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A child with a lighter set a small fire on the second floor at Larson Elementary School on Wednesday. Christopher Funge, a third-grade teacher at the school, put the fire out with a fire extinguisher and is being credited with saving the school from extensive damage. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)
Teacher, custodian may have saved Larson Elementary School
Student to be charged with felony arson; all students evacuated
By Jennifer Bonnett
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Thursday, April 23, 2009 2:19 PM PDT
A Larson Elementary School student with a disposable lighter set a small fire that resulted in the school being evacuated and one adult needing treatment for smoke inhalation Wednesday morning.
The school was evacuated at around 10 a.m., and firefighters arriving on scene at the school located off Legacy Way in south Lodi reported seeing light smoke from the second story.
The fire had already been extinguished and none of the students were injured, but a the fire did scorch a wall and burn a display of student artwork depicting Chinese dragons.
Christopher Funge
Third-grade teacher Christopher Funge is being hailed as a hero by police and school staff for quickly putting out the fire using a fire extinguisher.
Larson Principal Cheryl Nilmeyer said the incident began with the school's fire alarm going off shortly after recess.
Funge stepped out of his classroom when he heard the alarm and smelled smoke. After walking out into the hallway, he spotted flames spreading up a wall toward the ceiling.
Nilmeyer said Funge grabbed a fire extinguisher and knocked down the flames.
"His quick thinking saved the entire school," she said, adding that the fire could have spread into the ceiling and from there could have blazed throughout the entire school.
Head custodian Troy Morgan is also credited with helping clear students from the building. After the fire, he was transported by ambulance to the hospital and received treatment for smoke inhalation.
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Nilmeyer would only describe the student who started the fire as being of "intermediate age," meaning grades 4 to 6.
Under district education code, the punishment for anyone who sets or attempts to set a fire on school grounds is an automatic five-day suspension.
Lodi Police Detective Steve Maynard said the student has already been suspended, and expulsion may be recommended. Further, because it is a felony to set fire to an inhabited building, arson charges will be filed and his parents may have to pay restitution.
"Thank goodness for the quick response of our personnel," said Art Hand, the school district's associate superintendent of buildings and facilities.
After a quick evacuation, teachers used the district's automated system to call each parent, and students were sent home early so clean-up could begin.
Hand said his staff would remove the damaged six-by-six-foot section of wall material and air out the building before its re-opening this morning.
On Wednesday morning, Lodi Police and district personnel streamed in and out of the building as three fire engines with lights flashing remained on scene to help with the investigation. Neighbors lined the streets of the fairly new neighborhood, as both school board President Richard Jones and Superintendent Cathy Nichols-Washer stopped by to survey the damage.
After being evacuated, the school's 687 students sat on the athletic field grass waiting to be picked up. Some played games of tag or Duck, Duck Goose while others rested in temperatures already reaching 80 degrees.
"The staff there was phenomenal," Associate Superintendent Catherine Pennington said following the incident, adding that through the district's Connect-Ed system, all of the students were picked up from school by 1 p.m. "Our maintenance staff was also able to find the same wallpaper, so it will be up and school back in session (today)."
The fire took place in the middle of the school's annual STAR examinations, and Pennington said students will pick up where they left off this morning.
Maynard, too, praised the school's evacuation effort and the teachers that kept the students busy while outside for an extended time.
"If it were not for the actions of (Funge), they could of lost a major portion of the school the way the fire was burning up toward the ceiling," he said.
Nilmeyer said the students evacuated the school in about a minute. She said it was the "best it could have been under such terrible circumstances."
Following the morning's events, Nilmeyer said, teachers and administrators gathered for a staff meeting and a "major group hug."
She said everyone at the school is thankful for the selfless actions of Funge and Morgan, and that the fire did not turn out to be worse.
"Without exchanging words, we all knew it could have been really bad if everyone hadn't acted like they had," she said.
News-Sentinel City Editor Andrew Adams contributed to this report.
Contact reporter Jennifer Bonnett at jenniferb@lodinews.com.
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Lodian wrote on May 1, 2009 2:20 PM:
Lodian wrote on May 1, 2009 2:17 PM:
my belief wrote on May 1, 2009 6:31 AM:
blossom wrote on Apr 30, 2009 3:48 PM:
I have never seen ANY fire alarm taken lightly EVER!
