Latest news with #RockdaleCountyPublicSchools
26-04-2025
- General
Georgia school investigating after segregation-era signs used in history lesson
Signs reading "For Whites Only" and "For Colored Only" that were posted in a Georgia elementary school as part of a history lesson recently have sparked concern among some parents. The two signs, posted above water fountains inside the cafeteria at Honey Creek Elementary in Rockdale County, Georgia, were part of an unapproved lesson about Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to attend a previously all-white school in the South, according to Rockdale County Public Schools. The lesson, which is part of the first grade curriculum, focuses on a 6-year-old Bridges integrating a Louisiana elementary school in the 1960s. Asked about the incident, Rockdale County Public Schools provided a statement from Superintendent Shirley Chesser that was shared during a school board meeting with the community on Thursday night. "Rockdale County Public Schools provides teachers with curriculum documents that include recommended and vetted resources and activities. In this instance, the teacher did not follow the approved resources or recommended lessons provided by the district for teaching this Georgia Standard," Chesser said during the meeting. Chesser added that the school district has launched an investigation into the incident. "The teacher did not have any discriminatory intent, and this was not a prank. This activity did not align with district expectations, and we recognize that this may have been hurtful," she said. The Rockdale County Public Schools spokesperson did not provide further comment. The school did not name the teacher involved in hanging the signs. The principal sent a letter to parents on Wednesday morning addressing the situation. The message, obtained by ABC affiliate WSB-TV in Atlanta, explained that the signs were not part of the approved resources or recommended lesson plan by Honey Creek Elementary. Nikisha Wade, a parent of a Honey Creek Elementary student, spoke at a county Board of Education meeting on April 17 expressing her concern over the situation. "That is highly offensive, the way it was delivered. I understand that there is an investigation in place, and I hope and pray that that is taken in high regard to what the children experienced. Because the kids are traumatized, especially speaking firsthand, mine were," she said. "It is sad that in 2025 we have to encounter things of this nature." The Georgia and Rockdale NAACP chapters issued a joint statement on Thursday before the board meeting condemning the signs, calling the act a "direct evocation of the painful legacy of segregation and racial injustice that our nation has fought tirelessly to overcome." "Let us be clear: there is no place in our schools—or in any public space—for racism, hate, or ignorance. What occurred in Rockdale County is more than a 'prank' or isolated behavior; it reflects the ongoing need for serious, intentional education about our country's history of racial discrimination and the continued work required to build inclusive, respectful environments for all students," the statement continued. "We call upon the Rockdale County School District to take swift and transparent action—not only to hold those involved accountable but to implement district-wide anti-racism education, cultural competency training for staff and students, and spaces for open dialogue led by trusted community leaders."
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Georgia school investigating after segregation-era signs used in history lesson
Signs reading "For Whites Only" and "For Colored Only" that were posted in a Georgia elementary school as part of a history lesson recently have sparked concern among some parents. The two signs, posted above water fountains inside the cafeteria at Honey Creek Elementary in Rockdale County, Georgia, were part of an unapproved lesson about Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to attend a previously all-white school in the South, according to Rockdale County Public Schools. The lesson, which is part of the first grade curriculum, focuses on a 6-year-old Bridges integrating a Louisiana elementary school in the 1960s. Asked about the incident, Rockdale County Public Schools provided a statement from Superintendent Shirley Chesser that was shared during a school board meeting with the community on Thursday night. "Rockdale County Public Schools provides teachers with curriculum documents that include recommended and vetted resources and activities. In this instance, the teacher did not follow the approved resources or recommended lessons provided by the district for teaching this Georgia Standard," Chesser said during the meeting. MORE: Pope Francis' funeral: Who will attend, how to watch Chesser added that the school district has launched an investigation into the incident. "The teacher did not have any discriminatory intent, and this was not a prank. This activity did not align with district expectations, and we recognize that this may have been hurtful," she said. The Rockdale County Public Schools spokesperson did not provide further comment. The school did not name the teacher involved in hanging the signs. The principal