
I will say, that I did call him a few not-so-nice names. But, I thought maybe that would make him go away.
But, whenever my friends and I moved somewhere else outside, he followed us.
He sat down across from me.
He repeatedly threw tiny rocks at my face, close to my eyes.
Then, when he wouldn't stop that, after I had asked him to, he threw sticks at my face.
I really wanted to beat him up.
But, I'm not that kind of person and I'm generally not that mean.
I did push him around a bit.
But, he had that coming.
And then continued on, doing the same thing.
There are witnesses, thanks.
Does that sound like an innocent kid to you, ma'am?
He is very smart-allecy to teachers, even called one "stupid."
I don't believe that anyone that has a degree in teaching, should ever be called stupid, when clearly, they were quite smart enough to get the degree int he first place.
Countless of times, Kevin has tatle-taled on students that even looked at him funny.
That's funny.
I seem to recall last year, that a student was sued for just touching Kevin.
That sounds a little funny to me.
I know the students that had roomed with Kevin.
I don't believe that ANY of them would do that to, Kevin.
They are more mature than that and would obviously not want to risk something at a FBLA convention.
One of the seniors, who is a also a straight-a student, who has graduated, and is very, very nice. Who does just about everything. Could possibly help to put Kevin outside.
It doesn't matter if you're in deep sleep.
You would think someone would wake up if they felt like they were moving.
Sounds suspicious to me.
Kevin, should be punished for being a bully himself. There are more than a few instances that have gotten out of hand, with Kevin.
Because, he was being less-than-smart about what he was saying, mouthing of to people that shouldn't really be mouthed to.
If anything, he's brought this upon himself.
The school obviously didn't want people to know about this, because it makes them look bad.
Why put everything out there, when there is only one side of the story?
I believe that the school administration is doing the right thing.
It is not like he was banned from ALL field trips.
Just, overnight ones.
Which, there aren't alot of those our school does.
And if Kevin did something with the website, that he wasn't permitted to do, unless he had permission to do so, then he should as well, be punished for that.
I've been around for every little thing Kevin has done that has been very not I'm-so-innocent like.
That's all I have to say.
And if Kevin reads this.
He can tell you who this is.
And if I ever gest questioned, I will tell the truth about everything and I really don't think Kevin would like that very much.
So, just keep that in mind.
I don't really find this to be such a huge deal.
I do not know if Kevin was intentionally outside past curfew or if he was indeed "pranked" but
My point is that Kevin isn't as nice and polite as people seem to think
I attend the same school
[and I am very credible]
and have had a few classes with him. I have always tried to be kind to him because he does get a lot of abuse from other students [though most of the time he has said something derogatory to other students]
I have personally seen him harass a girl for no reason and they did end up fighting.
The school is correct in taking action because there is no way to know for sure if anyone is telling the truth and so punishment should given out in order to maintain a level of equality amoung students.
Also it is not polite to make such rude comments towards school officials. Mrs. Nothdurft is a smart woman and most likely didn't use a school computer to post here.
I can also understand why the school was not willing to compromise on the punishment. If you compromise how will students ever learn to act correctly?
I certainly hope this issue is resolved soon and if Kevin actually was "pranked" I hope the truth is found out.
-SCHS Student
Mrs. Phelps you keep saying how Kevin is always bullied and what you're doing right now is going to make his life a whole lot worse. For starters, you keep claiming that the two boys in the room with him bullied Kevin. Well? Do you even know the people that were in his room? Well we do, and we will tell you they would NEVER even IMAGINE pulling a prank on someone. And if they thought about pulling a prank, wouldn't they take away his key if they "put him in the hallway"? That seems more logical then letting him keep his key. And you say that you wanted the public to know the whole story, but there seems to be a LOT more to it. If we were parents, we agreed that we wouldn't find that very credible(as in your part of the story). Oh and just a thought you should keep, it seems to me like you are bullying the school for, what you would call, nonsense. They didn't pull any drastic measures, they are enforcing the rules. Like any good school would do. So please, please, stop talking bad about the school we care about. You seem like a smart woman, ever heard of the term, respect?
-Concerned students of Scott City High School-
anonymousname....
Yes I know the boys that were in the room with Kevin. I had a conversaton with one when he answered Kevin's cell phone remember?
