Purrmaid... EXACTLY! The few teachers I had in High School (early 70's) who really engaged us and found a way to make learning fun, were the teachers I worked the hardest for. I actually enjoyed core classes because I had "fun" teachers.

I had one teacher that taught Algebra and Graphic Arts. He was a volunteer fireman in our community. (He looked like Popeye, but had a handle-bar mustache and a bald head!!!) While I simply never "got" Algebra... The graphic Arts course was soooo much fun! We pan developed film negatives... etc... and he taught me so much. In those days, that field was dominated by men. My parents fought me all the way, about taking the class. But being in his Algebra class made me want to take the other course.

Well guess what? I have been in the Graphic Arts field for nearly 35 years!!! He inspired me to take on a non-conventional field. If I knew if he was still alive, I would call him!

Just the thought that Matthew Ries could inspire others under his teaching to reach their goals but because of parents freaking out over "contact" that is supposedly seen as a violation of whatever, is sad. Being politically correct is killing us!

Opinionated people!? Are you for real? You badmouth BeloitGuy's opinion and accuse him of hiding behind an annonomous forum then do the same thing? Wow!

BeloitGuy......forums are for debate. Some of the opinions you are having are very strong. These forums shouldn't be anonymous though. It would force opinionated people like yourself that know it all to own up to your comments. Easy to badmouth people when they don't know who is doing it, isn't it?

I wanted to claify something I stated earlier on here...I did not intend to make it seem like he was given a minimal punishment because he was a baseball coach at Turner. I would have said the same thing for whatever season was in session and at any school in the area. As a coach myself I have seen people get second chance after second chance after incidents that shouldn't be acceptable. Maybe it has to do with coaching or being part of a program, maybe not. I apologize if anyone reading this thought I was going after the Turner baseball program. That was certainly not my intention. I have worked with some of the people on the staff there and know they are great guys and have wonderful baseball minds.
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That still doesn't mean I agree with the way the situation was handled. Isn't that what forums like this are for? For people to debate? In the long run maybe I am an old fuddy duddy! Still it doesn't change I look at things. Again, I hope I didn't offend anyone and I apologize if I did!

I wish I could go to work and put someone in a headlock (jokingly) and only get three days off!!!!!

Well said "AgainWithThis". When I think of the teachers that had the biggest affect on me, they were the ones who personalized their interaction with me and who conducted themselves with integrity. The number one motivator isn't money or prestige, it is "praise from someone you respect."

Beloitguy--you obviously have never worked with kids before. I have for many many years. Kids need and should have adults they can kid around with, be comfortable with. Adults should be able to high five a kid, give an apporpriate 'side' hug and be appropriate with a kid. You quite obviously think every adult is out there to hurt or violate your child. It must be a very lonely, sad world you live in.

Beloitguy's kids are too young to be on any HS team - he said. I understand his opinion about this now... he's thinking of his little kids....

Wait till they are in High School and playing sports! These kids absolutely LOVE the camaraderie and horsing around, that is part of the athletics in high school.

Most kids (not all of course) are starved for adult interaction that is FUN!!! Both parents working full time... their energy and patience frayed. Kids that get into sports have a special connection with coaches, if the coaches are child/sports centered, and can "clown" around once in a while.

Good grief, why is EVERY interaction between a student and teacher HAVE to be perceived as being the result of some sick - disgusting perversion? We have lost sight of the outcome of the relationships our children develop with the staff of our schools.

I would be willing to bet money - many teachers would actually enjoy teaching if they didn't have to deal with this crap!!!

Is this one of those "child abuse" situations we hear about, where if someone steps on someones foot accidentally, there is jail time that needs to be served?
I remember in elementary school, my principal hat a wooden paddle, and would give "birthday spankings" with it. Someone called and coplained that it was their job to punish their children, so he had to get rid of it.
It's been all down hill since then.
Thank you Dr. Spock

Pretty sure that had he done that to a male athlete student it wouldn't have been an issue at all. Silly. Poor guy.

