Central Texas Weather and News Authority
Home  ·   News  ·   Weather  ·   Sports  ·   Politics  ·   Job Board TV  ·   CarSoup  ·   Food  ·   Calendar  ·   TV  ·   Contact Us  ·   10 Cares  ·   Our Town Texas
Dot Com Daily · KWTX To Go · Desktop Alert · Fun & Games · Green Page
Allergy Forecast
Texas High School Football Polls
Week 6
Week 5
Week 4
Week 3
Week 2
Week 1 (Zero Week)
Preseason
Poll Question
The president has signed a $700 billion financial rescue bill, but even supporters call it a temporary fix. Which candidate do you think has the best plan for reviving the economy?

John McCain (R)
Barack Obama (D)
Bob Barr (L)
None Of The Above


Show and Tell
Youc@st
Upload your favorite videos and pictures!
Blogs
Random thoughts by the News 10 team. Leave us your comments!
iWitness
You see it, you report it. News by you. Submit your news stories and photos.
News 10 My Way
KWTX.com
Make KWTX.com your browser's homepage.

.com Daily
Your News and weather and sports delivered to your inbox weekday mornings. Sign Up Now!

KWTX To Go
Anytime. Anywhere. Now you can get News 10 on your wireless device.

Desktop Alert
Get instant weather and news on your desktop. Download News 10 Alert FREE!
Texas Gas Prices
Students Beat Up Teacher At Texas Alternative School Save Email Print
26 comments
A | A | A

(February 8, 2008)—Five teenage students at a Rio Grande Valley alternative school were in custody Friday after their teacher was beaten.

The names of the students and teacher weren't released.

Walter Watson's the interim superintendent of the Mercedes public schools.

He says the incident at the Mercedes Discipline Alternative Education Program started with a confrontation between a student and the teacher.

Watson says that's when the other four students joined in.

Watson says the male teacher was taken to a hospital and received stitches for a cut over his eyebrow and received treatment for other minor cuts, scratches and bruises.

The students, ranging in age from 14 to 16, are to be detained at the Hidalgo County Juvenile Detention Center for about two weeks before a hearing.

Watson says it's unclear what charges they would face.

Watson says others in the class encouraged the five boys during the beating. He says those students were suspended for three days.

