OG Homecoming Dance Ends Early

[Wayward]

It is very unfortunate to see this happen ... but I'm very pleased that the response was proactive and the situation did not escalate.

Oak Grove High School’s homecoming dance Friday night was ended about 50 minutes early after school officials first found a weapon on a student and later had to break up a fight between two other students.

OGHS Principal Wayne Folkes declined to comment except to say that there was an “ongoing investigation” with the student who had a gun.

“The student is not with us,” he said, “and we are following our policies to make sure the correct disciplinary measures will be taken.”

See details in tomorrow's print edition of the Hattiesburg American.

Link to Hattiesburg American (http://hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061002/NEWS01/61002022)

[Wayward]

I posted this in another thread - but on the 5 p.m. newscast of WDAM, there was mention of 5 HHS students who were arrested on the Oak Grove campus today. I'll watch the 6 p.m. news to see if I can catch this more accurately next time.
Sorry about the duplicate post QM. Where did you post? Before posting, I checked New Posts but didn't see anything that looked similar.

The 6:00 news did mention the 5 current and former HHS students which are charged with trespass on OG High School property. The homecoming dance incident was related to security detecting a gun brought to the dance by a 9th grade student. My, my.

[Wayward]

I see that wilebill posted about the dance incident in the OG Loses thread under Pine Belt. Sorry for the duplicate wilebill. I thought that was a thread about a Clinton football game several weeks ago. :smt118

Didn't check there before posting in a new thread. :)

:smt006

[wilebill]

I see that wilebill posted about the dance incident in the OG Loses thread under Pine Belt. Sorry for the duplicate wilebill. I thought that was a thread about a Clinton football game several weeks ago. :smt118

Didn't check there before posting in a new thread. :)

:smt006
No problem. I just didn't think the topic deserved a whole new thread so I just tried to tie it into the bantering back and forth about how Petal and HHS has all these problems. Didn't want to leave OG out of the mix. :smt006

[Wayward]

Wayward, the "Oak Grove Loses" thread somehow drifted over to the Homecoming Dance. No problem - we needed a new thread on this topic anyway. (Funny how our threads so quickly gt off topic! Haha) :)

As far as the homecoming gun incident - is there any information as to why the student had a gun in his pocket to begin with? What 9th graders have access to hand guns that fit in your pocket?!!! :confused:

On the second incident today, why were the HHS students on the Oak Grove campus? They were arrested for trespassing.

We're posting in sync QM. :)

I'm not aware of any additional information for either incident. Both have ominous overtones (or undertones) and it's great to see that an intervention system is in place and effective. What a pity that it's necessary. Problems of this type are much too wide spread these days.

[Wayward]

No problem. I just didn't think the topic deserved a whole new thread so I just tried to tie it into the bantering back and forth about how Petal and HHS has all these problems. Didn't want to leave OG out of the mix. :smt006
Some unfortunate problems are very wide spread and there's not much room for anyone to be particularly self-righteous these days.

[carsalesguy]

blah blah blah oak grove blah blah hattiesburg whips there a$$ blah blah blah thugs beat preps to a pulp blah blah blah kid from new orleans going to school in oak grove supposed to be at hattiesburg oops blah blah blah

[Wayward]

blah blah blah oak grove blah blah hattiesburg whips there a$$ blah blah blah thugs beat preps to a pulp blah blah blah kid from new orleans going to school in oak grove supposed to be at hattiesburg oops blah blah blah
Just curious, carsalesguy. Do you actually know anything about this situation or are you just doing the very articulate blah blah blah thing on the fly. :smt102

[Tully Mars]

Aw come on guys, the kid with the gun was just making sure that all the "decency" stays in Oak Grove. :smt102

[Wayward]

Aw come on guys, the kid with the gun was just making sure that all the "decency" stays in Oak Grove. :smt102
Hey Tully. Nice to see you. Guess maybe I need to lighten up a bit ... but so far I haven't been able to grasp the humor of a 9th grader showing up at a high school dance with a gun ... regardless of the school, regional banter, etc. But maybe it'll come to me. :)

[Maggie-Doodle]

All I can say is THANK GOD I don't have a child in any school system, especially in light of what has happened in recent days at schools all over the country. I am so grateful my child has graduated and did so without ever being harmed by some of the nuts on the loose these days. I pray for all the parents who have children in school...private as well as city/county schools...I really don't believe any of them are safe.
To bad we probably won't find out what happens to the kids who caused all the ruckus at OG...it would be very interesting to know who their parents are and just what happens to them... although I know from experience that most likely they will get a slap on the hand from youth court..as far as I am concerned the little suckers need jail time!

