THIS WEEK IN EDUCATION NEWS
It’s been a trying week for many educators and parents in Hamilton County.
The community was shocked last week by the death of a fourth grade student at Orchard Knob Elementary School. As the news broke that the student died by suicide, many grappled with the reality of mental health needs among young students and the role of schools in meeting those needs.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a report that found that the suicide rate among 10-14-year-olds nearly tripled from 2007 to 2017, and some elected officials have their reasons for what might be causing mental illnesses among young people today.
Nevertheless, school board member Tiffanie Robinson, of District 4, spoke about the tragedy at Orchard Knob at last week’s Hamilton County Commission meeting and called for the school board and commission to come together to find solutions for the community’s problems.
Also last week, a former Brown Middle School teacher was arrested and charged with sexual battery and solicitation of a 14-year-old student, and on Monday a student was arrested at Ringgold High School after bringing a gun to school.
In more positive news, the local activist group Moms for Social Justice celebrated the beloved children’s book series Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling at the Chattanooga Choo Choo this weekend, and former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning made a surprise appearance at Chattanooga Preparatory School.
Keep reading for these stories and more!
Extra credit: Check out some photos from a recent yoga class at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga featuring college students and kids – the baby goat kind!