Appeal starts for school leader fired over ‘New Butt’ book

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Category: Education/Family

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. hearing / ˈhɪər ɪŋ / (n.) – an official meeting in court where arguments about a case are presented
    Example:

    The lawyer examined the witness’ statements during the hearing.


  2. principal / ˈprɪn sə pəl / (n.) – a person who leads an educational institution
    Example:

    The principal sets a regular meeting with teachers and staff to discuss important school issues.


  3. suburb / ˈsʌb ɜrb / (n.) – a smaller residential area along the edge of a larger city
    Example:

    I don’t want to raise my child in a big city, so we’re moving to the suburbs.


  4. backside / ˈbækˌsaɪd / (n.) – the part of the body that a person sits on
    Example:

    I slipped on the stairs and fell on my backside.


  5. armor / ˈɑr mər / (n.) – a strong or thick covering that’s meant to protect the body from attacks
    Example:

    You can find an old full-body armor displayed in the museum.


Article

Read the text below.

A Mississippi school district has begun a hearing for an assistant principal who was fired after reading a book called “I Need a New Butt” to second grade students.


Toby Price is trying to regain his job at Gary Road Elementary School in the Jackson suburb of Byram.


On the first day of Price’s employment appeal hearing Monday, Hinds County School District Superintendent Delesicia Martin told WLBT-TV that some teachers were anxious about how parents would react if they learned Price had read aloud a book about a child who tries to find a new backside.


The book by Dawn McMillan is illustrated with cartoons that show the character considering an armor-plated butt, a rocket butt and a robot butt.


“The teachers had stated that the content of the book was inappropriate,” Martin said. In response to questions, she said no students or parents had complained.


Price has been an educator for two decades and was assistant principal at Gary Road Elementary for three years before he was fired three weeks ago.


“I Need a New Butt” has a suggested age range from 4 to 10 years, and Price said he had read the light-hearted book at previous school districts without hearing complaints.


During the hearing Monday, Price’s attorney listed other books in the Gary Road Elementary library that have similar themes or illustrations, including “Captain Underpants.”


Price said he is strengthened by support from the public, including letters from parents and grandparents that show children reading the book.


The hearing is scheduled to resume next week.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Do you agree with the school administration’s decision to fire Price because of the book he read to the children? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think teachers should strictly use only books recommended by the school, or should they have the freedom to choose? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • What should parents, teachers, and guardians consider when choosing a book to read to children (ex. age recommendation, theme)? Why? Discuss.
  • Do you think it’s okay to publish children’s books with controversial themes or illustrations? Who do you think should decide if the themes of a book are okay for children (ex. the government, schools)? Discuss.