sent a letter to parents on Wednesday morning addressing the situation. The message, obtained by ABC affiliate WSB-TV in Atlanta, explained that the signs were not part of the approved resources or recommended lesson plan by Honey Creek Elementary. Nikisha Wade, a parent of a Honey Creek Elementary student, spoke at a county Board of Education meeting on April 17 expressing her concern over the situation. MORE: Black man in Alabama dies 1 week after being shocked with stun gun during arrest "That is highly offensive, the way it was delivered. I understand that there is an investigation in place, and I hope and pray that that is taken in high regard to what the children experienced. Because the kids are traumatized, especially speaking firsthand, mine were," she said. "It is sad that in 2025 we have to encounter things of this nature." The Georgia and Rockdale NAACP chapters issued a joint statement on Thursday before the board meeting condemning the signs, calling the act a "direct evocation of the painful legacy of segregation and racial injustice that our nation has fought tirelessly to overcome." "Let us be clear: there is no place in our schools—or in any public space—for racism, hate, or ignorance. What occurred in Rockdale County is more than a 'prank' or isolated behavior; it reflects the ongoing need for serious, intentional education about our country's history of racial discrimination and the continued work required to build inclusive, respectful environments for all students," the statement continued. "We call upon the Rockdale County School District to take swift and transparent action—not only to hold those involved accountable but to implement district-wide anti-racism education, cultural competency training for staff and students, and spaces for open dialogue led by trusted community leaders." Georgia school investigating after segregation-era signs used in history lesson originally appeared on
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Georgia school investigating after segregation-era signs used in history lesson
Signs reading "For Whites Only" and "For Colored Only" that were posted in a Georgia elementary school as part of a history lesson recently have sparked concern among some parents. The two signs, posted above water fountains inside the cafeteria at Honey Creek Elementary in Rockdale County, Georgia, were part of an unapproved lesson about Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to attend a previously all-white school in the South, according to Rockdale County Public Schools. The lesson, which is part of the first grade curriculum, focuses on a 6-year-old Bridges integrating a Louisiana elementary school in the 1960s. Asked about the incident, Rockdale County Public Schools provided a statement from Superintendent Shirley Chesser that was shared during a school board meeting with the community on Thursday night. "Rockdale County Public Schools provides teachers with curriculum documents that include recommended and vetted resources and activities. In this instance, the teacher did not follow the approved resources or recommended lessons provided by the district for teaching this Georgia Standard," Chesser said during the meeting. MORE: Pope Francis' funeral: Who will attend, how to watch Chesser added that the school district has launched an investigation into the incident. "The teacher did not have any discriminatory intent, and this was not a prank. This activity did not align with district expectations, and we recognize that this may have been hurtful," she said. The Rockdale County Public Schools spokesperson did not provide further comment. The school did not name the teacher involved in hanging the signs. The principal sent a letter to parents on Wednesday morning addressing the situation. The message, obtained by ABC affiliate WSB-TV in Atlanta, explained that the signs were not part of the approved resources or recommended lesson plan by Honey Creek Elementary. Nikisha Wade, a parent of a Honey Creek Elementary student, spoke at a county Board of Education meeting on April 17 expressing her concern over the situation. MORE: Black man in Alabama dies 1 week after being shocked with stun gun during arrest "That is highly offensive, the way it was delivered. I understand that there is an investigation in place, and I hope and pray that that is taken in high regard to what the children experienced. Because the kids are traumatized, especially speaking firsthand, mine were," she said. "It is sad that in 2025 we have to encounter things of this nature." The Georgia and Rockdale NAACP chapters issued a joint statement on Thursday before the board meeting condemning the signs, calling the act a "direct evocation of the painful legacy of segregation and racial injustice that our nation has fought tirelessly to overcome." "Let us be clear: there is no place in our schools—or in any public space—for racism, hate, or ignorance. What occurred in Rockdale County is more than a 'prank' or isolated behavior; it reflects the ongoing need for serious, intentional education about our country's history of racial discrimination and the continued work required to build inclusive, respectful environments for all students," the statement continued. "We call upon the Rockdale County School District to take swift and transparent action—not only to hold those involved accountable but to implement district-wide anti-racism education, cultural competency training for staff and students, and spaces for open dialogue led by trusted community leaders." Georgia school investigating after segregation-era signs used in history lesson originally appeared on
