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Fitchburg school apologizes for teacher's speech to students

An Iowa high school associate principal had to be hospitalized after he intervened in a student fight and one student punched him, school officials said.

FITCHBURG, Mass. — Administrators at a public school in Fitchburg are apologizing to students and parents for a speech made during a ceremony held Wednesday evening.

“On behalf of the administration and staff, we would like to sincerely apologize for the remarks made at the beginning of last night’s 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony,” administrators at McKay Arts Academy wrote in a letter to parents on Thursday. “They were unexpected and way out of line.”

A parent, who asked Boston 25 News not to use her name, said the speech was delivered by a teacher. The parent said the teacher’s remarks were overall negative as he talked about students being disrespectful, having poor attendance and use of social media to be inappropriate.

Administrators met with students Thursday morning to discuss the remarks and told them they were not aware beforehand of what the teacher was going to say. They said the comments are not reflective of what the school is all about.

“Those remarks in no way represent the feelings and perceptions of staff and administration toward our students and families,” their letter continued.

Administrators said their goal is to build a positive community of mutual respect between students, staff and families.

“McKay is a welcoming, inclusive school that honors diversity and has set a goal to prepare its students to live as contributing members in our society,” the administrators added in their leader.

Administrators said they hope parents and students are able to reflect on the many positive aspects of the ceremony and their time spent at McKay.

“Most importantly, remember that your student has been surrounded by positive teachers that have made a valuable impact on them,” the administrators said. “We all wish nothing but the best for your sons and daughters as they transition off to high school and begin a new chapter in their life.”

McKay Arts Academy is a Pre K-8 Innovation School.