And........I'm done with this topic.

BeloitGuy.....no one is disagreeing with you. It was wrong and the teacher admits that. I never argued that. My stance is that you seem to make this WORSE than it really is. Speeding is against the law. Is doing 5 over the same as doing 50 over? NO.
Here you go. You are right.

I guess that NEVER EVER should anyone of authority touch anyone else. We all know that there are NEVER exceptions to any rules. And all indicents should be treated the same.

Where in the world did you get that? All I am saying is a person of authority has no right to put his/her hands on a subordinate...period! To say they get along doesn't make this any different.

BeloitGuy.....No one is saying this is acceptable. He was punished and an investigation occurred. It is not acceptable and it probably won't happen again, no matter the relationship. The kid and the parents have no problem. That is the important issue. They are who matter here, not you and me. You sound like you have never had any contact with kids before, ie coaching, teaching, etc. If you have, you've never joked around with a kid before? Come on.......

beloit guy you are trying to make it sound like he sexually assaulted this girl and he didn't and with people like you saying this is why it probably won't die down. GIVE IT A REST

You guys are right, I am wrong. Who doesn't want their child being placed in wrestling moves during Spanish class? The 16/17 year old student had a great relatioship with the 40 year old teacher. Understanding that makes this so much more acceptable!

what you need to be worrying about are all these teachers that are to busy trying to ruin someone else that their not doing thier own job. by the way what is the name of the teacher who reported this? i think Mr.Ries has been slandered enough, now its time to let this teacher get back to doing his job. good luck Mr. Ries.

BeloitGuy - this teacher is already being punished i doubt he will do it again he though it was joking around just because of people like you who can't take a joke. if the people involved are okay then let it go

BeloitGuy........pretty sure there won't be a next time. Also, the District did an investigation and made sure all students were safe. They concluded no malice was intended. They did their job and it talks about how the students' interests were put ahead of anyone else. I'm sure the fact that the student and teacher have a good relationship is why this happened. It wouldn't have happened if both parties disliked each other. But since you heard from numerous people that he was showing her he could make her pass out, I'm sure you are right. You probably know more than the District. Maybe you should tell them what you heard from numerous people. Hearsay is very reliable.....

Upto - And it really doesn't matter who wants something "to go away". What happens next time this occurs and the parents of that child aren't quite as willing to sweep it under the rug? The School District of Beloit Turner has an obligation to make sure that all children are safe all the time.

Upto - Where did you get I was backtracking? I have heard from numerous people that is exactly what happened.

BeloitGuy....now you are retracting that you know he was trying to show her he could make her pass out? I see. Backtracking is nice. You are right. There is no reason. I believe it says he owned up to his actions and is sorry. The bottom line is that it was not done maliciously and was a joke that maybe went too far. No one was injured, nor was anyone trying to injure someone. All parties are content with the punishment and want the whole situation to be over. No need to go any further down this rabbit trail.

Uptospeed - They do a wonderful job at Turner baseball. If I had sons old enough to play HS baseball I would want them to go there. Still, there is a perception that some people can get away with certain things when they are affiliated with a program.
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I still can't find any reason someone would defend a person of authority putting his/her hands on a child under any circumstance, no matter the relationship between the two.

BeloitGuy.......sounds like you know everything. No where does it say he was trying to show her he could make her pass out. Did you just assume that? You know what assuming does to you, right? Also sounds like you have a grudge against Turner or the baseball program. From what I know, they do a pretty dang good job over there.
I agree with latinmami2.....people not involved are making this a big deal. Just let it go. Everyone involved, including the district has put this to rest.

the only reason this is turning into a big deal is because people who were not involved in the incident are making it a big deal

I am sorry, but I wouldn't want any 40ish male teacher putting his hands on my daughter....period. From everything I heard he was trying to prove that he could make her pass out by putting her in this "hold". What a fine upstanding man he must be! I wonder if he wasn't part of the ever precious baseball staff at Beloit Turner if he would be in a little more hot water.