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NAACP condemns 'Whites only' signs used in elementary school history lesson in Rockdale County
The Brief The teacher's activity, involving "Whites Only" and "Colored Only" signs, was not approved by school officials and deviated from the submitted lesson plan. Rockdale County Public Schools stated the teacher had no discriminatory intent, but acknowledged the activity did not meet district expectations and could be hurtful. The Georgia NAACP and Rockdale County NAACP condemned the incident, questioning the intent and deeming the action unacceptable. ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. - An investigation is underway in Rockdale County after an elementary school teacher posted "Whites Only" and "Colored Only" signs on campus as part of a history lesson on civil rights activist Ruby Bridges. What we know The incident occurred during a classroom activity that had not been approved by school officials, according to statements made at a school board meeting Thursday night. District leaders said the signs were placed above water fountains and were not included in the teacher's submitted lesson plan. What they're saying "The teacher did not have any discriminatory intent and this was not a prank," a representative from Rockdale County Public Schools said during the meeting. "This activity did not align with district expectations, and we recognize that this may have been hurtful." The district's social studies coordinator confirmed that the school system offers recommended and vetted curriculum materials. "In our Studies Weekly, there is an edition that's dedicated specifically to Ruby Bridges," the coordinator said. The other side The Georgia NAACP and the Rockdale County NAACP issued a joint statement Friday morning strongly condemning the incident. "The act is offensive no matter the context," said Rockdale County NAACP President Kiiva Copeland. "And while it was stated that there was no ill intent, it does present the question of what was the intent — what feelings and outcome was expected? We find the action is unacceptable." What's next In a letter sent to parents and guardians, the school's principal reiterated that all faculty are expected to adhere to submitted and approved lesson plans. The Source This article is based on the proceedings of the Rockdale County School Board on April 25, 2025.
Miami Herald
24-04-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
‘Colored only' signs at school draw outrage, GA parents say. District responds
A Georgia school district is investigating after parents raised concerns over segregation-era signs displayed inside an Atlanta-area elementary school, news outlets reported. Signs reading 'For Whites Only' and 'For Colored Only' were reportedly posted in a cafeteria and above water fountains at Honey Creek Elementary School in Conyers, parents told WSB-TV. School leaders explained the signs were part of an unapproved social studies activity, but it did little to quell public scrutiny, WXIA reported. Parents voiced their concerns at a recent Rockdale County School Board meeting, prompting district leaders to take a closer look at the incident, the station reported. In a statement, Rockdale County Public Schools said it has taken 'appropriate action to address the reported information' but declined to comment on the matter further, according to WANF. Principal Adriene Lanier addressed the incident in a letter to parents on April 23, saying it involved a social studies lesson on civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, WSB-TV reported. Bridges was the first Black child to desegregate William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana in 1960. 'The district provides teachers with curriculum documents that include recommended and vetted resources and activities,' Lanier said, as reported by the station. 'In this instance, the teacher did not adhere to the approved resources or recommended lessons provided by the district.' It's not clear if the teacher will face disciplinary action. McClatchy News reached out to Rockdale County Public Schools for more information April 24 but didn't immediately hear back. District leaders said the teacher had no ill intent but acknowledged the classroom lesson wasn't appropriate, according to WXIA. In a statement, The Georgia NAACP said it was 'deeply disturbed' by the incident and argued that the signage evoked a 'painful legacy of segregation and racial injustice.' 'We call upon the Rockdale County School District to take swift and transparent action — not only to hold those involved accountable but to implement district-wide anti-racism education, cultural competency training for staff and students, and spaces for open dialogue led by trusted community leaders,' the organization said. Conyers is about a 20-mile drive southeast from downtown Atlanta.
