I Hate Pants
2005-02-04, 08:41 PM
http://www.indystar.com/articles/9/207547-4979-009.html
1st-graders suspended in sex case
Boy and girl caught with some clothes off under stairwell at an Eastside IPS school.
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By Kim L. Hooper
[email protected] ([email protected])
January 7, 2005
IPS police and Marion County child protection workers are investigating an incident involving two first-graders who officials said were caught trying to have sex Wednesday at an Eastside school.
District officials worried that the incident may have signaled that at least one of the 6-year-olds had been abused before. A child psychologist acknowledged that possibility but said the behavior simply could have been an attempt to copy something seen on a video or cable TV.
"One of them may be a victim," said Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Duncan Pat Pritchett. "We're waiting for the conclusion of the two investigations. At that age, that's learned behavior."
The names of the two children have not been made public. But the girl and boy, who were released to their parents, received five-day suspensions and could be booted from classes at School 69 for the rest of the year.
"It's extremely troubling because of their young ages. I have never in my life experienced anything like this," said School 69 Principal Gary W. Davis, a 22-year educator.
The incident unfolded after the boy and girl left the school cafeteria about 9 a.m. after breakfast, according to IPS officials. The two left with another group of students and were under the supervision of a teacher, headed to their first-floor classroom. The boy and girl somehow slipped off unnoticed and ducked underneath a stairwell.
There, they were interrupted when older students walking up the stairs heard noises and investigated.
The two had removed some clothing but weren't engaged in sexual intercourse, district officials said. School police and Marion County Child Protection Services were immediately contacted. The school sent letters home to parents explaining what had happened and the action taken by the school.
In addition to the suspensions, the two students will receive social services support for them and their families, said spokeswoman Mary Louise Bewley.
Child abuse can cause children to act out in inappropriate ways, but so can other influences, school child psychologists say.
"With videos and various cable TV shows, there's an awful lot that kids are exposed to. Kids will imitate what they see and hear," said John Crahen, a psychologist for Warren Township Schools. He said such imitation is no proof that children comprehend the full meaning of what they've done.
1st-graders suspended in sex case
Boy and girl caught with some clothes off under stairwell at an Eastside IPS school.
http://www.indystar.com/images/clear.gif
http://www.indystar.com/images/clear.gif
By Kim L. Hooper
[email protected] ([email protected])
January 7, 2005
IPS police and Marion County child protection workers are investigating an incident involving two first-graders who officials said were caught trying to have sex Wednesday at an Eastside school.
District officials worried that the incident may have signaled that at least one of the 6-year-olds had been abused before. A child psychologist acknowledged that possibility but said the behavior simply could have been an attempt to copy something seen on a video or cable TV.
"One of them may be a victim," said Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Duncan Pat Pritchett. "We're waiting for the conclusion of the two investigations. At that age, that's learned behavior."
The names of the two children have not been made public. But the girl and boy, who were released to their parents, received five-day suspensions and could be booted from classes at School 69 for the rest of the year.
"It's extremely troubling because of their young ages. I have never in my life experienced anything like this," said School 69 Principal Gary W. Davis, a 22-year educator.
The incident unfolded after the boy and girl left the school cafeteria about 9 a.m. after breakfast, according to IPS officials. The two left with another group of students and were under the supervision of a teacher, headed to their first-floor classroom. The boy and girl somehow slipped off unnoticed and ducked underneath a stairwell.
There, they were interrupted when older students walking up the stairs heard noises and investigated.
The two had removed some clothing but weren't engaged in sexual intercourse, district officials said. School police and Marion County Child Protection Services were immediately contacted. The school sent letters home to parents explaining what had happened and the action taken by the school.
In addition to the suspensions, the two students will receive social services support for them and their families, said spokeswoman Mary Louise Bewley.
Child abuse can cause children to act out in inappropriate ways, but so can other influences, school child psychologists say.
"With videos and various cable TV shows, there's an awful lot that kids are exposed to. Kids will imitate what they see and hear," said John Crahen, a psychologist for Warren Township Schools. He said such imitation is no proof that children comprehend the full meaning of what they've done.