Is there a difference between "normal freshman initiation" and bullying?
asdf....
you say you are credible.. that is you opinion of yourself and you know what an opinion is like don't you?
SDP
If any of the issues you say about Kevin are true seems something would be in his file.
As to what you say about the issue during MAP testing I have heard a different story (and I haven't even seen Kevin yet today)
The student that you say was sued for just touching Kevin is totally false. I didn't sue anybody.. this BOY got in trouble for putting his arm around Kevin, squeezing his shoulder, calling him "Baby", asking him out and kissing him on the cheek. Remember when you all fun calling Kevin gay and being mean to him? That is sexual harrassment and assault. Tell it like it is or not at all.... so much for being credible.
As for Kevin's roommates..enough has been admitted to show their immaturity. And, I ask you, what kind of FBLA business does a male student conduct behind closed doors at 2:00am with a room full of females?
You need to read the story from Jack S. to see just how deep a person can sleep.
ONE SIDE OF THE STORY???? When there wasn't an investigation done and the only thing I was told was that Kevin was being banned because he COULD be a liability IF was sleepwalking...what do you expect? It's too late to do an investigation now, but the Administration is wrong in their actions...and yes, Kevin was being bullied...that has been admitted by the bullier!!!
Field trips isn't the issue. Kevin holds the 1st place title in his competition and is banned from competition for the next 3 years including Nationals this year. That is TOO harsh.
What do you mean by "mouthing someone that really shouldn't be mouthed to"?
A bullying student perhaps and Kevin stood up for himself?
Kevin started at this school in the 7th grade and immediately was being called gay by the same kid that eventually got in trouble by the courts for sexual harrassment. The rest of you followed suite. Kevin isn't gay, but he had to put up with the name calling and gestures. That does something to a person. I am not saying and never said Kevin is perfect. I know what he does.
He has one dream in his life and that is computers. FBLA doesn't mean a thing to him... it isn't even an organization that colleges look at for computer fields...you notice he has never posted on this blog.
It's the matter where a decision was made on one statement.
Yes, there is probably more to the issue and it doesn't involve Kevin at all. Kevin is just the one taking the heat. It is something all of you students wouldn't understand, but it will come out in due time.
This comment session is over and if anyone thinks he/she will take this up with Kevin next year then 1)you will prove to be no better than the Administration you go to school under and 2)you will be dealt with accordingly.
Kevin has no part in this. It is and has been my fight for my child's rights.
I just want to say that this whole conversation you guys have going on makes me cry on the inside seriously this is how it plays out Kevin= not so nice of guy to most people. He is a bully through and through. Maybe he dosnt deserve what he got maybe who does who honestly cares. Myself I am gonna go make a pizza and watch some good ol tv. So honestly everyone stop commenting you all are just being whinny babies now.
Okay Heres The thing Kevin Isnt So Perfect and His parents need to face the facts..Maybe Kevin Actually SNUCK OUTTT and is trying to say all this other stuff like "some one might have carried me out" I dont care how heavily you sleep you will wake up during that.Im A VERY heavy sleeper nad I wake up to people carring me okay ?? Yeah !! And Kevin Is know for starting a bunch of stuff in school so that whole sexual harrasment thing I know the Guy who suposably Sexually Harrased him and thats just someting he wouldnt do ..I'm pretty sure he wouldnt go up to Kevin adn ask him out or call him"baby" okay Hes 100% STRAIGHT so why would he sexually harass a guy He does Want anything to do with. Exactaly he wouldnt!! Im sorry if no one else feels the way i do but this is just My OPINOION I know Tons Of kids from scott city who feel the SAME way
A couple things I have noticed so far.
1) Mrs. Phelps, if you genuinely feel as if the school and the administration is so bad and so unfair, then you should probably move your son to a school more accommodating.
2) To the best of my recollection, FBLA has never been a mandatory function of school. It has always been a voluntary, extra curricular activity. Extra curricular activities, at least when I went there, were guided by the rules of the particular organization sponsoring said activity. So, while I have no clue as to what actually happen, I can tell you that if anyone wanted to keep Kevin from participating in FBLA, they can. They have that right. I knew Mrs. Nothdurft and Mrs. Conaway and I can tell you that from everything I ever encountered with them, they were both very nice and very fair people. Again though, Kevin does NOT have the right to participate in FBLA, he has the privilege. And, it was decided that his privilege needed to be revoked, and so it was. Mrs. Phelps can stand up all she wants and say she is fighting for her son's rights, but, this case, in terms of the FBLA trips, he has no rights.
