The increase in acts of violence since the start of the 2024 school year is at the heart of the concerns of teachers and parents of students at Kléber college in Haguenau (Bas-Rhin). Physical and verbal violence, between students, towards school staff, parents of students are organizing a “dead school” operation on December 18.
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It is difficult to explain or understand what could have caused this increase in acts of violence at the Kléber college in Haguenau. But the observation is clear. “Since the start of the school year in September, we have organized eight disciplinary councils”explains a teacher. “We looked in our archives, it’s unheard of in such a short time”.
The college has 530 students and if the question of difficulties has always existed, this year it takes on an unprecedented dimension. The teacher who entered his 10th year at this establishment says he is stunned by the violence he sees himself.“We have to deal with fights and insults almost daily. Often between students. Sometimes they are insults towards teachers or even college staff.” A deleterious climate that everyone within the establishment takes seriously. “The administration is obviously with us, motivated. We have put in place projects, times to discuss this situation. But unfortunately, the violence persists.”
A feeling of helplessness mixed with that of urgency to find a solution. Kléber college has six AEDs (educational assistants), twice as many as a college of the same size. “But even with six supervisors, they are overwhelmed. Acts of violence mainly take place at recess and outside of classrooms. And the last act, a supervisor was injured when separating two young people during yet another fight. It was too much”, denounces the teacher. And continue “They can’t be everywhere, all the time.”
The college must be classified as REP
Teacher at Kléber college wishing to remain anonymous
So what solutions? The parents of students ask the rectorate that the file for the classification of the establishment in a priority zone be placed at the top of the pile. “It is urgent today that the college be placed in REP (priority education network). This means more resources and fewer students in class.” The parents of students who also turn to the town hall so that the latter can take up the matter. “We must rethink the assignment of students excluded from their establishment and who often end up at Kléber college” they insist. It may not be the miracle solution “but we must do everything we can to ensure that our children can study in a calm and peaceful climate.”
This Wednesday, December 18, a “dead college” operation will be organized by parents of students to denounce the situation. “So that everyone, the rectorate but also teachers, staff and families become aware of the seriousness of the situation.”
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