Reference: Devon Wallace Complaint

To: James Notter, Superintendent of Schools

I have submitted numerous complaints against New Renaissance Middle School and Perry, Henry Middle School Administration. The unprofessionalism that has been displayed and continued to be displayed by the personnel listed in the attacheddocumentation has gone unanswered to this day. My question to you as representative(s) of the Broward County School Board District Heads is "Are you really concerned about the well being of children attending the schools in Broward County". My opinion is that everything that is brought to your attention is sent back to the people that the complaint was originally against. I have on several occasions submitted complaints about the unfair treatment of my son that has progress to the seventh grade. You as the Administration for the schools in Broward need to endeavor in the reoccurrence of misuse, abuse of authority, unintelligent quality of staff, false documentations of the facts and improper techniques when it comes to investigations of legitimate complaints against your Broward County Schools personnel. Children are failing and dropping out of schools at enormous rates. Yet no one seems to know what the reasons are. I am not going to waste my time listing the reasons why, because apparently someone there should know something.

In reference to the attachments, on every occasion that I have sent these letters nothing has been done. I like to know why? Also in reference to the most current letter to where my son was suspended from school for no reason and I requested a meeting with you Mr. Notter and your secretary tells me that I need to give you all my documentation before you see me (Truly Amazing! Don't you think so). Your secretary never got back with me and specifically to me that you would NOT see me unless I gave you my information.

I am officially writing this letter to have your internal affairs investigate the information that has beengiven to you. Check the phone records and the visitor log. With this said in reference to the time delay, I had to retrieve some documentation to verify what I had been complaining about since the beginning of school last year.

I had filed this complaint against four of your administrators, Principal, Assistant Principal and twoteachers. The letter that was submitted was dated September 14, 2007. It was in reference to a phone call I received from my son's teacher indicating that he was not disruptive or anything but he needs to be on task. After that statement she said, "You know those are a nice pair of glasses that he has on". During this time I did not understand why she said this. I then asked if I could speak to Devon and she allowed him to speak.Devon got on the phone and I asked him what happened. He told me that he could not find the ink pens that I had brought for him, and because he had no ink pen the teacher said she was going to call me. I said Devon is that it and he said that a kid walked over to his seating area and said I going to break your pencil so Devon said go ahead because he did not believe that the kid would do that. And this child, who was out of his seat while the teacher was supposed to be monitoring her classroom, broke my son's pencil. Devon then grabbed the child's pencil and broke his, at which time the child started crying. The teacher apparently pick this particular moment to pay attention to what was going on and told Devon to give this child another pencil and Devon said No. So I told him to give the phone back to the teacher and I explained to her that she needs to oversee her classroom and that Devon has done nothing wrong for her to be calling me from her cell phone. This particular incident could have been handled using some kind of simple common sense.

Once Devon got home I asked him again what happened in school today as I do every day. My son told me that his teacher saw him holding his glasses and asked him if those glasses were his. Devon replied yes they are mine. Unfortunately it did not end there. His teacher stated well I am going to find out if those glasses are yours. While Devon was in line formation His teacher was at the front of the line and Devon was in the back of the line she yelled out very unprofessionally and ignorantly hat I still have not forgotten about those glasses I am going to find out if they are yours. At this point the teacher stepped over the line of her so call profession she had made Devon feel in front of the entire class that he stole those eye glasses. Now I have put things together and her only reason for calling was to find out if the eye glasses Devon was wearing was his.