Caution , yes if you have a kid that keeps pulling the fire alarm several times a day.
WE ALWAYS handle every sitation gracefully, with precision, and FAST~
I would love to see LUSD let people job shadow employees they would be so amazed!
If someone were to job shadow me for 1 week with just all the walking/running. They wouldn't be able to walk for a week!
LOL Good job Larson, LUSD, Everyone did a GREAT JOB! "
Lodian wrote on Apr 30, 2009 9:33 AM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 30, 2009 9:33 AM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 30, 2009 9:16 AM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 30, 2009 9:13 AM:
You are being melodramatic. "
MoJo wrote on Apr 29, 2009 6:45 PM:
Cathy Pennington is worried about "matching wallpaper" are you kidding me. We could have had children burn to death last week. Why isn't both Lodi News Sentinel and Lodi Unified on top of this one. I guess they think this is all going to just dry up and blow away.
Lodian, get with the program. It looks like "through the grace of God" we escaped a disaster that could have taken many lives. If the school district knows what everyone else in town knows why don't tell us what they are doing about it.
At least was honest enough to tell the truth. Where's her bosses? When is LNS going to follow-up? This stinks! "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 29, 2009 5:30 PM:
By her own words on seelodi.com the TEST was her priority and keeping the test valid. It was only after the alarm was comfirmed that she took it seriously. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2009 11:54 AM:
Of course not, and safety was definitely the priority here. You seem to think that since the principal confirmed the alarm on the board that safety was not the priority. Contrary to what you suspect, safety was of the utmost priority. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2009 11:41 AM:
I would have to know the details of the situation before forming my opinion. I don't like to "guess" at whom I would praise or not in an imaginary "what if" question. There are details to be considered so I cannot answer this question as you would like. Sorry, but I'm dealing in reality in this case. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2009 11:32 AM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2009 11:27 AM:
They always took this seriously, Rhodie. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2009 11:23 AM:
blossom wrote on Apr 29, 2009 11:12 AM:
I have never worked at Larson School but, I have worked for LUSD a long time and I can tell you it does happen.
We do time the evacuation on fire drills, Their is a folder in the office that you can see how long it takes to evacuate the school.
These drills, Fire, Earthquake,lockdown drills are done monthly.
Everyone knows what to do in these situations that is why we practice. "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 29, 2009 11:02 AM:
Lodian, I'm trying to understand your stance here. Are you saying safty should only be taken seriously AFTER someone gets hurt? You are singing the praises of this principle because everyone got out and was safe, but she DID delay the evacuation of the kids with a gamble that the alarm was false.
You continually avoid the question so here you go again, would the principle still deserve your praise if her 30second delay caused one child to be harmed?
This time things worked out anit has become a teaachable moment, are we goingto teach the kids to disregard the fire alarms until someone tells then to evacuate or do we teach them that safty is nothing to gamble with? "
blossom wrote on Apr 29, 2009 10:46 AM:
As I said this happens every day,it just dosen't make the paper because, it is usually in the garbage cans in the bathrooms.
If you know you have a student pulling the alarms several times a day occassionally this willl result in a hold pattern.
Like I said it takes seconds to determine if it is in fact a fire or not.
: ) "
new2cali wrote on Apr 29, 2009 10:28 AM:
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 29, 2009 10:24 AM:
" Rhodie: The teachers are in charge of making these decisions in their classroom, not the kids."
I never said the kids were making the decisions. It was the principle who made the choice to gamble the fire alarm was not the real deal. "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 29, 2009 10:23 AM:
What I am saying is that this time things worked out, but what about next time? Next time there is a real fire, a dangerous fire, and this principle says stay in your seats until they can verify it is a dangerous fire that minute, 45 seconds, 30 seconds could be the differance between kids getting out alive or burning to death. Ask a firefighter how long it takes for fire to go from small to dangerous. Fire, especially in schools, should never be trivialized as I feel the principle did with her first announcement.
Yeah, this time, once they took it seriously, the staff acted and reacted great. I never said they didn't but it was the first announcement to stay seated that has got me worked up. At the very least the first announcement should have been to the effect of "prepare to evacuate we are checking the source", not for the kids to stay in their seats. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2009 9:35 AM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2009 9:31 AM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 29, 2009 9:25 AM:
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 29, 2009 8:29 AM:
" To me sounds like procedure was followed to the T."