More Stories
Local School Considers Attendance Zone Realignment

Internet Posting Prompts Provocative Phone Calls

Police Bust Three Local Eight-Liner Parlors

Condition Of Store Owner Shot In Robbery Improves

 Third Defendant In Murder-For-Hire Case Pleads Guilty

12 Texas Death Row Inmates Lose Supreme Court Appeals

Central Texas Man Charged with Seven Counts of Sexual Assault of a Child

Bus Driver Arrested After Deadly Crash
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: james Location: mexia on Apr 26, 2008 at 10:51 PM
well the schools have been heading for this type of attitude from kids these days cause we allow the entertainment industry to put out a bunch of filth about beating up people we don't agree with or in some music shooting someone is a way of gaining respect but , ever since they have pulled prayer and corparal punishment out of our schools the younger generation has gradually gotten more and more violent , true there are the kids that behave , Hmmmmmmmmmmmmwe had those in my generation also but the punishment was there for those who didn't want to obey the schools rules now days the rules aren't enforced becauseof all the whinning babies in the past who cried when they got in trouble and didn't want to accept responsibilty for their own actione , put spankings back in schools and enforce the rules , but if a teacher over does it then hold the teacher accountable but in same token if a high school student attacks a public sevrant like a teacher make it a felony prison tem not prob.
Posted by: GC Location: CentralTx on Apr 26, 2008 at 05:21 PM
REf to WACO Feb8,2008 You are SO wrong! I was a teenager that became pregnant... my daughter turned out to be Prom Queen, a Cheerleader for most her years in school and now is a mother herself. DONT blame this on kids having kids! That is the MOST idiotic thing ive ever heard...... must be nice to be perfect?
Posted by: John Location: Belton on Apr 18, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Lauren form Coolidge..Ron never stated everyone was bad and that is why we are in the shape we are in no one is listening to what is being said they just jump the gun to defend their selfesh position///as Ron stated and you did not hear. I would gather you are one of those he was discussing you just can't see. "Oh Blind one from self Righteousness!"
Posted by: Mjay Location: Waco on Apr 17, 2008 at 05:13 PM
I just want to say that the teacher have no control over their students today, students dont care who is in charge if you dont TAKE CHARGE.
Posted by: Lauren Location: Coolidge on Apr 15, 2008 at 09:09 AM
ron from waco you are wrong not everyone from the last 2 generations are bad.
Posted by: Ron Location: Waco on Apr 15, 2008 at 03:49 AM
This country has raised at least 2 generations with No Conscience and No Remorse for their actions. They have no clue about right or wrong. It does not matter if it is Public or Private Schools. This whole problem started back in the 60's with Dr. Spock and his ill conceived method of raising children. Ever since then, kids have had the upper hand. Kids are not dumb. They are smart and know how to play the system to their benefit. These kids do not understand the meaning of freedom. To them it is "I will do what I want no matter who gets hurt in the process". That is not the way it works. I am surprised any school can find a teacher today who even wants to deal with this abuse much less the physical violence from students. Jail time means nothing to these kids. They figure they can make more money on the streets dealing drugs than they can working a 9 to 5 job. They have no fear of death or prison. Jail to them means a place to live and 3 meals a day.
Posted by: Brian Location: Pearland on Mar 23, 2008 at 10:40 PM
That should be the one and only chance at a "Free Appropriate Public Education" for these students. As a teacher, I am appalled. If I did this to a student, that would be my one chance at a career as a teacher. If students realized their potential would suffer with no education, this would quit.
Posted by: MT Location: Cove on Feb 15, 2008 at 12:11 PM
I grew up down in the Valley and the area down there with troubled kids and gangs is very high. It is scary for teachers these days because, as most have indicated, it is a very hard to keep control when you have children who don't know the meaning of the word respect and could care less. I have a child in high school and it would take nothing for me to have him fetch a switch for his behind if he ever disrespected a grown up. He has been taught to hold his tongue and talk to me about it after school. Knowing the area down there, I would venture to say these kids are trouble makers and we should be thankful a teacher survived such an incident but there are always two sides to a story.
Posted by: susie Location: kempner on Feb 13, 2008 at 08:30 AM
This is what happens when there is no disipline. If something like that had happened 20 years ago, those punks would have been in prison for a year or two at least!
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 12, 2008 at 08:35 AM
datz not kool at all datz messed up
Posted by: Typical Location: Texas on Feb 10, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Oh and just another 2 cents. It's a parent's job to defend their child. What kind of parent would you be if you didn't?
Posted by: Typical Location: Texas on Feb 10, 2008 at 10:34 AM
No, Just a Mom it's not. A rule or a law is a law. Intentionally breaking a law is wrong regardless of what it is. I used speeding to make a point. These kids knew they were doing something wrong and they are being punished for it. They are in jail and the others that watched and cheered them on were suspended and probably have more punishment to follow. It's an unfortunate situation but they will learn that consequences have actions as it should be and hopefully it will be the only lesson they need. The point I was trying to make is that people are always so quick to blame parents but if you honestly think about it......would you like to be blamed for everything your child does or doesn't do? Oh and Jeff....I turn people down for jobs for felonies everyday that were commited as juvenilles. It does count and it does show up.
Posted by: Mom of 6 Location: texas on Feb 10, 2008 at 07:45 AM
My 1st thought when I read this was "I wonder what charges will be filed against the teacher"? The students have all the rights and the teachers' hands are tied. If a parent doesn't agree with the consequences a student receives all they have to do is threaten a lawsuit & the school district will back down. This event is reprehensible! Never should teachers have to fear for their safety while teaching our children! Parents take responsibility for your children's behavior, no matter what their age. Teach them young, right from wrong! When they are 15-16 they will have the foundation for good citizenship!
Posted by: justamom Location: fairfield on Feb 9, 2008 at 07:49 PM
theres a big difference in speeding than FIVE people jumping ONE. comparing those two things is idiotic.
Posted by: Jeff Location: Killeen on Feb 9, 2008 at 07:15 PM
