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Teacher arrested after alleged altercation with 13-year-old student in St. Helena Parish
GREENSBURG - A teacher was arrested after an alleged altercation with a 13-year-old student at St. Helena Career and College Academy, according to the St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Department.
Ambria Cook was arrested for simple battery after a Wednesday altercation with a female student, deputies said.
WBRZ reached out to the mother of the child, Keisha Henry Burns, who described what happened in the classroom, saying other students had witnessed the event.
"She was calling my child slow, she can't read, and saying that she was retarded, and that's why she has an IEP," said Burns.
Burns said her child does have special needs, but she said kids will be kids and the situation could have been avoided. She does admit her child hit the teacher first, but only after the teacher taunted her.
"She pulled her hair; my child is missing hair," said Burns
Burns is unsure if her child is being charged.
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The court date for Cook is being set for October, according to the SHPSD. Deputies did not comment on whether the student was facing charges.
In a letter given to school employees, the St. Helena Parish Superintendent said in part that both parties were "in the wrong" and "as educators, we are entrusted with the responsibility to de-escalate situations, not escalate them...On the other hand, learners should also understand that under no circumstances is it acceptable to physically confront a teacher."
Here is the full letter in its entirety:
"I am writing to address the unfortunate incident that took place yesterday, involving a physical altercation between a teacher and a learner. This situation is deeply concerning and has highlighted the importance of maintaining professionalism and fostering positive relationships with our learners.
First and foremost, it is essential to acknowledge that both parties were in the wrong. As educators, we are entrusted with the responsibility to deescalate situations, not escalate them. Our role is to guide and support our learners, even in moments of conflict. On the other hand, learners should also understand that under no circumstances is it acceptable to physically confront a teacher. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of what we must strive to avoid in our interactions with them.
The foundation of a successful educational environment lies in the relationships we build with our learners. When they know that you genuinely care about their well-being and success, they are more likely to respect you and go above and beyond in their efforts. Yesterday’s incident, which could have been prevented, unfortunately undermined the positive progress we have made since the start of the school year. It has shaken public confidence in our school, and we now face the challenge of repairing that damage.
I want to take this moment to express my sincere gratitude to those of you who have remained consistent in your commitment to our learners. Your dedication and heart for our kids do not go unnoticed, and it is through your efforts that we will be able to rebuild trust and move forward from this incident.
As we reflect on what happened, let’s use this as a learning opportunity. It’s a call to recommit ourselves to the principles of empathy, patience, and relationship-building. Let’s work together to create an environment where conflicts are managed with professionalism and where every learner feels valued and understood.
Thank you for your continued dedication to St. Helena Parish School District and for the positive impact you make every day. We will move forward together, stronger and more unified in our mission to educate and inspire. We are STILL #StHelenaWINNING!"
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