[Kitty]

I would think that firearm possession on the school campus would result in more than just suspension for the student.

Expulsion would seem to be the more appropriate disciplinary action.

BTW, I fully expected the "decency" line to be introduced within the context of this incident. Arrogance and self-righteousness have a way of biting oneself in the backside.

[SoMissTV]

It always amazes me that some people think that three miles and personal income can isolate a school system from the problems that face other schools nationwide. I'm certainly not making light of any current events, but I have noticed that the major school violence that has occurred in the past ten years (Pearl High School, Joneboro, Columbine, the recent shootings) have all happened in schools that are not "inner-city", and are mostly middle to upper class enrollment. People need to realize that violence, drug use, and sexual activity can (and does) happen at Hattiesburg High, Oak Grove High, PCS, Petal High, and every other school in the nation. Keeping children safe today takes a combination of good parental support and accountability, effective school discipline, and (let's face it) luck.

[Wayward]

I would think that firearm possession on the school campus would result in more than just suspension for the student.

Expulsion would seem to be the more appropriate disciplinary action.
Kitty ...

I'm not absolutely sure but seem to recall that suspension is an initial administrative action and that expulsion would be a second step in the process ... maybe with school board involvement. I seriously doubt that we have seen the last of the punishment phase.

BTW, I fully expected the "decency" line to be introduced within the context of this incident. Arrogance and self-righteousness have a way of biting oneself in the backside.
Agreed. I had hoped this thread could avoid some of the community and school bashing that seems to have become such a favorite way to pass time. With school problems related to drugs, weapons, general behavior, parental involvement, etc. it's sorta dangerous to cast stones. As you said ... it comes around and goes around. :(

[carsalesguy]

just to let everyone know, there was some drug use and sexual activity between students at hhs and petal.....but all i know is that goodness i didn't marry that crazy ho.....oops.....i mean it happens everywhere in this area....

[daisy]

How about banning the child with the gun from any extracurricular activities or sports for a while?


what reason did the kid have for the gun and will his parents be held accountable as well? Thank God, no one was shot by this child.

Who needs Puff-Daddy or PUff-Diddy around with this kid? (forgot his name)

[fuzzis]

While I don't know the Lamar County policies, since Columbine, most schools have adopted a zero-tolerance policy for weapons on campus. So, my guess would be that the student will in fact be expelled for this year. Perhaps allowed to enroll in alternative school.

fuzzis

[dollfus46]

Wayward, the "Oak Grove Loses" thread somehow drifted over to the Homecoming Dance. No problem - we needed a new thread on this topic anyway. (Funny how our threads so quickly gt off topic! Haha) :)

Yep. The hubmeister is gonna stroke out. Somebody give him some valium.

[dollfus46]

As far as the homecoming gun incident - is there any information as to why the student had a gun in his pocket to begin with? What 9th graders have access to hand guns that fit in your pocket?!!! :confused:

Good ole Dad's drawer probably.

On the second incident today, why were the HHS students on the Oak Grove campus? They were arrested for trespassing.

More than likely up to no good and trying to start trouble. There is no good reason for them to be there.

[dollfus46]

All I can say is THANK GOD I don't have a child in any school system, especially in light of what has happened in recent days at schools all over the country. I am so grateful my child has graduated and did so without ever being harmed by some of the nuts on the loose these days. I pray for all the parents who have children in school...private as well as city/county schools...I really don't believe any of them are safe.
To bad we probably won't find out what happens to the kids who caused all the ruckus at OG...it would be very interesting to know who their parents are and just what happens to them... although I know from experience that most likely they will get a slap on the hand from youth court..as far as I am concerned the little suckers need jail time!

Yeppers. Probably why "home schooling" is becoming more and more popular. We didn't have it when I was growing up or I'd have home schooled my son. And with the outstanding national achievements of the public educational systems in MS and SC he'd have gotten a better education.

[dollfus46]

I would think that firearm possession on the school campus would result in more than just suspension for the student.

Expulsion would seem to be the more appropriate disciplinary action.

BTW, I fully expected the "decency" line to be introduced within the context of this incident. Arrogance and self-righteousness have a way of biting oneself in the backside.