3) I find it odd that there have been many students who claim to know Kevin personally, who claim that, in many ways, he is a bully himself. Now, I don't know anything about the situation, but there seems to be quite a few people who say this, and quite a few people who stick up for the integrity of his supposed roommates. In addition, at least one of, his roomates is reported to be a straight A student as well, and nice as can be. Now, if we are to believe that being a straight A student and being nice means that no trouble can be caused nor assigned blame for, which is what the paper article insinuates with Kevin, then isn't it a contradiction of sorts if his roommates are the same?
4) I also find it quite sad that, this freshman in high school, a 15 year old child, is allowed to be raked over the coals by his own mother. His classmates are calling him mean, a loner, a bully, and some have even insinuated a threat against him. And why? Because his mother feels compelled to trash the school about something that she has no right to complain over, for reasons already mentioned. I suppose it's admirable that she fights for her children, but it's sad that she is willing to have her own 15 year old child raked over the coals by his fellow classmates as she is doing, just to prove she is right. If it had been my child, then I think I would have just discussed it privately with the school, and not allowed my child to be subjected to the kind of insults that have been occurring here.
It's ironic isn't it? That Mrs. Phelps complains of bullying, and then puts him in a situation to be further bullied?
For one thing, I think this blog needs to be shut down for the sake of both parties.
Secondly, I think that to be able to register a username and password you should be at least 18. There are too many little kid stories in here that have no merit. That whole Susan Pendergrass or I mean SDP story made me feel like I was watching something from Nickelodean.
Thirdly, I think that having Kevin Phelps transfer to a school that would be better fit for his academics and his life would be a good decision. Notre Dame has had long running history for being head and shoulders above Scott City for their academics.
At last but not least, I still stand by my words that last names and connections is what Scott City has always been about. It's a shame.
NoDisclosure I'll have to disagree with you. Us students at S.C should have a say in this, we go to scott city. We're your future generation, your future leaders of america, please respect our opinions. I also believe its quite rude that you'd name out a student like that.
"At last but not least, I still stand by my words that last names and connections is what Scott City has always been about" SC respects all of there kids, I've went here all my life and I wouldn't change a thing.
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Anyway, on topic I'm sorry that kevin got banned from the trips, but its a schools responsibility to stick to its rules and enforce them. What would happen if they let him off the hook? What would that say to other students? Now this argueing is getting nowhere, so I'll do what Strauser is doing and make a nice cheese pizza.
this is not the first time kevin has been suspended from outings
To Mrs. Phelps,
I'm sorry I'm responding to you so late, but my computer has been on the fritz. All your talk about Kevin being a victim and everyone else being the bully is utter ludicrous. Maybe if you could spend a day at our school you would realize he is not the victim. I for one know Kevin probably better than most because this past school year i had every single class with him. He knows that my friend and I don't like him to well yet any time the teachers let us choose our own seats where does he sit. By us.
I know of many instances where Kevin has done something that anyone else in his situation would have been punished.
As for people picking on him yes they do that. However those same kids also pick on everybody else. When they pick on other kids those kids just let it go because they know they're joking. Kevin just doesnt seem to get that they are joking, and gets really mad at them, does something to them, and they do something worse back. So, in a way he brings it on himself.
One more thiing before I go. This is an incident that happened during our Spanish class. I have a friend i'll call "Stephan". While in Spanish Kevin was working on his math project. While he was working on it I picked up the yarn he was using off the floor. Another kid in this class asked to see the yarn so tossed it to him. When he finished looking at it he tossed to my friend Stephan who at the time was showing me a picture he drew. Stephan set it on my desk. I guessed assumed Stephan stole the yarn so Kevin took his picture and ripped it up. So then Stephan took his math project and ripped the yarn holding it together. Kevin got mad and told the teacher Stephan started it. Afterwards the principal told Stephan that He and Kevin wouldn't be allowed on the Elephant Rock field trip. So how come Kevin was allowed to go on that field trip. So who is the bully there.
