MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — A comment from a Martin County School Board member regarding students watching movies in class before Thanksgiving break sparked outrage with a popular online mom group.
WPTV was contacted by many viewers about the post in “Stuart Moms’ Facebook group. Many thought it was an attack on teachers.
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“Moms, what would you do if your children were watching a movie in class the last few days of school before break?” Stephanie Suskind, WPTV education reporter, asked a group martin county mothers.
They all replied “No.”
WPTV interviewed three moms Tuesday about a post that was removed from the “Stuart Moms”, a Facebook group of almost 20,000 members.
Christia Li Roberts from Martin County School Board wrote: “The Martin County Schools District intends for high quality instruction. Please COMMENT if your child watched a movie this week for entertainment.
“It read to me very much — and every other person — that teachers were going to get in trouble or principals were going to get in trouble if teachers showed movies during those two days of school before the break,” a mother named Sydney said.
Mama bears were out in force, with hundreds of comments supporting teachers and challenging the intentions of board members.
Carol, Carol’s mother, stated that it was “very much a big sister is watching you” and that teachers don’t always do the best for students.
Nov. 22 was the first time that the topic of watching movies on TV during class came up at a Martin County School Board Meeting. The board was discussing two days of hurricane make-up just before winter break.
“Some emails I have received state that the students are going to see movies. So why are they coming to school when they are going to just watch movies? Roberts said. “And [Superintendent Dr. John Millay] I was assured by them that the intention is not to let them watch movies. “The intention is for real learning to take place.”
Roberts, in response to her post, praised the educators of the district and released the following statement on Tuesday to WPTV:
“I’m always amazed by the hard work, professionalism, and sheer talent displayed in our exceptional educators. I never intended to cause upset feelings amongst teachers or other members of our support community. I ask for forgiveness from anyone who was offended or disturbed by my posts.
This season of reflection and gratitude is a time to be grateful to Martin County for allowing me to follow my passion for public service in a school district so close to my heart. I am still learning from this experience and I want to thank all those who took the time to show their appreciation for our most deserving teachers.
Sydney explained that she had done mental gymnastics to try and figure out how the post could have been interpreted differently. “I don’t see any way the post could be taken as supportive to teachers. It was taken as it was.
These moms hope that this will be a lesson in communication.
Jessica, a mother said that “if you’re delivering a particular message, then be very specific about your communication.” Don’t leave any room for interpretation. Be clear about what you mean and communicate them clearly. Be clear and specific.
Above all, love for the children in the classroom.
Carol stated, “What I took away from this post was mainly the support that our community offers for our teachers.”
Karen Resciniti, president of the Martin County teachers union, expressed disappointment at Roberts’ post. Resciniti also said it was not uncommon for teachers to show relatives movies or other relevant curriculum material to students when attendance is low.
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