I'm thinking the kid could do jail time for carrying a weapon. He should certainly be arrested and have a police record until he's 21. Which is another stupid law. I don't see the justification of expunging his record just because he has a birthday. Here, kid, have a drink of liquor, and by the way you no longer have a police record. That's something to toast about.

[Tully Mars]

Hey Tully. Nice to see you. Guess maybe I need to lighten up a bit ... but so far I haven't been able to grasp the humor of a 9th grader showing up at a high school dance with a gun ... regardless of the school, regional banter, etc. But maybe it'll come to me. :)

I would think that firearm possession on the school campus would result in more than just suspension for the student.

Expulsion would seem to be the more appropriate disciplinary action.

BTW, I fully expected the "decency" line to be introduced within the context of this incident. Arrogance and self-righteousness have a way of biting oneself in the backside.

Kitty ...

I'm not absolutely sure but seem to recall that suspension is an initial administrative action and that expulsion would be a second step in the process ... maybe with school board involvement. I seriously doubt that we have seen the last of the punishment phase.


Agreed. I had hoped this thread could avoid some of the community and school bashing that seems to have become such a favorite way to pass time. With school problems related to drugs, weapons, general behavior, parental involvement, etc. it's sorta dangerous to cast stones. As you said ... it comes around and goes around. :(


Please do not misinterpret my reason for interjecting that comment. It was designed simply to illustrate the absurdity of many who believe that they are completely safe and shielded from crime of any sort just because they happen to live in a particular community.

The series of events that you have described in this thread could have happened in any community in the U.S. Living in this community or that community does not grant you immunity from being a victim. Just yesterday there was a school shooting in an Amish community.

I just think it is a mistake to completely let your guard down and think that crime can't touch you.

[Wayward]

Please do not misinterpret my reason for interjecting that comment. It was designed simply to illustrate the absurdity of many who believe that they are completely safe and shielded from crime of any sort just because they happen to live in a particular community.

The series of events that you have described in this thread could have happened in any community in the U.S. Living in this community or that community does not grant you immunity from being a victim. Just yesterday there was a school shooting in an Amish community.

I just think it is a mistake to completely let your guard down and think that crime can't touch you.
Thanks for the explanation, Tully. But I really don't think that folks in any community or school district are arrogant or naive enough to think they are "completely safe and shielded from crime." That just might be an assumption made by others in some sort of community competition environment.

In the case of Lamar County ... you are certainly aware of the steps to "beef up" the Lamar County School District security presence and Sheriff Danny's significant enhancements in the Sheriff's Department. Steps like these are taken as proactive efforts to offset the growing threat of problems and certainly don't reflect that the area feels it is not touched by the erosion of personal values.

Hopefully, future events will be handled as effectively as these two apparently were ... and this success might even serve as a deterrent. And that's really the name of the game. :)

[Tully Mars]

I am aware of those things Wayward and I applaud the Lamar County Sheriff's Department and the Lamar County School District for their efforts to be proactive.

An important point to remember is that our region is growing and while that is a good thing, there are negative aspects. With increased growth and a growing regional population there is the propensity for an increase in the crime rate.

Much has been said on this board about increased crime in one area of the region versus another. Crime prevention is simply one other issue that should be approached from a regional perspective (The presence of kids from one district at the school of another district is a prime example). The bottom line is that we have to be diligent regardless of where our respective homes happen to be situated and we have to provide local law enforcement with our full support and cooperation so that they can do the job that they are sworn to do.

[Wayward]

Yep ... we're on the same page, Tully. :)

:smt006

[sidelinetolong]

blah blah blah oak grove blah blah hattiesburg whips there a$$ blah blah blah thugs beat preps to a pulp blah blah blah kid from new orleans going to school in oak grove supposed to be at hattiesburg oops blah blah blah
please remind me to never buy a car from you:confused:

[Kitty]

Crime prevention is simply one other issue that should be approached from a regional perspective. . .

Bingo.

We are all in this together and we need to work together.

[ACEsmom]

My 2 cents - my kids aren't going to be safe anywhere I let them go - so I'd prefer to focus on the quality of the education they're getting.

I do agree that Lamar County and the school district are doing a great job at trying to be proactive. I hope they continue to do the same.

In addition to the county and school being proactive - it would be great if more parents were. I know I'm dreaming again, but getting nosey and not being your kids "friend" are things I wish more parents would do - unfortunately, I'm preaching to the choir here.