Locke
It does not appear to me that the students at Scott City recognize picking on others is not acceptable. There are enough hidden meanings and agendas throughout their comments, to establish that reality. For example, commentary by "Locke" brings forth admission that bullying is ongoing, with this statement, "As for people picking on him yes they do that. However, those same kids also pick on everybody else. When they pick on other kids those kids just let it go because they know they're joking. Kevin just doesn't seem to get that they are joking,…". This is not a "joke" for the person being tormented. If these "joking" individuals were prey rather than predator, their temperaments would be quite different. Kevin Phelps' refusal to subsist through this persistent negative behavior has made him an outcast. If he has behavioral problems, the root, or at least the instigation, lies in the actions of others. Bullies lack the moral fiber and maturity to empathize with their victims. What a pathetic creature a bully is; they seek comfort in a group, and from within that faction, they terrorize others to bolster their own low self-esteem.
Scott City students, high school can be one of the most enjoyable and memorable times of your lives. Do not diminish or destroy these memoirs for some of your classmates. Realize that picking on another person, is not okay. To your detriment, you are a party to bullying, if you tolerate it. Speak out and let it be known that you will take an activist role to end it now. When Scott City High School is free of student on student intimidation, only then can you truly be proud of your school.
Teachers and Administrators, take note, this infestation incites beyond your hallways. I cannot fathom how you have allowed such invasions into the civil liberties of your students to continue. You cannot now remain blind to the situation. You cannot continue to categorize picking on a student as normal initiation. Identify the "jokesters", and take strong punitive actions without regard to whom their parents are.
The Scott City School Board must take the tough action necessary to enforce a zero tolerance policy toward bullies. If you have not adopted an antibullying policy, as per Missouri Statue 160.775.1, do so now. If you have such a policy, mandate that it be enforced, without exception.
To: Parent of a Teenager
Your comment is so utterly ridiculous and based on so many assumptions and hearsay that I found it incredibly difficult to even finish reading your statement.
First, in case you haven't been reading, Kevin has been claimed by many students here in this blog to be the bully. You then go on to put forth the position that if Kevin IS bullying people, it is only because he was bullied first. This, on your part, is a complete assumption. You do not have the first clue why Kevin is a bully. How do you know that Kevin's bullying is not the result of poor parenting, which has impressed upon him to use the means of physicality and intimidation to participate in society? And that, through his trouble making nature, and his bullying of other students, the kids in his class then do not want anything to do with him? You don't. You don't have the first clue. Stop making assumptions based simply on one newspaper article.
Second, bullying is going to happen at school. School is nothing more than a representation of society, and bullying occurs all the time in society. Physical, emotional, mental...all these are forms of bullying in everyday society, whether it be from work, from going to the shopping mall, or whatever the case may be. I agree that it is wrong, and should not happen, but let's put the fault where it truly lies...the parents. Because, only when the adults are able to quit bullying others around through intimidation do schools ever have a chance to remove it. Schools cannot police every single moment of every single school day. It's not possible, and even if it were, I know I wouldn't want that if I were a student. I never bullied anyone, and was never the target of a bully. I was never a bully because my parents raised me correctly. Let's quit putting the onus on school teachers and administrators, and instead put it on the parents, where it rightly belongs.
Reading through the blogs has shown several instances of where bullying was NOT tolerated. For example, the homework story a couple of posts down, where two students tried to bully each other, and were disciplined for it. Additionally, schools can only discipline for bullying, when bullying is reported. And, unless the student who is being bullied reports such activity, then there is nothing the school can do, without a first hand witness to the event. And, like I said earlier, this is impossible to do with every single child of every day.
I cannot fathom how you can sit at your computer and believe half of the garbage that has been printed here. There are so many half-truths and lies that have been posted on here, that just by reading this article and blogs it is near impossible to figure out what actually happened. And for someone like yourself to sit there and criticize an institution like Scott City, where in my time as a student I had no problems getting a quality education, about something you clearly know little about, is, as I said in the beginning, utterly ridiculous.
Wow, a nerve was hit. You attack someone with a different analysis, than your own.
I will never accept bullying as an inevitable condition of society? It is wrong and immoral. If a child of mine were ever to fall victim of such cowardly torment, I absolutely guarantee that I would seek remedies from both within and outside of the school system. Civil and criminal proceedings would be instigated. At those conclusions, both the bully and parents will have suffered the consequences of the negative behavior.