I'm sorry blossom, just looking for clarification here. Are you saying that telling kids to disregard a fire alarm is standard procedure? "
blossom wrote on Apr 28, 2009 7:04 PM:
I say this with knowledge, You hear the alarm and go to the panel, on the panel it tells you exactly which alarm has been triggered, Everyone has 2 way radios for communication and we evaluate and evacuate from there.
Most of the time the Custodian is the one that will say " for instance Smoke room 22 proceed with evacuation, The Fire Dept is on their way and there is NO stopping them and you cannnot clear an alarm until the Fire Dept has evaluated the incident and insturucts me to sound the "all clear" bell.
Thats the way it goes down.... oncein process you cannot stop it.
Sorry to keep going on and on but I do this every single day... "
blossom wrote on Apr 28, 2009 6:55 PM:
Everyone was on task "doing what was best for the students"!
you can evacuate a school in about 2 minuites EASY!
we time them every month~ We all know exactly how much time we need to evaluate and evauate a facility~ we practice every month they are times and everyone knows their place and when its real it goes like clockwork~
We need to fight as a community to keep our Custodians jobs we are losing them at an alarming rate we are dispensible "they think"
I promise you we are not~ Not the good ones anyway....anytime that there is an emeergency at a school and everyone is alive it was handled correctly, when somthing goes wrong then you need to take a look~
Good job Larson~ "
blossom wrote on Apr 28, 2009 6:44 PM:
Yes, it is VERY irritating and puts People's lives in danger.
I cannot tell you how many bathroom fires I have etinguishes, Garbage can fires etc...
Most never make the paper but it happens daily and it does make my blood boil.
The Custodian was treated for smoke inhalation.
That tells me he was rite there with an extinguisher in hand, what if he had been burned badly or his clothes caught fire??
Just because some kids wanted to be a little fart!
I know when the Fire Dept shows up and they find the student they REALLY put the fear of GOD into these kids!
They just dnt understand the what if's of life : (
I REALLY hope they don't lay off any more Custodians we are working with a skeleton crew at best and we REALLY do alot that people never think of.Iknow Mr and Mrs. Morgan personally and you couldn't ask for nicer people, I am glad he wasn't hurt or anyone else for that matter!
Thanx for your support "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 28, 2009 5:27 PM:
sam wrote on Apr 28, 2009 5:11 PM:
Did Mrs Nillmeyer really say it was a false alarm and tell the students not to evacuate while her school was burning?
Or is this blogger Jerry a liar trying to destroy Mrs Nillmeyer reputation?
I am both curious and concerned. This is a terrible slam against an administrator if Lodian's claims are correct.
LNS, can we please have the true story? Should I ask the Stockton Record? "
Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2009 11:52 AM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2009 11:48 AM:
blossom wrote on Apr 28, 2009 11:13 AM:
blossom wrote on Apr 28, 2009 11:12 AM:
In most cases it IS a false alarm.
These new schols are SO sensitive that just hot water stam will set them off If you use a webster around them it will set them off. They are VERY VERY sensitive. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2009 11:00 AM:
"You may read the Principal's account, published yesterday, on www.SeeLodi.com"
Yes, and the inaccuracies (by Jerry-Closson) are pointed out. I think Mrs. Nilmeyer's responses were articulate, honest, clear and thoughtful. Jerry-Closson should not jump the gun and launch a personal attack before he has the facts.
So will there be an apology coming soon to Mrs. Nilmeyer, and others here, Jerry (Closson)? "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 28, 2009 10:37 AM:
By her own admission she didn't want the test interupted because of a fire alarm.
So what if there have been false alarms pulled. You get the students out of the building BEFORE assuming it is a false alarm.
Back when I went to school the alarm pulls had a dye spray that would tag anyone who pulled the alarms. Don't know if they still have them.
But thank you Lodian for comfirming that you thing a principle who risks students lives for a test is worthy of your praises. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2009 10:00 AM:
Is Jerry DR. C ? Something to consider. "
Keferd wrote on Apr 28, 2009 9:41 AM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2009 9:30 AM:
Is Jerry DR. C ? Something to consider. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2009 9:24 AM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 28, 2009 9:16 AM:
" Lodian wrote on Apr 27, 2009 4:40 PM:
" I vote Mrs. Nilmeyer for principal of the year!"
