Damaris Davis says her 14-year-old autistic son is afraid to return to Salisbury High School after another student assaulted him.
And Davis is unhappy that school officials waited about three hours to call her and did not have her son examined for injuries.
Doctors later determined that her son, Chandler Davis, suffered a broken nose.
Salisbury Police charged the other student, Dwayne Brown, 17, of 618 E. Franklin St., last week with assault with intent to inflict serious injury. Davis' son, Chandler Davis, does not face charges, according to Police Chief Mark Wilhelm.
Dr. Windsor Eagle, principal at Salisbury High, said school officials do not "stop everything" to notify parents right away about incidents.
"We try to contact parents just soon as we can on all disciplinary (measures)," Eagle said.
Around 10:30 on the morning of Sept. 9, Davis said, Chandler got into an insult match with classmate Brown during an Exceptional Children's class.
From information Davis has received, the teasing escalated, and then Brown went to the front of the classroom where Chandler was sitting and repeatedly shoved a pencil up his nose.
Brown punched Chandler in the nose twice while the pencil was still in his nose, Davis said.
School officials gave him paper towels to stop his nose from bleeding and told him to hold his head back, Chandler told his mother later.
He also used his own T-shirt to cover his nose, she said. She still has the bloody shirt.
Davis thinks school officials should have contacted her immediately. She acknowledges that she turned off her cell phone that day from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. when she went to the Rowan Public Library. But when she turned the phone back on, she says she found messages from two assistant principals — left at 1:10 and 1:15 p.m.
Davis took her son to the emergency room at Rowan Regional Medical Center that day, where she learned Chandler had a fractured nose and a puncture wound, according to a hospital record. She showed the hospital record to a Post reporter.
She said she tried to talk to Salisbury High's school resource officer about the fight the next day and again four days later but had trouble reaching him.
In the end, she and the officer did not discuss the incident for 10 days, she said.
Chandler did not return to school until Sept. 29. He didn't have a good day, Davis said.
That day, other students accused Chandler of lying about being assaulted by Brown, she said.
A teacher's assistant in the class told Chandler not to aggravate Brown "because that's how you got beat up the first time," Chandler told his mother.
Around 7 or 8 that evening, she said, Chandler became very frustrated and did not want to talk about school.
He hasn't gone back.
"Chandler is scared," she said. "He's scared."
Davis said she has noticed changes in her son's personality since the fight. He's more indecisive, she said, and afraid to go to sleep.
"He'll sleep during the day but not at night," Davis said.
Chandler was not suspended from school. Davis said she heard Brown was suspended for five days, but Eagle would not comment on that.
"I think that's a confidential-type procedure," Eagle said.
Davis said she plans to withdraw Chandler from Salisbury High and move her family to California, where her brother lives.
She plans to leave next month.
"That boy could have killed my son," Davis said.
De-De
Thanks : Sunday, October 12, 2008 1:41 PM
I just want to start by saying "Thanks" to everyone for all the supportive comment given in regards to my son "Chandler" I appreciate all positive & negative responses. For those of you who were concerned as to "Why" it took SO long for my reaction/decision in regards to this incident? My First priority was to stablize my son's mental condition as well as handle the physical. Autism is a communication disorder, which; if not handled properly, can cause a child a great degree of mental setbacks. They can become sheltered; non-verbal; and just simply "shut-down" when a traumatic crisis occurs, due to an interruption in routine. This incident has caused more than just bodily harm to Chandler; it has affected his eating habits; his behavior; as well as his sleep pattern. Chandler will only sleep during the day hours; because he is afraid to sleep @ night, due to night-mares. I am a single parent; and again, my first priority is to seek medical treatment (mentally & physically) for Chandler, THEN deal with the Dept. Of Public Instruction; Salisbury High; & Dr. Eagle
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Linda
Stella : Saturday, October 11, 2008 11:28 AM
Teachers risk their safety to keep students safe. Do you remember the murders at Columbine High School in Colorado a few years ago? I do. I've also been in a situation where a student actually took a swing at me. He would have hit me in the face with his fist if a male assistant hadn't intercepted the punch. Guess there's a lot of misunderstanding about what teachers actually go through on a regular basis. As far as the "get paid way more" than policemen do, they spend enormous amounts of their own money continually taking classes, buying items to make required bulletin boards, books and many necessities just to do their jobs! Why, sometimes we even do things such as buy a Christmas tree for a student's family because they couldn't afford one. Much of the educating teachers do is in their behaviors towards their students. And, they really do care about the welfare and well-being of their students. When you figure out all the time teachers spend when they are NOT getting paid just to be able to do the "teaching" part of their jobs, the average salary would be a very low one. Something on the average of minimum wage!
