Principal suspends class to investigate

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A middle school principal takes over for one of his teachers and ends up suspending the entire class.

Managing middle school students can be a tough task. Cranford Burns' Principal Johnny Adams knows about this first hand.

"In middle school, things can get out of control in a hurry, like sharks in water. Once they see blood, they all chime in. Sometimes, you have to take drastic measures if you want to teach in class," said Principal Adams.

And that is exactly what he did Wednesday. Adams said a teacher had reached her limit with a disruptive class; so, she notified him and then left for the day.

"Three to four students got into an argument using obscene language, slapping each other; and the teacher couldn't get it under control," said Adams.  "So, I watched the class for her."

Adams said he initially suspended the entire eighth grade class. But later determined it was four students responsible for the violence.

He said he spent all of Wednesday night calling parents to let them know who could come back, and who couldn't.

"I was able to get in contact with all of the parents except for two that we did not have current numbers for," said Adams.

Adams also said he supports his teacher.

"She was by herself and she did the best she could with out of hand students. She is not here today, because it's upsetting. They are here to teach and do a good job, and sometimes they can't," said Adams.

Adams also said he looked up the grades all of the students in the class and overall it is a good class.

"Besides the four students, mostly A & B students," added Adams.

Adams did not say how long the other students would be suspended.