Do teachers have a right to question students about the content of a note she caught them passing?

Question

I teach second grade and before you crucify me for being on the computer, this is my planning period.

During homeroom, I caught two girls passing a note. The note read, "My Mom is worrying because my sister told".

Do I have the right to ask them what they were writing about? I'm not trying to be paranoid, but what if it's something serious?

Or should I just let it go and keep my eye out incase something serious happens?

The guidance counselor at our school is overworked -- I have a child who cuts herself in my class and he talked to her about 5 mins, then sent her back.

She still cuts herself.

So I doubt he'd do much about this situation

I

Answer 1

As a parent I believe you do have the right to ask.  The guidance counselor at your school needs to manage his time better since the situation with the girl who is self mutilating is very concerning.  I would take it up with the principal since if you suspect something is going on by law you have to report it.  I would also talk to the principal about the other girl as well, that is a sign of depression (my brother used to do that).

Like you my Dad is a teacher and he has had his fair share of kids with problems at home that present themselves in the classroom.  I commend your concern for wantint to do the right thing.

Answer 2

I would ask, showing concern.  But, keep in mind that they will prob not tell you.  I was abused as a child and covered it up for years.  I was so brainwashed I couldn't have told anyone if I'd tried.

Answer 3

probly nothing to seriouse with the note , as for the girl cutting her self yes, tell her parents, she needs help, self abuse is an awfull thing

i have a friend who did this and it just broke my heart

help this girl , let her know shes not alone and has someone she can talk to

Answer 4

i would talk to them asap

Answer 5

You have no right to look at the note in the first place.  Even if they are not supposed to be doing it you do not have the right.  You are violating their privacy.  You do have the right to tell them to put the note away.

Answer 6

I'd leave it alone.  It's probably nothing serious, and obviously, whatever it is, the parents are already aware ... that's the whole point of the note, right?

If you're really concerned you can just ask the girls if everything is okay or if there's anything they want to talk to you or the counselor about.  

But honestly I think you're overreacting.

Answer 7

Unfortunately you can't invade their privacy,just keep your eyes open and let the girls know it's safe to come to you if they need to.As for the cutter in your class it is your responsibility to notify child protective services.I am a parent of previous cutter.Without the counseling she needed to quit I fear she would have done serious damage.I was very upset at the time thinking the teacher had no right to call CPS in my case but looking back I know she did the right thing.I hope you do also.

Answer 8

That is all the note said?

Then I believe there is not much you can do about it.  It is NOT your right to ask them what they are writing about because frankly you are a teacher and your job is to teach your material to the students.

It is the student's job to learn from you and not to be disruptive in class.  So they should be reprimanded for not paying attention in class and passing notes.  But the contents of the note was not harmful to you and to any other students in your class.  So let it go.

I'd be a bit more worried about the girl cutting herself in your class.  It is time to get her out of your class and to get the higher-ups and the parents involved.  She doesn't belong in class if she has mental issues that need worked out.

Too many parents are sending their kids to school so that they don't have to deal with their own kids.  Well, force them to deal with their kids.

My two-cents worth.

Answer 9

First of all I know because of my  daughter that kids in second grade are slightly dramatic.  I think that you have certain legal obligations if you suspect abuse.  What I would do is go talkj to your schools psychologist and counsler and explain the situation and note.  They will look into it further if they feel that there is a need.  

Some things that you need to think about...

Why are you so worried about this note?  What is your gut telling you to do?  Do you think that she is abused and why?  DO you think that they could be talking about something harmless?  

I know that I would want to make sure that a student of miine is not in trouble.  If you are worried about it get to the bottom of it.  I just think that I would look for some help in how to best approach it.

Answer 10

Yes you do have the right! I would ask. If you're on doubt ask the headteacher first.

Answer 11

It sounds potentially dangerous. What if the "told" is abuse? In your shoes, I'd go get the principal's opinion. It could be a family issue or a police issue. Get the principal's opinion so you do whatever is closest to school guidelines.

Answer 12

If you're really worried, then ask them in PRIVATE.

Answer 13

As someone who was raised in an abusive house, I say ask.  It may turn out to be nothing but on the other hand it could be a very serious problem.  My 2nd grade teacher asked the question and it got my mom, sister & I out of a bad situation.

Answer 14

No, you do not have the right to question them about what the notes mean.  You do have the right to confiscate any and all notes that are passed in your classroom however.  Stop being paronoid, or you'll wind up in the nut house because this isn't going to be the last incident of it's kind.

Answer 15

I think you've got grounds to at least ask.  Have a talk with the girl and come at it from the 'caring' angle--you care about your students and want to make sure they aren't involved in situations they can't handle themselves, etc.  Then ask if she'd be comfortable telling you what the note meant.  Coming right out and saying, 'what did your sister tell', sounds a bit nosy, so leave it open like that.  If you come across confident and with authority, I bet she'll open up.