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Stella Edwards
Law : Saturday, October 11, 2008 8:20 AM
Some of you talk like the teachers need to be acting in the capacity of law enforcement...that is WAY below their pay grade! Seriously, they make more than cops, you can't expect them to lower themselves to the level of risking their safety...paid way too much for that.
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Linda
Just a thought.... : Friday, October 10, 2008 11:56 AM
First, let me say I am sorry your son was injured at school and hope he is recovering well. Secondly, as a former Special Education teacher who taught for over seven years (the last four years I taught Emotionally Disturbed Behavior Disordered students) I can say that there absolutely are times when teachers don't see every thing that happens in class, even with an assistant in the room. No student can observed all day every day. It's a bit like having several children of your own. You cannot monitor everything each of them do. Teachers do want their classrooms to be places of safety for their students and themselves! It's impossible to accomplish anything positive in an unsafe environment. Perhaps it would be fruitful to offer to help out in the classroom sometimes. At the very least, it would be informative.
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Concerned Educator...
Can't believe the comments : Thursday, October 09, 2008 9:05 AM
Question...the date of the incident was Sept. 9, what took this mother SO long to decide that she's upset & concerned about her son's treatment? As far as the comments regarding Dr. Eagle - he daily walks the halls and is VERY visible to both students & faculty. This man has devoted his entire adult life to the education of our children. He should be thanked instead of ridiculed. The comments here are hostile and jump to conclusions about the school, administration and faculty. Do you really wonder why the children are hostile too!
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AJ
: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:51 PM
So, where did you read that anyone was left alone anyway?? Gossip is what starts trouble! If kids are going to fight, they are going to fight-- no matter how many teachers are around. If this were my child, it wouldn't have been blown out of proportion to this extreme--And yes, mine have had serious injuries at school. One even had to be transported to the hospital by an ambulance. I just prefer to remember the simple saying, "It's not what happens to you, it's how you react to it that matters!"
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HUN
Need to take a stand : Wednesday, October 08, 2008 7:49 AM
This child should of received immediate medical attention and parent called! No buts about it!! I am sick and tired of feeling that just because our children are on school property that we have no say so in anything that goes on with them while they are there. With all the people working in the school office there is no reason why someone could not of put down everything and called this parent! My daughter was bullied and harrassed at school and went to guidance just to be told she would have to handle it...and to be told that if she defended herself she would get the same punishment. My neice was knocked in the back of the head from behind last year and received the same punishment when she pushed the girl off of her. Not to mention when my daughter was on the bus wreck 2 1/2 years ago NO ONE bothered to call me to let meknow what had happened! A family friend called me when i arrived on scene to see my daughter strapped down for her injuries and loaded on the ambulance the principal was there passing out fliers letting all parents know that we could not hold the school responsible for this accident!!! So all the cost of xrays and emergency room bill and follow up care appt. etc.. done for my daughter was paid for out of my pocket, not even a follow up call from school officals to make sure she was ok or how she was doing, plus no counseling to these students. Plus i should mention on here for all to read a friend of mine wanted to hire a Dj to do her daughters bday party he in previous years had been a Dj for some of the school dances in the area (i must say i dont think he does anymore) but upon doing research on this man for her daughters bday party stumbled on the fact that he is a registered sex offender!! She called the school board and nothing was ever done, and was told he must of "slipped" through the system background checks....... what the heck!!!!