Kids benefit from APPROPRIATE touching from adults and yes, even their teachers. From the sounds of it this WAS appropriate--he was joking with a student. It is healthy for a child (teen) to have a bond with their teachers. This is a very sad indication of how our society is!

I too think that this "incident" was reported by another teacher who worries more about what his/her coworkers are doing and also quite possibly jealous of this teachers historical success and popularity with students and their parents.

if you really want to see muscles...

Or is introduced to my proctologist.

I think it's time for big bad mathew516 to relax before he has a heart attack.

Boundries?
No touching rules?
Someone should tell that to my proctologist!
Or even his teacher.

ljs64~~sorry I mistook your comment. But you must admit that with some of the comments that get posted, sometimes it's hard to discern them properly. I'm glad to see we at least agree on the absurdity of this situation with the teacher.

Let me tell you a bit about Matthew Ries. I have had the pleasure of knowing Matthew Ries for a number of years know. This man has always been about kids first. HIs own, mine, and yours. To have the repor that he has, the heart, caring, and compassion is unmatched. He has helped many students get through tuff times as well as myself. I know for a fact a former student looks at him as a father figure because his has passed away. I also know he has helped many kids feel like they have a figure in their life that is stable and that they can go to in their tuff times. This man has done a great deal of good for his family, the community, and Beloit Turner. To even question his character is absurd. This man would never do anything to harm any student. The fact of the matter is we want to make something out of nothing and bring down a great family man and teacher. Matt you have done great things for my family, other families, and their kids in the past. This has helped mold and change their lives for the better. You will get through this. God does everything for a reason, we may not know why, but he is the ultimate one. You will get through this with the support of your family and friends. I have never talked bad about Matthew Ries and I never will because he is someone I can look up to and I would be proud if my kids did the same. I would be an honor to have my kids be your student or participate on a team you coach because of the positive attitude, repor, love, compassion, and thoughtfulness you have for what you do. Don't loose faith. Don't loose sight of everything you have accomplished and set out to accomplish. Last but not least Thank-You Matthew Ries for whom you are.

Huh? No one involved in the situation is complaining, just an unidentified "staff member"?

How awful to have such a good relationship with the students -- obviously not the sort of person who should be in a classroom. It's so much better to have students feel disconnected and alienated.

Next, they'd better suspend all of the wrestlers, football players, gymnastic spotters, and anyone else who touches anyone else without malice at Turner. In fact better even forget about shaking hands with students when they graduate, just in case.

Sigh!

Rummagesalesrock...I think you're dead-on...
Sounds to me there may be a teacher or two... who finds his close relationship with his students, something they can only dream of. Envy is what I would call it...

He's a wrestling coach, for crying out loud!!!

I think it's time for Big Bad Barack to come in to Turner Schools and flex his muscles.....

So maybe we need to make a policy like the middle school out east - a "no touching policy". What are we doing to our kids??? When does common sense prevail? No harm done, NEXT! The school disrupted the kids' learning time by suspending this guy and getting a sub, and sent a clear message to everyone, that THERE IS NO HAVING FUN ALLOWED IN SCHOOL! Yikes!

Wow! Someone here has thin skin. Maybe it's time for all the local school districts to go over what is considered appropriate contact between staff and students. They can hold their conference at the local Holiday Inn.

Complete nonsense. This teacher should have never been punished. A class for knowing your limits with students? Are you kidding me? Sounds like this teacher is a well liked teacher and has a great relationship with his students and maybe another teacher is a bit jealous of that? Things that make you go hmmmm?!

Maybe I am not seeing it in the article...but where was the Spanish teacher involved in this?

AgainwithThis - Can you sense sarcasm?? Apparently not.

Public humiliation over this...PC run amok. Let's see now: Our schools feature drug use, esp. heroin, booze, appallingly bad behavior, filthy language, and no respect shown by students to anyone because teachers and adminitrators are worried about 'rights' and lawsuits all of the time.

