monkey1966 and alabamagirl,

I have asked these same questions myself and asked for further investigation. So far the only “investigation” I can get from the media is another rambling account from one person with a beef with the system. I have heard no “tough questions” asked, as those that you all posed, plus the list of questions I have posed.

I have actually contacted other media outlets throughout the nation, to try to get follow up. I think as parents we deserve the truth and ALL the facts. IF this happened, then why, how? What is being done to address it. I have been told that unless charges are filed, they will not do a story, that some are quick to jump on a story for headlines without investigation, and that because these claims are difficult to prove, they will not do it.

I have also been told by a dear friend who was a reporter for 30 years, and now is a well known writer, that sometimes it is best to just let these die out. continued….

I would like to know why these elementary children weren’t missed from class? How long did their teachers allow them to stay in the bathroom unattended? If these allegations are true, and I am not saying they are not, these are the questions that we should be asking as parents. Also, the children who allegedly mollested this child, where did they learn this type of behavior? They didn’t just wake up one morning with new insight. They had to have LEARNED this somewhere!

Homeschooling a child with special needs is not the answer. Fortunately or unfortunately, the public school system is the best place for a special needs child. Obtaining an aide for a student is next to impossible. In light of the budget cuts, next year it will be impossible.

In addition, people with autism typically have average to above average IQs. Don’t confuse autism with mental retardation. That is like comparing apples to oranges.

No child should be touched by any one.  I believe the families of the other children should also be talked too , to see why they touched this child. maybe something is going on with them that should not be. And then again maybe not.  Who are we to judge if we don’t even know the kids?  Today is different from when we grew up.  You can’t trust anyone.  I know as a mother of 3 I would be very upset if this would have happened to any of mine.

Please explain to me, when it is federal guidelines that determine aide eligibility, why the school is being harassed for not providing one. Are they supposed to break the federal law, just so one child can have an aide they do not qualify for? Perhaps, he will get all that “extra” attention now that they say is going to be home-schooled. Don’t forget to help with those bathroom duties.

And it’s probably a good thing I don’t decide who gets help, because believe me, it came up for a vote, I would absolutely vote to get rid of the government give-me system. People would actually have to work or do without. Wouldn’t our economy be such much better if we weren’t funding dead-beats? I have already ascertained that some people do need help-the one’s at Augusta Evans, and the one’s who are physically/mentally impaired to the point they cannot function. I do not believe that to be the case here, nor do I believe the “allegations” of sexual abuse and bullying, other than for what they are-a poor veiled attempt to get back at the school for not providing an aide. But of course, that is my opinion. If some SOLID evidence and FACTS exist, other than with someone’s verbal report that the doctor “basically” agreed with them, then I will rethink it. But I “basically” consider this absurd bull****.

speakingout,

If you have read my posts, I have stated time and again that this is my speculation only. I have no idea what the income level of these people are, nor do I really care. The only thing that stuck out to me, was that the focus was more on the AIDE than the “allegations” and I commented that people with a special ed diagnosis with an aide get an SSI check, if they qualify. YOU also responded so what if he gets a check, maybe he NEEDS it. Well guess what honey, every one needs extra money now days, but many people go to work to earn it instead of try to milk the system.

I am the least prejudiced person of anyone. I have already said I work as a community health nurse and see things that would curl your toes. But I do NOT judge people on their skin color or anything else. I DO have a BIG problem with able-bodied people, no matter their color, sitting on their behinds all day expecting a government hand-out. IF THAT is prejudice, so be it. continued…..

sjcmom365,

I agree that there is no “new” information and it’s basically just a glorified rehash of everything else. Of course the original “allegations” are being side-stepped, and now the “concern” is bullying. I will be keeping a close eye on how this all plays out. Perhaps you are correct and the child does not have common sense. There are a lot of people out there, that do appear normal that have no common sense…

rmseek1234, I disagree about the child having a 120+ IQ being gifted or in an accelerated program. Just because he has an IQ of 120+ doesnt mean hes “common sense” smart, no offense.

I really dont see where all the back and forth at each other has done any good. The “new” information is not much more than previously said. Maybe we all need to take a break from this thread and find something new to comment on. But, watch this story to see what developes. IMO.

What makes you think the Merrells get welfare?

You are the one who needs to get a grip, rmseek1234. Do you think you know everything? Obviously you don’t. I do think that there are people out there that really needs help and you of all people are not the one who decides that. I guess you are the type of person that claims you are not prejudice but in reality you are.