Yes indeed. "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 28, 2009 8:29 AM:
" I vote Mrs. Nilmeyer for principal of the year!"
It speaks volumes to your character that you would vote someone Principle of the year who, for whatever reason, was willing to risk some portion of 700 children and staff under her care to burn to death.
Basic, common sense tells you when a fire alarm goes off that you DON'T announce it is a false alarm unless you know for sure. Since the school WAS on fire and the alarm was going off the kids should have been evacuated THEN deterine if it was a false alarm. A principle who is willing to assume a fire alarm is false without knowing for sure not only is not the principle of the year but should be facing some kind of disciplinary action. Fine or suspension would work. I don't think this singular careless mistake should cost her her job, but everyone needs to know that next time the alarm is pulled you don't announce to stay in the seat. "
sil1118 wrote on Apr 27, 2009 8:13 PM:
I was not there during the time in question, however, I was told that Ms. Nilmeyer announced to the school to stay put that the fire alarm was false. After a tiny bit someone else from the office said in a panicked voice it was not a false alarm and everyone is to get out of the building immediately. I'm glad my child got out as well as everyone else! "
Frank wrote on Apr 27, 2009 8:02 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 27, 2009 7:39 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 27, 2009 7:25 PM:
And, yes, principal of the year. "
blossom wrote on Apr 27, 2009 7:20 PM:
They are the HERO'S "
teach247365 wrote on Apr 27, 2009 7:10 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 27, 2009 4:40 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 27, 2009 4:12 PM:
blossom wrote on Apr 27, 2009 2:02 PM:
Good job Larsen~
I agree with Jeff's post! "
Jerry wrote on Apr 27, 2009 11:50 AM:
I know what she said, I have talked to at least 20 people all with the same story. The kids were told to stay in their seats, period. "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 27, 2009 9:58 AM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 27, 2009 9:06 AM:
Frank wrote on Apr 26, 2009 6:23 PM:
Did Cheryl NOT make that annoucement? Please let us know if that is a lie. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 6:13 PM:
Then you don't know what happened. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 6:09 PM:
I agree, Jeff. "
jeff wrote on Apr 26, 2009 6:05 PM:
1) EVEERY alarm is to be treated as a real alarm, even when it's a scheduled drill. evacuate first, then determine legitimacy. If it is found that the students were first told to stay put, then that person should be disciplined.
2) while potentially dangerous, yelling and screaming over every comment section about cover-up, and, especially, ... COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED..., borders on hysterics and hyperbole. calm down, jerry. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 5:34 PM:
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 5:26 PM:
Lodian, put down the bottle and turn off the computer and get some sleep; your words have become singularly inconsequential and say a lot more about you than me.
Everyone that knows this is me, don't call me, this is no longer funny. This women needs help. "
Frank wrote on Apr 26, 2009 5:22 PM:
I call that total irresponsibility. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 5:17 PM:
Frank wrote on Apr 26, 2009 5:14 PM:
A real leader would have cleared the school and then decide whether or not it was a false alarm. Her action bothers me. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 5:05 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 4:40 PM:
Of course not. She's much more articulate than I.
And your lack of reaction to Jerry, while blasting me, is disturbing. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 4:38 PM:
I agree. Jerry doesn’t have the balls to write a letter to the editor and sign his real name while accusing Larson School of any wrongdoing. The sad thing is that Jerry strikes me someone that would run and scream from the scene and leave all the kids to fend for themselves. He has no respect for what real brave men and women do in an emergency. He has no clue at all. "
Frank wrote on Apr 26, 2009 4:34 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 4:33 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 4:26 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 4:24 PM:
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 4:22 PM:
The Lodi News-Sentinel mentioned or had statements from: The President of the Board; the Superintendent, the associate superintendent Ms. Pennington; the superintendent of facilities Mr. Hand; the supervisor of all elementary principals; and, the Principal of Larson to name a few. The paper and the District went out of there way to let us all know that all is well.
Nobody, mentioned the first all-call by Larson's Principal nor mentioned the second all-call or the running and screaming of the children on the second floor. My question continues to be was law, regulation, policy or District protocol broken by the Principal when she aborted the first alarm? It seems to me, she did. I have heard (from the staff themselves) that it was called off because they thought it was a hoax and they didn't want to disturb testing.