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Retired Teacher
AJ : Tuesday, October 07, 2008 5:09 PM
AJ, I walked those halls for 25 years.How many have you?I also think Mr.Eagle is a good caring man that gets a bad rap.But this situation is totally unacceptable.These are exceptional children.THEY SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT ALONE .And if you think for any circumstance just for a second that they can,you need to seek another career !
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BEM
RE: AJ : Tuesday, October 07, 2008 5:01 PM
You can praise him all you want. I have never walked the halls of SHS, but I do happen to know a brigt (straight A) student that tried to get transfered from SHS the beginning of her senior year last year. He refused to help her. She got her transfer despite his efforts to keep her there! The fact is he didn't appear "out of nowhere" this time and his response was much less than professional or caring. Go back and read the article again along with your comment and then take your own advice and take a long hard look in the mirror at yourself. As you are looking at yourself, ask how you would feel if it had been your child! We don't need your finger pointing lessons, we need for you to teach the children and keep them safe!
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AJ
Story from the inside : Tuesday, October 07, 2008 4:06 PM
If you are not willing to walk the halls of SHS each and every day and work with the students, then you really do not have much room to talk. As far as Dr. Eagle is concerned, I am not sure who you are using as a source for information, but Dr. Eagle is always "on site!" I have even heard the students comment on how he "appears out of no where in his church suit!" when there is a fight going on!! Out of all of my experience as a teacher, I have learned more from Dr. Eagle than anyone because he treats everyone the same. It makes me sad that others haven't had the opportunity to work with him to see that part of him. I know that I would NEVER want to have the responsibility of the entire student body, faculty, staff, and parents on my shoulders everyday. When things are going well---- He is noticed for doing a great job; however, when anything, and I mean anything goes wrong,--- there are always people ready to point their fingers and blame someone. Wake up people, and realize that when you point the finger at someone else for blame-- three are pointing back at you!!! That is usually where the blame belongs--- Look in the mirror and begin there!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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S.R.
IN HOPES THE EC DIRECTOR READ THIS! : Monday, October 06, 2008 10:09 PM
This is only one example of what our kids are going to experience now that they are made to sit in a classroom for 8 hours-No outings. The right education just is not provided for these children. As a parent I hope you make sure that justice is served.
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Educator08
A Teacher Side : Monday, October 06, 2008 3:54 PM
Just wanted to say that their are some wonderful and dedicated teachers at SHS as well as administrator staff. As a teacher and parent, we must focus on the situation at hand. Yes a student was injured and the parent should have been notified immediately when it happened. Regardless of what happened, this is an issue that involves discipline of the students. Teachers do their jobs. Sometimes you can have 20 teachers in a classroom, but if students want to fight they will regardless of who is around. Give the educators at SHS some support. Unless you are willing to walk in our shoes for a day, be mindful that we are doing our jobs.
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SHS parent
Typical Eagle : Monday, October 06, 2008 12:18 PM
This isn’t the 1st nor the last you will hear about SHS. A lot of things happen at the school that is thrown under the rug unless a staff member is fired and then you learn the truth. This article goes to show that Eagle will do everything possible to make SHS look its best. He done away with the homecoming dance because he felt like something would happen at the dance that would reflect the school, but instead he allowed a group of students “CC Kids” start a tail gate at the football games. The homecoming dance is like the prom students looked forward to it. This is a prime example that you don’t have to attend parties to get hurt. What about the fight that happened at SHS game on Friday? One of the “game goers” was pepper sprayed. I didn’t read anything in the paper or did I miss it? It’s sad that the only time he cares is if his “sport” teams are winning. Keep them eligible this year Eagle. “Legally”.
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Susan
Salisbury High needs new principle : Monday, October 06, 2008 10:18 AM
I attended Salisbury as a freshman many years ago and watched Mr. Eagle shut hilself up in his office as students were fighting in the front yard of the school. It was left up to the students to call 911 from the pay phones. He doesn't become involved unless it affects a student from the country club. Salisbury High has been going down hill every since. It needs a complete overhaul of staff or it needs to be shut down.
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Auditor
BOE-Admin Greatest RSS Need is Central Office? : Monday, October 06, 2008 9:47 AM
Looks like there should be a re-visit of what is really needed in RSS.