How ironic that a teacher like her is overseeing students is also capable of being very deceitful and unprofessional by the actions she has displayed in regards to my son Devon. I have cometo learn that ignorance is bliss and assumption makes people a certain way and at this giventime I do not want my son Devon Wallace to be affiliated with this type of person. I truly hope that this does not reflect the character of the teachers at Perry Middle School. I intend to pursue this issue to the fullest. I do not want my son to be in her classroom. I had spoken to Devon's counselor and the Assistant Principal Mr. Dansky and advised them of this situation so that they can remove my son from her classroom. Devon was allowed to get his work from her class and go to the office until an investigation per Mr. Dansky is conducted. A phone line conference was schedule by Mr. Dansky twice. The first time all parties involved were myself, the teacher Devon's counselor and Mr. Dansky. That teacher stated she saw a boy holding the glasses in questioned and then she saw the glasses in Devon's hand. That is when she questioned Devon about the glasses being in his possession, because she had a feeling that they may not be his because kids take things from other kids every day. This is her reasoning for what transpired that day. And that she did say he was not being disruptive but not on task. My comment to her was because he had no ink pen that warranted you to call me. So why would she say anything about the glasses to me which had nothing to do with the situation. And also about the pencil incident, the teacher told me that the pencil incident happened the day before and she did not call me about that because it was handled. I then told Mr. Dansky I do not want my son in her class room at all to remove him. Mr. Dansky said well let me go and get Devon and here what he has to say out the situation. Devon's statement was the same the second phone conference that was scheduled.

Mr. Dansky also said what if something else happen what are you going to do then I told his if it does I am going to remove my kid from the school. But if you are telling me it is going to happen again then I know because of this complaint that unprofessional will take out their anger on my son because they cannot deal with me one on one. And my question to his superiors is why would you believe that a situation like this would occur again? I indicated to Mr. Dansky again to remove my son from her classroom. Mr. Dansky said I have known her for a long time and I think that what she said was misunderstood. That she is in good standing and good character to him. At this point Devon will not be removed from her classroom. To all parties concerned, I really do not care about his feelings about a teacher which was irrelevant to me when I am asking you to investigate an allegation of the teacher accusing my son of possible stealing his own glasses. She asked him the first time are those your glasses that was enough when he indicated yes. She had no further question or suggestion or inquiries to state to my son. I then asked Mr. Dansky to have the principal call me about this situation and he confirmed it over the phone that he would, the days past with no response from the principal. I also requested the letter head information listing the Department Heads of the School Board Administration and Mr. Dansky sent Devon home with the principal's business card. I called Perry Middle school front desk operator who transferred me to Mr. Dansky's secretary. I left three messages for him to callme and got no response. And I also called back and ask for the phone number to the District region's Office. This is just another display of total incompetence on this school part. I also asked for the name of the Superintendent of Broward County School Board and this person did not know (Totally asinine). I had to look it up for myself.

Unfortunately Mr. Dansky knew more that I did. On Tuesday or Wednesday of September 11, 12, 2007 His sixth period teacher called and said Devon was talking in the classroom and she had to make him sit at her desk because he did not do his work and she further stated that Devonalso has been tardy to her class twice and the next time she is going to place him in detention. I asked her what did he say when he was late to class those 2 big times. She said I do no remember what he said. I said then why are you not prepared to tell me his responses because I know my child would have given you a response. She started stuttering and said I don't remember what he said. Then I asked her what do you mean talking in the class what was he doing she said talking. What did he said. She said I don't know. To all concerned parties I am very concerned about this schools integrity. Within a week's time I had to deal with nonsense involving so called professional teachers and a Assistant Principal that I really do not know how they obtain these positions based on their inability to correctly handle any given responsibility of children. I spoke to Devon in reference to the second teachers allegations. And Devon state that a kid in his classroom asked him what was the definition of a word and he said "no it doesn't mean that". At that time, Mrs. Said Devon come sit next to my desk. Her second complaint Devon indicated that he was in the office at the time we were conducted our phoneconference and they told him to go to class without giving him a pass. And the first time he was late was the first day of school. This is totally ridiculous. Devon could not understand why she just focused on him and not all the other kids that were speaking louder than he was. Then this Teacher who was stuttering and not speaking intelligently said does Devon have any physical defects. I asked her what do you mean. Mrs. said you know any physical defects mentally. I told her do not call me anymore with this nonsense and I am surely going to let your administration know what you have said. This teacher stepped over and beyond her bonds by also saying there is something wrong with my son.