Why should we have an investigation? "
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 4:07 PM:
I believe my comments and concerns are reasonable given what's at stake; the health and welfare of our children. I have a nephew who attends Larson and I was astonished by the story I heard from my sister; then, latter...first hand my Bud. In fact, when I heard the story about the Principal essentially overriding the fire alarm telling the everyone to stay in their seats, I didn't believe it.
So, I talked to several of the parents, three teachers and one of the gals who sits at the front counter. All of them to a man, to a women, said the same thing.
Within seconds of the fire alarm going off, the principal went on all-call and broadcasted that the alarm was a hoax.
When is it okay for "anyone" to abort a fire alarm in progress? "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 26, 2009 3:44 PM:
The all caps postings are also in poor taste and tend to put people on the defensive to begin with.
But I still Don't see "the publicly attacking a great principal". He questioned her motives with the STARR Testing from his 7:59 posting but questioning motives is far from libelous personal attacks or most of us would have been banned from here a long time ago. "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 26, 2009 3:27 PM:
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 26, 2009 3:22 PM:
The PTA at Larson have been after her to open the playground for a while and even gone to the district office where we were told that it is the Principles choice to have the grounds open or not after school hours.
And the issue of the playground came up because you were singing the praises of a principle who told kids to stay in their classrooms as a fire burned. I don't know how you can hold onto the belief that "anyoone at the school did not do everything exactly as they should have to make sure all were safe" (from 12:06) when the principle herself told the kids to stay in their classrooms when teh alarm started. That is not taking the kids safty first. Safty first is getting the kids out of the school THEN determine if it is a false alarm. Not assume it is false to begin with. "
Mrs. S. wrote on Apr 26, 2009 2:10 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 1:56 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 1:55 PM:
Rhodie: You are incorrect. This is a district issue, not the principals issue. It's the same way at Vinewood and other schools. Look into it before bashing the principal. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 1:53 PM:
Great job, Larson Stars! "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 1:51 PM:
Are you kidding me? You need to reread Jerry's comments. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 1:50 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 1:41 PM:
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 26, 2009 1:38 PM:
Accusations, yes, but not personal attacks (maybe with the motivations of why the kids were told to stay in their classrooms).
I want to know why my kids were told to stay in their classrooms whe the fire alarms were going off. Flase alarm or not, when the alarm goes off the kids are evacuated, not told to stay put. If they were told to stay then the district has to question the safty training here.
And as for how good the principle is, it is only personal opinion but I am not a fan of her's. For one thing, and I know it is her choice, there is a huge grass field and playground for everyone in the neighborhood to look at but not allowed to play on for the weekends. The students use just afraction of the playground and everything else just sits there.
Reminds me of my granny who had runners on her carpet and no one was allowed to step off the runners to keep the carpet clean. "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 26, 2009 1:24 PM:
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 26, 2009 1:23 PM:
Anyway, the only there would have been victims would have been if the kids had stayed in their classrooms as instructed by the Principles and the fire grown out of controll. As the story reported it was only because of the fast response that the fire didn't reach the ceiling. "
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 1:22 PM:
AGAIN, LET SOMEONE ELSE OFFER COMMENT. I THINK EVERYONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHERE BOTH OF US STAND ON THE ISSUES. "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 26, 2009 1:20 PM:
And there were no "victims" in this fire. A child was careless with fire and it was out quickly. The only way there would have been "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:53 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:51 PM:
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:51 PM:
Jerry: That is incorrect. I would not have had this handled any differently that it was on that day. The entire response was perfect. The funny thing is that if you knew the principal and her rep within the schools and district you would not be thinking what you are now. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:49 PM:
Jerry: I am not from the district or the paper. So how do you explain my support of the school, principal, teachers and childrens response to this emergency? It's the truth, that's how. I know the truth is hard for you to swallow, Jerry. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:46 PM:
Jerry: That's your problem. You don't really know what happened. Your information is not first hand. You're just guessing. Shame on you. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:44 PM:
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:26 PM:
I HAVE HEARD FROM A NUMBER OF PEOPLE I TRUST THAT THE PRINCIPAL AT LARSON GOT ON ALL-CALL AND TOLD "EVERYONE" IT WAS A FALSE ALARM WHEN IT WAS NOT; SHE TOLD THEM TO SIT IN THEIR SEAT, AND THEY DID.