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Carl Godsey Jr
MR WILLIAM MAHONE : Monday, October 06, 2008 9:41 AM
This article makes me sick to my stomach and your comment enrages me!! This child was in the "exceptional childrens" program and was seriously injured and you have no empathy for this mom or her son. Neither of us know what she has been through with her son. I however am the parent of an "exceptional child" and you had best be glad that your comment wasn't pertaining to him. She has every right to sue as her child was not properly monitored in AN EXCEPTIONAL CHILDRENS PROGRAM. These are not regular high schoolers we are talking about Mr Mahone or did you fail to read that? Also how dare you say she "doesn't work" because she was a the library at 1pm. Some people have to work hours other than 9-5.
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BEM
Contact the State BOE! : Monday, October 06, 2008 7:56 AM
As untouchable as they may seem, I know what I did last night. I sent a letter along with copies of both articles of the incidences to the State Board of Education! More need to do the same to get something moving and done about this situation! If you fail to stand up for your child now, you have no room to complain when something happens to them!
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Jan
Certain school system employees are untouchable : Monday, October 06, 2008 5:30 AM
No matter how negligent, and no matter how appalling, this school system has several key employees who are simply untouchable. They have more job security than a federal court judge, and yes, they may simply sit back and draw their paychecks until they decide they're ready to retire, if they were to make that choice. No amount of public ire will change that fact, sadly.
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DOC
William Mahone : Monday, October 06, 2008 4:29 AM
William Mahone you assume a lot about people you don't know. How many children were in that class? I assure you Mr. Eagle will tell you "it's a confidential-type procedure."
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Teresa Bolton
WHERE WAS THE TEACHER????? : Sunday, October 05, 2008 2:56 PM
Was the Exceptional Children's class NOT monitored? As the parent of two autistic daughters, one of whom attends Rowan County schools, it infuriates me that these things are allowed to happen. Someone should always be monitoring the children - even the high school children. The child that was injured probably has a lawsuit, and the child that did this heinous thing should be expelled. My daughter is fortunate to be in a small class with an excellent teacher and two assistants. The school system should be able to provide what the children need - and Salisbury High obviously needs another assistant or two. Again, who was supervising the children?
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Another Concern Parent
Just another case of a Rowan County Schools neglect!!! : Sunday, October 05, 2008 1:02 PM
Doesn't this remind everyone of the story last week where the student ended up with the fractured skull. These parents need to get together and file lawsuits!!! The School System is failing our kids over and over, haven't even mentioned how they are failing them on actually educating them. WAKE UP PARENTS!!!
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BEM
Just another example...... : Sunday, October 05, 2008 10:03 AM
Just another example of the fine upstanding principals and staff we have in the Salisbury/Rowan system! "Dr. Windsor Eagle, principal at Salisbury High, said school officials do not "stop everything" to notify parents right away about incidents." WHEN A CHILD IS INJURED/BLEEDING, Mr. Eagle...it is your duty to "stop everything" and contact the parent/guardian of the incident. Do you think you are in the position you are in to sit on you butt and draw a paycheck? I'm not sure what constitutes you having Dr. in front of you name, maybe it's a degree or just a power trip. One thing is for sure, it's not for your caring about childrens well being! This is the second time this week we have been informed of a child being injured on school property. Sadly, the attitude toward the incidents have been similar. This school system doesn't need a new central office, it needs to spend some of that money to re-educate the principals and staff on how to handle children and situations such as this. Parents...DO YOU SEE AN URGENCY HERE???? Call the main NCBOE main switchboard at 919.807.3300, the state superintendent is June Atkinson or there are links to contact NCBOE at ncpublicschools.org via email. If you feel a handwritten letter is more usefull, the address is there as well (send it certified to make sure someone has to take time to go get it and sign for it). I do not have children, but I know what I am going to do with both articles! Something has to change before one of your children are killed! Ignorance is now on the side of Salisbury/Rowan school system. If you sit and wait on someone else to do something or stand up for your children's safety the ignorance is going to be on the side of parents/public! DO SOMETHING NOW, before you have to bury your child!