AvidNewsReader, is obviously a Scott City School advocate. Peril runs deep, if this person's viewpoints are prevalent in the community, or the school system. School personnel have both the moral and legal responsibility to ensure that the civil liberties of all of their students are protected. Teachers and administrators have a much better grasp of these situations than they divulge. They need to put an end to it now, because they can, and it's the law. Strong, progressive and enforced punishment is the answer.
To: Parent of a Teenager
Do you even realize your own hypocrisy? "You attack someone with a different analysis, than your own." What have you been doing this entire time you've been posting in this blog? You've been attacking the school, the teachers, the administration, and the school board, simply because they regarded this story in a different fashion than you. They analyzed the situation differently from you, and you've been attacking them for it. Of course, the difference between the discussion of you and I, and the difference between you and the school, is that the school actually has a clue what is going on, whereas the only things you and I know are from what you have read on this particular webpage. Your taking the word of the mother and an anonymous poster, and using it to criticize the school's handling of the issue, without knowing the school's side of the issue.
And, you are completely right, I am a Scott City Schools advocate. I enjoyed many years at the school, was treated wonderfully, got a good education which prepared me for college, and am now in a career that I enjoy and I believe myself to be somewhat successful in that career. Why would I not be an advocate of the school? Why is being an advocate of Scott City School a bad thing? And, more importantly, explain to me how my opinion is any less valid because I'm an advocate of the school? I can tell you that in my time at the school, both Mrs. Nothdurft and Mrs. Conaway were nothing but the nicest of people, firm but fair. I know them, and who they are, and so I'm going to take their word over the word of a child/parent combination. And why? Because the child's original response to why he was out of the room, was because he was "sleepwalking"...and then it got changed later to "prank"....because now we find out he was being "bullied". Never mind the fact that he would have had to have been asleep the entire time he was carried outside, and never mind the fact that if this was a prank, it was poorly thought out considering he had his room key with him to get right back in, and never mind the fact that the students in the room would have basically told on themselves the next morning by saying he was outside the room after curfew. I'm sorry, but I'm having trouble believing many parts of this story.
And, thus, with that in mind and the validity of this story being in question, I also have to question the validity of this supposed bullying that was going on, with Kevin either being the bully or the bullied. I honestly do not know what the story is with this, from either side. But I do know this. The school, more than likely, has a much better grasp of what is/was going on than you or I do. And, with that in mind, understand that every post you make hereafter, in which you criticize the school for not taking whatever action YOU feel appropriate, is, in your own words, a case where "You attack someone with a different analysis, than your own."
Don't be a hypocrite.
AvidNewsReader,
I grow tired of your banter, and believe that you are much closer to this issue than revealed. At the very least, your bias directs your perception.
Mine is not an assault on a particular school, teacher, student, or school board; more accurately, it is a condemnation of bullying. Concurrently, I believe that educational institutions must provide an environment consistent with their mission. Student on student terrorism impedes on the educational opportunities and the civil liberties of the victim. Bullies have no place in our schools, and the Missouri Legislature has made it mandatory that antibullying policies are established. Obviously, since the newspaper article was about an incident involving a Scott City High School student, related blogs would be associated in that direction. Read my commentaries in full context; I question the actions of some individuals and address change. "If" is a key word.
In brief, here are my reflections, based solely on the content of this site.
1. Was a freshman FBLA student harassed by older students, during an overnight event, while under the supervision of employees of the Scott City School System?
o The student's mother spoke to a teacher by cell phone about hazing during the event.
o The teacher described the event as "just normal freshman initiation".
o It was not reported to the Principal by the teacher, until after the parent did so.
o Other students have written about the harassment while on the trip.
Yes, I believe that the younger student was picked-on by the older students. It has not been denied by the involved parties, the teacher was aware, as well as several other students. It is easier to believe that an older kid would bully a younger one than the reverse. Nothing written indicates differently, though some would redirect the blame.
2. Did Kevin Phelps leave the hotel room on his own accord and return after curfew?
o He was observed asleep but fully dressed at 11:55 p.m., by the chaperon.
o At the same time, the chaperon noticed that two of the other three students in the same room were awake and that one was not in the room.
o At breakfast the following morning, the roommates reported to the chaperon that Kevin Phelps was out past the 1:00 a.m. curfew.
o Kevin Phelps says that he does no know how he arrived in the hallway outside of his hotel room, but that he awoke asleep on the floor and used the key in his pocket to let himself back in.