THE SPIN CONTROL CROWD FROM THE DISTRICT (NEARLY ALL OF THEM) CAME TO THE SCENE AND COULDN'T FIND OUT WHAT EVERYONE ELSE KNOWS...THE MATTER WAS NOT HANDLED CORRECTLY. STILL, NOTHING WAS SAID, NOTHING WAS REPORTED.
NOW, YOU (WHOEVER YOU REALLY ARE)SOMEONE WHO IS PROTECTING THE DISTRICT AND THE PAPER IS ATTEMPTING TO SUPRESS THE TRUTH. MY GUESS IS YOU WILL NOT SUCCEED. AGAIN, TOO MANY PEOPLE KNOW THE TRUTH, THOSE PEOPLE KNOW THAT THEIR CHILDREN WERE PUT AT UNNECESSARY RISK BECAUSE POLICY, PROCEDURE AND WELL KNOWN PROTOCOL WAS NOT FOLLOWED.
THAT'S THE TRUTH LODIAN. NO AMOUNT OF JUMPING UP AND DOWN AND NASHING YOUR TEETH WILL CHANGE THAT. AS OF NOW, WE ARE DOMINATING THIS BLOG AND OTHERS SHOULD BE HEARD. PLEASE LET OTHERS JOIN THIS DISCUSSION. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:22 PM:
Thankyou to all at Larson for making sure the children were safe, which I know is your first priority. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:17 PM:
Jerry: LOL! Are you addressing me? I don't work at the LNS. You see, your insticts are way off. You need to reevaluate your plan in attacking the innocent victims of this Larson fire. I'm not sure what you have to gain in such attacks, but i bet it's a twisted story when it comes to you.
It's funny... I was interested in some of your ranting comments about the district and admin etc (in other MANY blogs), but now I draw the line here. You have now proven that you are just some lame nutcase looking for attention and in need of digging up dirt on those that are great for our kids. Shame on you, Jerry... shaaaaame! "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:10 PM:
Jerry: What are you talking about? Is this an attack because of some other issue you have? Maybe some deep seeded hate for some other incident? It looks like you just want to BBQ someone involved with this school. You'll get a fight from me, Jerry, because I think this incident was handled well. And you weren't there, were you? "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:07 PM:
" Lodian, I am not attacking anyone."
That's a lie! Reread your attacks below. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:06 PM:
Jerry: What the newspaper does or does not do in no way has anything to do with the actions of the principal, parents, kids and teachers in handling an emergency at the school. You can ask for more information from the paper but do not ASSume that anyoone at the school did not do everything exactly as they should have to make sure all were safe. Bottom line, Jerry, the outcome shows the reaction and process was correct. The proof is in the pudding as they say. Kids were safe, kids were organized, kids were with their parents and safe and sound. That's it. I know you want dirt so you can get on that soapbox, but you can stop your incessant digging for dirt. There simply isn't any. On second though... dig all you like (WITHOUT LIBELOUS ATTACKS) and prove it to all that this was a case that could be in a safety instruction book. Perfect response by all. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 11:57 AM:
And nor will you suppress me. You will not suppress the truth, "Jerry". You can count on it. Your information is all hearsay... third or fourth hand is not a full account of the facts. "
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 11:53 AM:
I am not attacking anyone. All I want to know is the truth. What was printed in the paper doesn't even qualify as a half-truth and you know it.
I have noticed (as many others have noticed) the paper doesn't not like to investigate or print (NEWS) that might embarass the District. Why? It looks to me (it looks to many) you are in each other's pockets. Why? What kind of relationship do you have with the District and what motivates that relationship?
Again, your story about the Larson fire did not ask the right questions or answer the right questions. You ran the story for one day, did some much needed damage control, and then the story disappeared.