I am a professional person integrity it is something that I live by and my son. Because there are those who do no value themselves at a higher standard as we do. People with these strong values do not like being around these types of deceitful persons. Mr. Dansky did not conduct a proper investigation and I am filing a complaint against him also. Devon Wallace is my son and he is a good student. He completes his tasks given and he rarely talks in a classroom. If my son continues to attend this school he will fail through the system. He has attended "A" schools and unfortunately he had to attend a school that is a ‘F" school. It makes you wonder about the caliber of teacher that teaches at this school. Unfortunately Devon ended up in the mess. To all concerned parties I had requested that an investigation be conducted in reference to my complaint and actions are taking appropriately to insure that this does not happen again to other kids. Also I would like for my child to attend another school because of the retaliation that my son would be put through if he remains at Perry Middle School.

Mr. Dansky did not do his job. He did not conduct a proper investigation and his personal opinion about a teacher is not my concern. A teacher accused my son of possession of glasses that may not be his and called me to get some clarification at the expense of putting my son's dignity at risk. This teacher had no reason to call me but to further harass me and my son and possibly retaliation if she is affiliated with the other teacher. And to have one of these teachers who believes she can make a statement about my son having a mental or physical disability. What if I would have said something about her non ability to carry out a conversation intellectually?

Believe it or not The Principal of the School never called me to schedule an appointment. I am resending this letter to the News Station and the Miami Herald along with additional information in reference to my child's first year at this middle school and another middle school all based in Broward County SchoolDistricts.

Another situation came about at Perry Middle School. My son was at school early in the morning. They allow the kids to play basketball on the courts. Devon brought his basketball to school which was allowed by the school also. While holding his basketball a child came up on him and told him to give him that basketball my son said no. The child then grabs the basketball and took it and Devon Grabs it back. At that time 4 kids jumped my son punching him in the face kicking him in the back and the Security Guard shows up the kids stop and Devon tells the security guard that the 4 boys jumped him. The Security Guard left my son there and did nothing and another fight broke out to where they jumped my son again. Now someone show up to stop itand takes only my son to the office and call me to let me know that my son was jumped by 4 boys and that he was going to be suspended by the school. Now Mrs. Edmonson snatches my son's basketball and accuses him of taking those kids basketball, truly amazing. Again I asked to speak to the Principal who was invisible. You could never find him per Mr. Dansky and his secretary. I requested a meeting with the district region supervisor. I left several messages with the District Region. I even asked to speak to The Superintendant of Broward county school board and even He never responded. This is from numerous phone calls and conversations with secretaries who thought they were the Heads of the school system. They would ask mewhat the problem was because they are suppose to hear the complaint first before they leave a message with the person that I was requesting to speak to( A system full of failures and they wonder why the kids are retaliating at these schools where children have no kind of protection). I even spoke to the police officer that worked a school and he indicated to me that these kids have no protection under their new policies. I requested for the kids to be arrested for strong armed robbery the police officer on the scene stated it was not a robbery but a battery I begged to differ. I am also filing a complaint against the officer. No child was arrested the police officer did not do her job. My son was suspended for protecting himself and his property from being taking by 4 kids who decided to jump him and take his basketball.