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granny
Protect our children in schools : Sunday, October 05, 2008 9:37 AM
Just another example of teachers not doing their job. Students should be supervised and things like this not allowed to happen. Get violent kids out of schools. Charge them for this crime. The child should have received medical attention imediately and the parent notified at that time. Come on school personel. Keep our kids safe.
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Sam
3 HOURS ???????.... : Sunday, October 05, 2008 7:51 AM
to contact a parent, for assualt and battery with a pencil and a fist that left the victim with a bloody and broken nose????? Who's running show at Salisbury High, Gilligan and Skipper on a 3 Hour Tour. On no, that's right, it's that gasbag Windsor Eagle. The delay likely came from looking for a way to cover up the attack so it wouldn't count as assualt with serious injury on Salisbury's Safe Schools Report at the end of the year. Remember, Salisbury IS one of the top 100 schools in America! LOL! Bet if the assault had been on one of the Doctors' kids that attend Salisbury, it wouldn't have taken 3 HOURS to contact them!!!
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Christy
APPALLED : Sunday, October 05, 2008 7:39 AM
I am utterly appalled at the lack of concern Rowan county schools showed for this child. My son is in the exceptional childrens program in rowan county as well and is "supposed" to attend high school next year but this is just one of the many reasons he will not. How was it possible that another student had time to not only shove a pencil up a childs nose but hit him as well without the teacher stopping it? This is an exceptional childrens class. You know that they need more supervision. I think that the teacher should be investigated as well as the principle whos only comment was that they cannot stop everything and call a parent. LET THAT BE MY CHILD!!! This is a sorry excuse for administrative leadership. I hope that the director of the exceptional program will have something to say about the incident and that this child will get an apology for their blatent lack of concern and lack of supervision. If it were not for the wonderful teacher my son has and has had for the past few years, I would have taken him out this year as he was to have advanced to ninth grade in August. I hope that chandlers mom will not let this die down this easy. It is our job as parents to be sure that our kids are in a safe environment. And even more so when it is a child who cannot defend themselves. It is the teachers responsibility to see that the EC children are safe in his/her classroom and it is the principles JOB to take responsibility for letting the parent know in a timely manner. This boys nose was broken for three hours before anyone alerted his mom. He could have had a hemmorage as the nasal cavity leads into the Brain!! WHERE DID THEY RECEIVE THEIR EDUCATION!! I am absolutely furious with this story. I cannot believe no one else has even commented about it.
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Another Concerned Parent
Salisbury Student : Sunday, October 05, 2008 7:22 AM
I am very sorry to hear about your son, to me it almost sounds like they are blaming him, which doesn't suprise me. I know of another incident that just happened at another high school during a soccer game where the ref choked a student and the student got suspended for 5 days. So don't expect the school to take your side. It really stinks that you can't count on them to take care of your child when you are not there, and now you are in a position where you have to move to make your child feel safe again. Well good luck to you and your son have a safe trip to California.
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William Mahone
come on : Sunday, October 05, 2008 5:49 AM
Come on Mrs. Davis, do you really think that you're leading by example here? It's apparent that you're trying to build a civil suit against the school system or staff on the basis of negligence. I think it's a shame that another student assaulted your son but don't think that you have any right to blame the school staff for the incident. You said yourself that they attempted to call you. Perhaps if you didn't have your phone turned off you would have received the call. What were you doing at the library at 1 in the afternoon anyway, isn't this a time for work? Hold on a second, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that you probably don't have a job. I think that California would be an excellent place to relocate to. I'm sure that you'll find their ultra liberal court system a great aid in your career as a civil plaintiff.
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Sky
: Sunday, October 05, 2008 3:06 AM
Someone needs to give school officials a lesson in first aid. You do not treat a nose bleed by holding your head back. Holding your head back could cause you to swallow blood, which could cause nausea. If you swallow the blood you could choke on your own blood. I also wonder where the instructor was while the assault was taking place.
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saddays
: Sunday, October 05, 2008 1:09 AM
that is just sad on some many levels
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Catawba students get more by giving back
