[Fredslist] Nassau Country public school discipline problem

[Jennifer T. Naylor]

Gotham, help!

The 9 year-old (4th grade) son of a dear friend had a swiss-army knife 
in his pocket when he went to his public school. He took it out to show 
his friends in the school yard.

A teacher discovered the possession, and he was sent home for the day; 
then the school decided to suspend him for a week.

Today, the school alleges that one child said that the boy threatened 
her with the knife; however, her father called the boy's parents and 
said that his daughter told him that he had NOT threatened her.

The school now has decided to set up a hearing to adjudicate his further 
attendance this year.

This is not an agressive kid and has no history of discipline problems. 
My friend is completely undone with the way this is spiraling from a 
misjudgement on her son's part to a major life issue.

Does anyone have experience with a situation like this and/or knowledge 
of what rights the family might have?

Thanks in advance.

Jennifer Naylor
Gotham Womens LI
516.656.3389
naylorjt at optonline.net