Another situation came about at Perry Middle School. My son was at school early in the morning. They allow the kids to play basketball on the courts. Devon brought his basketball to school which was allowed by the school also. While holding his basketball a child came up on him and told him to give him that basketball my son said no. The child then grabs the basketball and took it and Devon Grabs it back. At that time 4 kids jumped my son punching him in the face kicking him in the back and the Security Guard shows up the kids stop and Devon tells the security guard that the 4 boys jumped him. The Security Guard left my son there and did nothing and another fight broke out to where they jumped my son again. Now someone show up to stop it and takes only my son to the office and call me to let me know that my son was jumped by 4 boys and that he was going to be suspended by the school. Now Mrs. Edmonson snatches my son's basketball and accuses him of taking those kids basketball, truly amazing. Again I asked to speak to the Principal who was invisible. You could never find him per Mr. Dansky and his secretary. I requested a meeting with the district region supervisor. I left several messages with the District Region. I even asked to speak to The Superintendant of Broward county school board and even He never responded. This is from numerous phone calls and conversations with secretaries who thought they were the Heads of the school system. They would ask me what the problem was because they are suppose to hear the complaint first before they leave a message with the person that I was requesting to speak to( A system full of failures and they wonder why the kids are retaliating at these schools where children have no kind of protection). I even spoke to the police officer that worked a school and he indicated to me that these kids have no protection under their new policies. I requested for the kids to be arrested for strong armed robbery the police officer on the scene stated it was not a robbery but a battery I begged to differ. I am also filing a complaint against the officer. No child was arrested the police officer did not do her job. My son was suspended for protecting himself and his property from being taking by 4 kids who decided to jump him and take his basketball.

I had a meeting with Counselor Jones, Mr. Dansky, Mrs. Robalord and Edmonson. Present was myself and Devon's father Terrill Stampley. My complaint was against the above listed persons at Perry Middle School. I explained what happened and to no avail was I being heard based on my complaint. The Assistant Principal Mr. Dansky lied, Mrs. Edmonson lied. The Security Guard was requested to be at the meeting and Mr. Dansky did not comply. The teachers that were involved were not present also Most of all the Principal was but remained invisible to me. Imagine it's his school that he is supposed to be accountable for. From this meeting Devon was transferred to New Renaissance Middle School. I never received a call from Mr. Notter or Mrs. Herbst.