I do not know. There is too much information missing, and questions needing answers. At what time did the fourth roommate return from his late night visit to the girls' room? What happened in the room in the slightly over one hour time frame from the chaperon's check and the time that Kevin returned? If everyone was asleep, how did the roommates notice when Kevin returned? What motivation did the roommates have in reporting Kevin's violation?
3. Was the punishment suited to the offence?
I do not know. There is too much information missing, and questions needing answers. It does have the appearance that something is being intentionally concealed within the chain of command.
4. Is there an ongoing bullying situation at Scott City High School?
Yes, I believe there is. Multiple responses indicate it. With a lot of finger pointing toward blame and even some tolerance that it is unending.
5. Has the Scott City School System done enough to prevent bullying?
I do not know. I do believe that all schools must do more to confront this problem. Strong policies should be established with penalties severe enough to deter bullying.
Now that you know where I stand, you no longer have to make accusations based on your opinion.
This story appears to have opened up many wounds for both current and former students. It is now up to the Scott City School Board to sort through this mess and address the issues as well as the complaints. Let the chips fall where they may.
I'm going to point out the important parts of your message.
"I do not know"
"I do not know"
"I do not know"
If only you had come to this realization earlier, then my comments would not be necessary. For you to comment negatively about the school, which you have done, and about the individual teachers, which you have done, is to comment completely in ignorance, as you have already admitted.
And, I do not doubt you tire of my "banter". You tire of it because I'm proving your outrageous and ignorant claims completely outrageous and ignorant. Instead of condemning the very school that treated me well, as seems to be the popular trend whenever a news story about a school comes out, I prefer to think for myself, and realize the fact that we are only getting one side of the story here, and that side of the story has some very questionable content.
You seem fairly intelligent. Why would you make such claims as Mrs. Conaway needs to be dismissed when you have no knowledge of the subject, other than what comes from the keyboard of the accuser?
I appreciate the support received from present and past students. Although the schoolboard was non cooperative in this matter, at least now maybe the parents of upcoming highschoolers will know what to expect from the teachers and principals in charge of their children. I don't think our actions were non- productive, I think this goes to show just how much a name can hinder an education. These certain name students are obviously gold in the eyes of their teachers. These kind of people will never make it in the real world due to the fact that when they actually get into the real world they can't get mommy and daddy to cover for them any longer. When they actually have to answer for their actions and take responsibility for what they say and do they will get a very rude awakening.
I feel sorry for these people in a way, because if the government continues with the route its on, these people will have no way to survive. I am glad we still have some hard working level headed parents willing to speak their minds and stand their ground for what they believe in. In reference to our meeting last night I must tell you its a shame for one person to have the power to silence all of the schoolboard members, and have the highschool principal asking permission to speak. Now you know whats wrong with the local society. If you have any serious comments to make my email address is rphelps802@yahoo.com, come and visit I would love to chat with you. If want to tell how great you think this school system is don't waste my time and space I will never be convinced.
All I can say about the supposed right to speak at a school board meeting is that there is definately something wrong when the superintendent lists our right as "informational" only and doesn't allow the board members to respond and has the high school principle asking to comment and denying his request. It's all ok though. Kevin has proven his point by taking first place as a Freshman, which is something I haven't heard of anyone raised in Scott City Schools accomplishing.
Kevin will succeed without FBLA. The real question is, "Will the guilty parties succeed?" I mean you have Daniel Schuenmeyer being given "special permission" to conduct FBLA business in the middle of the night in an all girl room where there were no adjoining doors or supervision. The two other boys assigned to the same room as Kevin were Chapter board members but were not a part of this "special meeting"??? Why??
Here is a teacher that conducted gross misconduct by saying the bullying behavior and the threatening behavior of the junior was "just normal freshman initiation".
Guess it doesn't matter if Kevin told this kid's mommy on him or not now does it? I wonder, is he gutsy enough to follow thru with his threat to Kevin and jeapordize himself and the teacher that backed him up?
All in all, Kevin will get an education and go on with his life and this little episode will mean nothing. It will fade away and diappear, never to remembered again.
I mean he still has both of his parents to love him and turn to when he needs us and he doesn't have any medical conditions like headaches or is he in any need of constant medical attention for pain or anything. God will take care of His own and no matter what comes our way, we will be ok.