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Updated: 11:40 AM May 22, 2009
KG Marks History
Meridian, Miss. Meridian's Kate Griffin Junior High School is celebrating its history, while dealing with some present difficulties. Posted: 5:04 PM May 21, 2009Reporter: Tametria Conner Email Address: tametria.conner@wtok.com |
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161 Comments 
A Meridian school is celebrating its history, while dealing with some present difficulties.
Kate Griffin Junior High School will close after the school year, more than a century after it first opened its doors.
The school invited former students and faculty members to the campus Thursday night. But it's also dealing with a weapons incident on campus earlier this week.
Meridian school superintendent Charlie Kent confirmed that on Tuesday morning a female ninth grade student at Kate Griffin Junior High had two large butcher type knives. A third knife was discovered in the girls' restroom. Sources say the knives were between six and 12 inches long, but Kent did not confirm that.
"That's totally unacceptable. It should not be on campus. It should not have been on her person or in her purse. So to get all of the facts and the details of what's going on. I can't make comments to that because I don't have enough information," Meridian Public Schools Superintendent Charlie Kent said.
School officials say no one was injured, but this incident raises concern about safety issues.
(Reporter asks: Why weren't the police called? Why was she released to her parents) "I cannot answer that. That was a call at the building that the building principal made and it could depend on if it was found and there was no intent of harming another person at that time when the objects were found. I don't have the details. I was just told the knives were found, the student was suspended and Mr. Brown and the principal have been working on that," Kent said.
Kent said with any weapon, the first step is a 10-day suspension, but more punishment is possible including alternative school or a recommendation for expulsion.
"But it's my understanding that process is in place and more than likely that student will be brought before the board for an expulsion," Kent said.
This reporter is looking into several concerns that have been reported to Newscenter 11, including school violence, sex on campus and drugs. A special series will air next week on WTOK.
Latest Comments
Is KG being prepared for the opening of school in case the new 9th grade building is not ready?
KG is a beautiful structure that should be put to good use by the MPSD district. We have too many vacant buildings in Meridian. This is a historical building and the last time I saw it, I noticed it was being maintained beautifully. The architecture of this building is absolutely wonderful. I'm sure it could use more renovation. Also, it is near town and within walking distance of the areas that we are currently seeing restoration take on a new life. We need to continue to preserve the integrity of our past rather than letting it fall into ruins.
KG needs to be ready for the start of school. The new ninth grade building is not going to be ready? This school needs to be kept open. It would be a great place for an alternative school. All ages do not need to be housed at Marion Park for safety reasons. Also, limiting schools to the numbers they can send to alternative should not be the rule. If a child is disrupting ANY class he/she needs to be taken out and put in an alternative setting. Either comply with the rules or help the child by placing him where he cannot disrupt the learning environment.
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