EReadings: Issues of Today

~ Where Are Our Schools Headed ~

By Christy Carlson

Here is the main question for today's education: Where are our schools headed. We once thought school was one of the safest places where our children can go to. Now some schools are as safe as the streets. On April 17 a 16 year old boy committed suicide by throwing himself out the window, while being tormented by school bullies at Elkton Hills Private School.

James Castle wasn't what you would call a hotshot. He was the quiet boy that never voiced his opinions in class. However, on the day of April 17, Castle said one of his classmates,Phil Stabile was a "very concieted guy." Stabile and six other of his friends, took Castle and locked him and themselves in a dormitory room.

Stabile tried to get Castle to take back what he said by torturing him. Castle wouldn't. Finally, unable to take anymore abuse, Castle threw himself at the window. He died on impact with the concrete ground. Jordan Antolini, English teacher, picked up Castle's body and alerted the police.

Stabile and his friends were not charged by the police. Instead they were expelled. Castle's family was immediately notified. James Castle left behind his parents, and three younger brothers and sisters.

Bringing up the question again: Where are our schools headed? This was not the first time a student has died while in school. Otralla Mosely was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Marcus McTear, in the school hallway. He stabbed her 13 times before she finally died.

Schools are more dangerous than data suggests. Previous events that involved McTear, suggested that he was a ticking time bomb just waiting to explode. Yet school officials did nothing about this. Perhaps if they had, Otralla Mosely would still be alive.

A lot of programs are dedicated to making the education better for the children. But maybe, just maybe, a program needs to be dedicated to protecting our children.