Principal: GHS students were not singled out

School News

Guest Book

September 25, 2009

Delania Trigg The Daily Register Fri Sep 25, 2009, 01:51 PM CDT

Gainesville High School officials say an ACLU investigation into some of the school’s assemblies is nothing more than a request for information.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas reportedly contacted GISD officials after a freshman student told the organization that Hispanic students have been singled out for assemblies about low standardized test scores, gang activities and teen pregnancy.

“The district did receive a public information request by the ACLU because a complaint had been filed by a parent,” GHS principal Gene Suttle said this morning.

Suttle said the assembly in question was one of several meetings school officials have held for various segments of the student population.

The assemblies are standard back-to-school procedure at many schools, he said.

“We met with eight different (student) groups at the beginning of the school year,” Suttle said. “Each year, we try to sit down with different groups of kids to help them understand what will be expected of them during the upcoming academic year. The particular meeting (the parent was concerned about) was for a group of Hispanic freshman. It was led by our Hispanic staff — administrators, teachers and aids. These staff members act as a support group for the students. They are role models and mentors for our Hispanic students,” he said.

Suttle noted that freshman students of all ethnic backgrounds are considered at risk.

“Freshman are the most at risk group of students. We have found that a student’s freshman year sets the tone for success or failure in high school. We want our freshman to succeed; therefore, we place extra emphasis on freshman students,” he said.

Hispanic students were one of several groups of students who received information about the upcoming school year.

“When we met with this particular group, we wanted to help them undertand what tests they will be taking, how to succeed on these tests, how to approach their teachers, how to take advantage of tutorials and who they can go to if they need assistance,” he said. “It was all very, very positive.”

Suttle said the need for support and mentoring is not limited to Hispanic or any other ethnic groups.

“We are here to offer support for all our students. Not all students need extra support. Many students get the assistance they require from their parents. But for those students who need a little more support and help, we want to step in and provide that assistance,” Suttle said.

Suttle said it is also important to note that at no time were any student groups singled out or accussed of lowering academic ratings.

“I think sometimes our intentions can be misintrepreted, and I believe that’s what happened in this case,” he said. “We’re working hard to bring about positive things for GISD. We want parents and students to know that we are doing everything we can for the good of our kids.”

A story published by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram stated that parent Maurissa Perez complained to the ACLU after her child — a GHS freshman — said Hispanic students had been singled out for talks on gang activity, low test scores and teen sexual activity.

The ACLU reportedly asked the district to provide information about the school’s assemblies and data about GHS’s 2009 academic ratings.

According to the GISD, Gainesville High School has about 700 students.

The high school is approximately 56 percent Anglo, 32 percent Hispanic and 11 percent black.

A call to the ACLU was not returned by press time.

Text Only

School News

It's a weld off
Student welders were recognized and awards were handed out at
Wednesday’s Spring 2012 “Weld Off” ceremony at North Central Texas
College.

May 18, 2012 1 Photo
GMS starts Chess Club
There are a variety of new clubs and organizations at Gainesville Middle School to expand the minds of these young students and the GMS Chess Club is doing just that.

January 3, 2012
Lee students learn at Leeper Lake
The Gainesville Independent School District Foundation funded an opportunity for 225 fifth-grade students at Robert E. Lee Intermediate School to spend one day at Leeper Lake, which provided each student with an outdoor learning environment to enhance the information taught in the classroom.

October 30, 2011 1 Photo
Glancy moves from GMS to top position at high school
The 2011-12 school year is set to begin Monday and students will find changes as they begin school at Gainesville High School.

August 19, 2011 1 Photo
GISD to offer summer food program
For years, the Gainesville Independent School District has had a summer program that helps feed low-income children of the area while school is not in session. This summer will be no exception.

May 22, 2011
White, Davidson named Valley View’s top students
Valley View High School Class of 2011 valedictorian Lindsey White said she was a highly shy freshman but soon found a cure.

May 19, 2011 1 Photo
GISD’s ‘shining stars’ honored
The Gainesville Independent School District Education Foundation hosted one of the organization’s favorite events Monday.

May 10, 2011 1 Photo
Spotlight on GISD Board of Trustees candidates
The Register contacted the seven local citizens running for the Gainesville Independent School Board to get their answers to five questions to give voters a chance to get to know each candidate and where they stand on certain issues. Their responses are below. Candidates Larry Hennesy and Will Presson did not respond.

May 1, 2011
Lee students honor war heroes
During a visit to Lee Intermediate School Friday afternoon, Medal of Honor recipients took the question of why soldiers never smile in their photos.

April 10, 2011
GHS students hear from MOH recipients
When Hershel “Woody" Williams found out he’d been awarded the Medal of Honor, he said he didn’t even know what it was.

April 7, 2011 1 Photo
More School News Headlines

Who do you think will win the Republican nomination for President?

School News

Search Results

Guest Book

Principal: GHS students were not singled out

Who do you think will win the Republican nomination for President?

Site Map

Contact Us