Sun coverage: Teacher attacked by student

Jolita Berry, an art teacher at Reginald F. Lewis High School in Baltimore, was attacked by a female student in her classroom, and cell phone video was posted on the Internet. The incident has led to a call for increased safety in schools.
Jolita Berry

Jolita Berry, an art teacher at Reginald Lewis High School, recuperates at home in Charles Village after being assaulted by a female 10th grade student in school. (Sun photo by Amy Davis / April 9, 2008)

Talk about it: School violence

Share your thoughts about classroom violence directed at teachers. Why does it happen and what can be done to stop it?

When there was corporal punishment in schools, you didn't see kids beating up other kids or teachers. Watch the movie "Lean On Me". What Baltimore schools need is someone like Joe Clark to demand that students not only respect each other, but respect themselves.

Submitted by EM

9:46 AM EDT, May 4, 2008

Forget the punishments, static learning models and labeling ”bad kids," the problem is not enough support for our youth. We continue finger pointing and creating a $70 million rainy day fund as if it is not raining. The problem is only getting worse until citizens take initiative and demand more.

Submitted by Jammal

12:01 PM EDT, May 3, 2008

Any student who commits a crime in school should be locked up for a long long time.

Submitted by TRE

7:09 PM EDT, May 1, 2008

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Teacher files charges against student

Jolita Berry, the teacher whose assault at Reginald F. Lewis High School was recorded on a cell phone camera and highly publicized, filed criminal charges yesterday against the student who she says attacked her.

City schools seeking helpers

Alonso makes appeal for 500 volunteers after student attack drew wide attention

Susan Reimer: Videos of beatings a lesson for kids

The harassment of teachers and the intimidation of students by classroom bullies is nothing new.

Sun Special Report

Attack highlights 'chronic problem'

Teachers fear assaults in city schools

Pulling the plug on Web attacks

Calls for action rise as school fight videos draw hits

Attack on city teacher highlights training gaps

Educators lack skills to defuse clashes, some say

School violence appalls officials

The trouble began, Jolita Berry said, when she asked a girl in one of her art classes at Reginald F. Lewis High School to sit down.

A trail of deception
Cindy McKay, a career thief, was convicted in April 2008 of secretly stealing thousands of dollars from her boyfriend and stabbing him to death before his burning body was found.
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