Bellagio......you are correct. There are boundaries. It says the teacher took responsibility for his actions. In a harmless case, this should be forgotten. It shouldn't ruin someone's reputation and teaching career. No one is upset by the situation that was ACTUALLY INVOLVED with the situation...ie student, parents, administration, etc. I bet the teacher never gets into a situation like that again.

ljs64~~Background checks should and are done on teachers BUT THAT HAS NOTHING to do with this case. It was a joke, the student and the parents don't care it happened. They need to let it go. How utterly ridiculous.

Headlock??? That is soooo old school. Personally, I would have gone for the rear naked choke:)

On a serious note, it doesn't matter if the teacher was joking or not; there are boundaries. There is a "no-contact" rule for a reason. And that rule eliminates this type of "misunderstandings".

I agree with Purrmaid. Didn't you read that the kid and the parents were in full support of the teacher? This was done in a joking manner. Why this was even investigated is beyond me. Sounds like a waste of taxpayer money to me.

Lighten up Baybeegirl. Take a look at the facts before you go ballistic condemning someone and calling for the loss of their career and reputation over a non-issue.

He should be fired, not suspended, if I were the students parents, I'd be steaming hot!

"was suspended for three days without pay,"

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"Ries was suspended with pay on March 25 during the investigation, McCarthy wrote. Ries was suspended without pay on March 26 and 27."

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March 26th and March 27th = 2 days without pay NOT 3 days without pay.

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I hope BT does better at teaching math than this.

Yea, I was also in grade school (80s) when corporal punishment in the schools (at least in Ohio0 was okay. Parents were okay with our fifth-grade teacher having a wooden paddle, with holes, hanging about the classroom door. Believe me, it did get used for justifiable reasons!

Let's see how long it takes for someone to complain and say........."We should have a test for teachers to avoid these types of things" or "The school district should conduct background investigations on teachers before hiring them."

I understand protecting the youth, but how many times do we see kids that grew up with their teachers? How many teachers that are locals spent time babysitting these kids?

True, the children need to be protected, but the students, parents, AND teacher took appropriate action. I applaud the teacher for owning up to the actions! Poor teachers would not admit to it! Then to have the student and his/her parent support the teacher in that it was a good student-teacher relationship. How often does THAT happen?

I do pray that this does not lead to a whole slew of negativity.

if the parents are supporting the teacher and it said was done in a joking manner what is the big deal. why suspend why not just a warning then if done again suspend

Wow, is the Gazette trying to stir the pot here, or what!
"When asked, McCarthy said district officials could not confirm whether the student became unconcious during the incident." I suppose officials could not confirm that he was drinking, on drugs or sexually assaulted her either - surprised the Gazette left all of that usual speculation out.

The Gazette, stir the pot....nah, never. That would be like saying the governor would go back on his promise not to raise taxes, oh wait.

Matt is a good guy. This is way overblown.

http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/...
It was reported by another teacher. Shouldn't that teachers name be mentioned?

Sounds like Turner has finally gone to the "Demolition Man school of no contact."
Greetings and salutations Lanina Huxley

This seems to be a non issue to me, why was anything done about this at all?

This was a joking matter, one the student was apart of. Unfortunatly it amounted to this. He took full responsibility and admited he was wrong! His character still remains one with high class and integrity! He is a great coach and an even better teacher! I stand proud to support him!

Wow, is the Gazette trying to stir the pot here, or what!
"When asked, McCarthy said district officials could not confirm whether the student became unconcious during the incident." I suppose officials could not confirm that he was drinking, on drugs or sexually assaulted her either - surprised the Gazette left all of that usual speculation out.

Back in the days when I was in school (the sixties) when a teacher threw you up against a locker, you deserved it! The only one who got suspended was the student!!!

I once got a 2 day bloody nose from a crossface.