[Maggie-Doodle]

I'm thinking the kid could do jail time for carrying a weapon. He should certainly be arrested and have a police record until he's 21. Which is another stupid law. I don't see the justification of expunging his record just because he has a birthday. Here, kid, have a drink of liquor, and by the way you no longer have a police record. That's something to toast about.


Don't hold your breath about the kid getting jail time. He may very well be taken to youth court but I would be willing to bet money he doesn't stay longer than to talk to the counselor. I have seen kids do far worse and their was little or no consequence...a slap on the wrist and go home.

A kid that age knows right from wrong and he certainly knows NOT to have a weapon on the school property...he needs to be locked up. I know he can't legally be taken to the Forrest County Hilton but youth court has beds available for kids...they need to use them more often! Something has to be done to get the kids attention. As far as I am concerned, better now than later!

[TheCapitalist]

Don't hold your breath about the kid getting jail time. He may very well be taken to youth court but I would be willing to bet money he doesn't stay longer than to talk to the counselor. I have seen kids do far worse and their was little or no consequence...a slap on the wrist and go home.

Depends on who his momma or daddy is! (Or is he a good football player)Is justice blind?

Kudos to Lamar Co. and security: they caught the kid coming in. Rumors abound, but one is that he had an altercation earlier in the day and came prepared if it resumed.

[dollfus46]

How about banning the child with the gun from any extracurricular activities or sports for a while?

Right on. But what's wrong with putting the kid in jail for carrying a deadly weapon not registered to him and which he is not licensed to carry? And jailing his parents for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and/or child neglect?


what reason did the kid have for the gun and will his parents be held accountable as well? Thank God, no one was shot by this child.

Better start throwing the book at parents who let their children threaten the safety of others.

[wilebill]

I heard some more about this incident and the trespassing thing but I ain't telling.

[Conveyor Belt]

I heard some more about this incident and the trespassing thing but I ain't telling.

Whisper it to me and I'll tell...

[ACEsmom]

So wile is keepin' secrets???

[MC69TA]

I heard some more about this incident and the trespassing thing but I ain't telling.


http://www.moviequotequiz.com/othersounds/SceneInTheMovie.wav

:banghead:

[wilebill]

Okay. The incidents with the kid with the gun and the kids from HHS trespassing are related somehow. There was something going on between these kids.

[Wayward]

Excellent guest column in today's Hattiesburg American by Glenn Swan, Superintendent of Lamar County Schools.

The first paragraph addresses the national problem and the full article discusses specific steps taken by Lamar County Schools.

In the wake of the school violence that has occurred during the past two weeks, students, parents and school staff once again are faced with the reality that we live in an era unlike any in the past with respect to school safety.

The full article (http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061008/OPINION01/610080305&SearchID=73259270373190) is certainly worth a read.

:smt006

[kevin]

AH gone are the days that I only feared the gun of the girl's dad after a OG Dance.

[Kitty]

Excellent guest column in today's Hattiesburg American by Glenn Swan, Superintendent of Lamar County Schools.

The first paragraph addresses the national problem and the full article discusses specific steps taken by Lamar County Schools.

The full article (http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061008/OPINION01/610080305&SearchID=73259270373190) is certainly worth a read.

Yes, a very good guest column by Glenn Swan.

Another (http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061008/OPINION01/610080307/1014/NEWS17) opinion piece in Sunday's HA touched on the 1997 Pearl High School tragedy. I didn't realize this, but the school's assistant principal was able to hold Luke Woodham at bay until police arrived by going to his car to get his gun, a .45-caliber pistol.

The assistant principal had a gun on school property.

In this case, his gun possession likely saved the lives of many more that day.

As the authors of this piece noted, very little was said about the assistant principal's heroism, and even less about his handgun.

[Derrick B]

blah blah blah oak grove blah blah hattiesburg whips there a$$ blah blah blah thugs beat preps to a pulp blah blah blah kid from new orleans going to school in oak grove supposed to be at hattiesburg oops blah blah blah
Well if you dont like the post shut the blah blah up:smt070

[Derrick B]

So good to see that Dave will dog a lady out but takes up for a carsalesguy, wow you know how honest they are.....most at least and if you dont like it move....:smt102

[dave06668]

So good to see that Dave will dog a lady out but takes up for a carsalesguy, wow you know how honest they are.....most at least and if you dont like it move....:smt102DOG A LADY OUT ?????????????????????????????????????????????????W HAT THE HELL ARE YOU ON TODAY?

[Derrick B]

The couch with my wife .................lol and you?