My son entire morale was shot down by a failed School System. He starts this new school. Your question is getdoes it better (Absolutely not). Devon was called all sorts of names in school i.e. fat a.., stupid mf..., etc. He was bumped in the hall way intentionally and pushed. Each and every day I asked my child what happened in school and he would tell me. I Spoke to Mr. Johnson Assistant Principal of The new school 6^th graders (The beginning of a horrible nightmare). I would call and visit Mr. Johnson and inform him what was happening with my son. That he feels as if he should not go to school anymore. A and B student with good behavior believes he is not safe in school. Mr. Johnson told me there was nothing he could do. He further stated you can teach him at home if you wanted too. As of that day, I Informed Mr. Johnson that no longer will my child have to take any abuse from anyone since you are not able to do anything for him to protect him. He is going to defend himself from now own. Devon has been in several fights to which the kids that he fought against or the witness indicated that the person(s) hit him first and he protected himself. Yet he still was suspended when he has the right to defend himself under the provisions of the Florida State Statues involving self defense. Devon's property was stolen out of his book bag. Kids would take his paper of his desk and tear it or even throw it in the trash. They broke his glasses which cost 400.00 dollars. All of these things were reported to no avail. Even to Broward County School Board Superintendant. What made this one of my greatest nightmares was Devon was standing in line at school when a female student who continuously harassed Devon and drew a picture of him depicting a big belly with a tongue on it pushed him in the back. Devon turned around and told her to stop. She did it again and he turned around and told her to stop which at that point she punched Devon in the face 3 times. Devon did not want to hit a girl so he grabbed her hand which was grasping his shirt and the grabbed the other hand to which she was punching him with and tried to pull her back. Because he is strong she fell and hit her head or something I'm not so clear on that and rescue had to be called. The police officer who was there questioned my child without me being present and Mr. Johnson. He never changed his statement and a matter of fact when I did arrive at the school the police officer stated the mother of the child said she started the fight and the mother wanted to apologize. With this you would think that they would not suspend my child for a week or even 10 days but they did. I found out that Mr. Johnson gave the girl indoor suspension and gave Devon outdoor suspension. It gets more interesting.., you see the day before Devon was at his class room standing in line because his teacher told them not to go into the classroom this same girl and some other kids went into the room and Devon told them the teacher said do not go in the room. So when he turned around from the entrance door a kid trip him and that same girl who started the fight kicked him 3 times when he was on the ground in the back. He told the substitute teacher and I told Mr. Johnson still nothing was done. If the girl would have been dealt with accordingly the day before my son would not have been suspended. I had to speak to the principal who decided that Mr. Johnson was unjust in given the girl indoors suspension and given Devon outdoor suspension. The Police officer and the Sgt that responded to the scene were told the same thing. I told the police officer I wanted to file battery charges on the female and she said it was not battery and that she needs to call the Sgt. by to verify what is it that she was going to do. Unfortunately the police officer and the Sgt. Who had to call a Detective to determine what to do and had not come to a conclusion at the time said a detective will call me. That never happen I had to go and get a copy of the report to see what happened. This isn't the end. The police report did not reflect anything that has been mentioned at this time. It was written incorrectly even though it was explained to this female officer several times. Imagine a police officer filing out an inaccurate police report. I received a paper from probation and parole indicating that Devon was a subject in this case and he had to go and talk to an officer. I had to take my son out of school for something he did not do was totally beyond me. I went but I told them that Devon has done nothing, do what you have to do. I have since to hear from them. But the situation where 4 boys took my sons basketball beat and kick him were never put though the system. And my innocent child was. This was also reported to the Broward County Superintendant of Schools. I left messages with the secretary with no responses. As I am watching Television I see that a child was killed in school and that after that about 5 kids were found with guns on them. This is a serious situation and my child's saga needs to be told to everyone who needs to be aware of what is going on at the school. This child's dilemma was uncalled for. He had no help nor did I receive any help from the Broward County failed School System Protocols. I even had difficult getting Devon's make up work from his teachers who I met with on several occasions. These teachers are Elizabeth Hart, Tara Weisus and the worst of the bunch were Rabia Yousuf and Nicole Patterson Devon was suspended for protecting himself I asked for his makeup work and these teachers did not comply after meeting with them about 6-8 times. I had to go to the principal to make them comply to their own rules. Nicole Patterson failed my son in math because she said he did not complete his makeup work or ask for it. And each time that I met with her I asked for his makeup work and Mr. Johnson said he also asked her for his makeup work. It is not over yet. While in the office with Mr. Johnson A security guard ask a kid to go to his room the kid got up in his face cursed at the security guard and told him what he wasn't going to do. This child took control of the entire office. Mr. Johnson came out of his office and told the kid we are going to call your mother. Prior to that incident while I was going to see Mr. Johnson again a kid was downstairs in the stairwell crying all by himself I asked him what was wrong he advised me that a kid was punching on him I took him up stairs and I told Mr. Johnson this kid knows the child that was punching on him and he was crying in the stairwell. His astonishing remarks to me was you don't know him he is bad too. Last but least I call and complained to Mr. Notters office he had Mrs. robolord call me and say we just received information that your son was about to fight a security officer I asked her what are you talking about. She describes the incident and my response was you would call me back when it looks like my child has done something wrong. I said you need to get your story right and call me back about my complaint against Perry Middle School and New Renaissance Middle School. You know she never called me back. I left something out can you believe it. Devon miraculously received 3 referrals that they said were mailed to me but I never received none of them trying to show that he is not a good student. Most of these documents are enclosed. Look at the dates. Look on how they tried to space the complaints out but could not. See how she scratched out the number 2 and put April 15 like the other teacher. Parents it is very important to talk to your kids about school you will be amazed at the situations that could be happening to your child. You know what else is alarming a child was sitting in Mr. Johnson's office with the kid who beat him up and I mean beat him up (Bruises on his face). This child was crying while writing his report sitting and doing what he was told to do. Now the kid who jumped him was walking around not writing anything was being told to sit down by Mr. Johnson and the child paid him not attention. When Mr. Johnson went in the office, the child that was walking around got into the kids face he just beat up and jump at him as to hit him. I immediately said to Mr. Johnson this child just jump at that kid to hit him and scared that child who by the way can't fight back the bully. He did nothing, absolutely nothing.