This is a sad reality in our public schools. Almost everyday across the country, something like this happens. Our juvenile laws in this country are a complete joke. Kids can raise all the hell they want to when they are "underaged" and in reality be held non-accountable for their actions. As soon as they are legally adults, their records are "sealed" as if nothing ever happened. Until kids are held accountable for their actions, nothing will change. I can understand if a ten or twelve year old does something wrong and is given chances to correct their behavior, but when 15, 16, and 17 year olds, who know right from wrong, are given free reign to terrorize, what can we expect? Things are bad and getting worse. I put the blame partly on the parents and partly on the "system". Other countries don't have near the juvenile delinquency and crime problem that this country has..........why?
Posted by: Enrique Location: Waco on Feb 9, 2008 at 11:33 AM
They belong in jail. 16-17 year old knows the diference between right and wrong. They probably get a fine and some community service. In 5 years they will be the ones robing someone for drug money or for fun. Hold them responsible and treat them as adults
Posted by: Typical Location: Texas on Feb 9, 2008 at 07:17 AM
In case you didn't read the article correctly, the students that hit the teacher are in the Juvenille Detention Center. That's jail to you and me and it says they are being held there until a hearing. It doesn't say what they are charged with....could be a misdemeanor, could possibly be a felony charge. Maybe judging from the comments on here we should make jail mandatory for all law violations...or blame our parents. Even something as simple as speeding........we all know it's wrong but we complain when we get a ticket and then sneak off to defensive driving to have it taken off our record or to get out of paying. I guess our parents taught us that breaking that law was ok. Maybe we should all have to serve jail time for that and we wouldn't do it again. Silly? Maybe. Something to ponder.
Posted by: justamom Location: fairfield on Feb 8, 2008 at 07:59 PM
maybe the teacher demanded respect and that's what set these 5 little angels off. if parents would teach their kids respect at home and raise them correctly, teachers wouldn't be in danger everyday. instead of a bus stop their next stop should be jail. but some parent will run up there whining about how their kid is picked on and how bad their childhood has been and they will probably be let right off. these kids need to respect someone and if you dont teach them right from wrong at home, trust me some prison will sooner or later.
Posted by: Typical Location: Texas on Feb 8, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Boot camp alternative schools have been closed in Texas due to abuse to the students by the staff running them. Do all of you know that kids as young as 6 can be placed in these schools? Been There....are you the same one that has been supporting the teacher that hit the student in West? I bet you are. There are exceptions to every rule and in the past two weeks there have been issues regarding children that have done bad things, a teacher that hit a student and a teacher in San Antonio that molested a boy in his office. Are we to assume that was the child's fault too? www.texaszerotolerance.com
Posted by: empty pockets Location: centex on Feb 8, 2008 at 06:14 PM
I agree Been There, Until we break this cycle our society has become. These kinda of things will only continue to get worse.
Posted by: Been There Location: Waco on Feb 8, 2008 at 04:42 PM
To Anonymous....it's people like you who ask what the TEACHER did to get beaten up that make me sick!!! Teachers are the ones in the battle zones! They have to try to teach kids who have no regard for education and want to lay around and live on welfare or sell drugs rather than try to get an education and make an honest living like some of the others of us. And on top of that, teachers have to deal with idiot parents who think that their kids are perfect and never discipline them, teach them respect, or that an education is vital!!! I'll bet you have a kid (or more) in an alternative school if they go to school at all.
Posted by: WACO on Feb 8, 2008 at 03:57 PM
THATS WHY KIDS SHOULD NOT HAVE KIDS. WHERE ARE THE PARENTS THESE DAYS? THIS IS JUST PLAIN CRAZY.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 8, 2008 at 02:20 PM
What did the teacher do to the kids. To get a beat in
Posted by: Parent Location: Texas on Feb 8, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Charlie you would be surprised at what kids are placed in the alternative schools and their ages. They aren't always the "bad" kids and some are banner roll students. Be glad you are homeschooling or your child would be next. If these kids were local and suspended from the DAEP , it is an automatic placement to the JJAEP in Killeen.
Posted by: Bob Location: Kempner on Feb 8, 2008 at 11:40 AM
They need to model those alternative schools after military boot camp. Those type of kids have no idea what respect or authority means and will ALWAYS be a problem for society to deal with. A boot camp modeled school would truly snap them into reality!
Posted by: Charlie Location: Copperas Cove on Feb 8, 2008 at 11:01 AM
A hearing in two weeks will leave memories "fuzzy" to say the least. And the students who were suspended for three days for encouraging the other students... BIG deal ... get real, they are in ALTERNATIVE school! Suspension means NOTHING to these kids. Expulsion from school for the remainder of the year along with mandatory community service time or no more school period might get them to thinking about their futures and how they are wasting their lives. We need to go where the rubber meets the road with these kids and not molly-coddle them any longer. Will that happen? Oh no, we might hurt their psyche and damage their self-esteem. The public school system makes me SICK. That's why my kid is homeschooled!
Latest Video
AP Video
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
Soldier Stories
Stories about what the men and women deployed overseas are doing to make a difference.
Chef Walter
Need a fresh idea for dinner? Check out thousands of FREE recipes
Station Information
Job Board TV
See the latest video job postings.
Program Guide
Check out when your favorite TV programs are on.
Contact News 10
Information about KWTX.		 Meet the News 10 Team
Read about your favorite News 10 personalities.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!

MATERNAL CHILD NURSES - These positions offer very competitive hourly wages PLUS lots of great benefits. Come join the primary healthcare provider for Bell, Coryell and Lampasas counties while Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ.


Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com:
 View More Jobs.
 
Home - News - Weather - Sports - Politics - Job Board TV - CarSoup - Food - Calendar - TV - Contact Us - 10 Cares - Our Town Texas -
Dot Com Daily - KWTX To Go - Desktop Alert - Fun & Games - Green Page -
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - EEO Statement - FCC Form 388
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2008 - Designed and Powered by Clickability