There are hundreds of people that were on-scene and heard and saw everything. You will not be able to stop us from talking; our children's safety is much too important to ignore this inconvenient truth. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 11:50 AM:
Jerry: I'm not hiding a damned thing. You're just digging for dirt when there is none. I guess you are out for blood and to take someone down when in reality you should be thanking these people for doing exactly what was needed to make sure everyone was safe and sound. Being organized came easy at Larson, even in this emergency situation. What exactly is your problem? Did you want the school to burn down? Maybe the police need to investigate YOU... or maybe your kid? Have anything serious to hide, Jerry. Are you trying to deflect? I sure hope not. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 11:45 AM:
Jerry: Wrong. You are launching attacks (personal attacks) and accusations, not stating facts. You don't know the facts. That's why you are grilling people here and asking them questions as well as asking them to talk to the kids from other families. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 11:42 AM:
No, there was not too much smoke as you describe. There was lingering smoke and smell. Your point? I guess you wanted the kids to return to the building after the fire was out? What a nut. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 11:39 AM:
" THE DISTRICT'S GOT A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO! I HAVE FRIENDS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IN THAT FIRE!!!!!"
Jerry: IF you are thankful that your child (friends) are fine then you should be THANKING the principal of Larson School and all the teachers and kids that did exactly what was needed to be safe and then maintain organization and control in a serious situation. All kids were safe. The fire was out and the police and fire department were at the school. All teachers were safe and in control. Parents were called. Parents picked up kids. All was in an orderly kind and thoughtful manner while kids were picked up. One can't ask for more. Well, we could ask that the fire starter not return to school.
It's amazes me, Jerry, that you are attacking the victims in this fire and not the fire starter or their parents. Interesting. "
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 11:35 AM:
Did the principal make an all-call to tell the students to ignore the fire alarm. If so, she has made a big mistake. Please report the news, you will not surpress me or anyone else for speaking the truth.
The truth is an absolute and complete defense to liable. You are hiding the truth. The story is NOT everything was fine, everything went by the book and it was certainly not that we can match the wallpaper and have the school up and running in the afternoon.
The students did not go back into the classrooms because there was too much smoke in the building; isn't that correct. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 11:27 AM:
Jerry: Your the one spouting off... you answer the question. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 11:26 AM:
Jerry: Good! Call CTA. And how do you think that will play out? I guess your solution would be to have school without students so nothing like this will ever happen. How ya gonna work that out, Jerry? (not to bright are ya?) "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 11:23 AM:
Jerry: LISTEN for once... the kids just came back from recess where they were OUT OF THE ROOMS. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 11:20 AM:
Jerry: Call them yourself. You want to try and create an issue then do the dirt digging yourself. Isn't that what you do best? Smoke was not everywhere on the second floor. Kids were not running and screaming out of control. Your information is false and the details you are fabricating, obviously for some selfish reasons, is beyond reprehensible. You are attacking one of the best people in the LUSD. I would think long and hard before you continue this witch hunt. Aren't you supposed to be on the side of the teachers in this district? Well, you are attacking the best thing a teacher can ask for at their school, a great principal that cares deeply for her school. Get a clue! You're shooting yourself in the foot. "
Lodian wrote on Apr 26, 2009 11:13 AM:
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 10:15 AM:
Could you call some of the other parents and find out what their child saw and heard. I heard that a minute went by before the second all-call went out that the false alarm was not false and kids were running around screaming and yelling while smoke was everywhere on the second floor.
Teachers...I hope you understand this could be one of us. What are the laws and reguluations surrounding these kinds of emergencies. Could this happen at your school?
By the way, who was supervising the kid who was burning down the place. In STARR testing nobody should have been out of the room.
I am calling CTA on Monday, I hope you will do the same. I think burning buildings qualifies as poor working conditions. Who's got the brain this week at L.U.S.D.
P.S. I talked to three of the teachers this morning; they're afraid to blog-in because they think the paper LNS and the District are in cahoots. That's another good question: Where's the investigative reporting? Looks more like propaganda than news. "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 26, 2009 10:04 AM:
Mrs. N needs to admit her actions. With a school of several hundred there are plenty of witnesses to what happened when. "
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 9:56 AM:
A. All the king's horses and all the king's men (and women) never asked the question regarding the first alarm and the "stay put order" or that information was deliberately witheld from them... which is it? Either way it's a problem.
B. If all the big shots knew the real story is, then this is a cover-up?
My money is on cover-up. As is so typical of Lodi Unified, they have gone to great lengths to do spin control. More misdirection and Oz like..."Don't pay any attention to the women behind the curtain...she's just trying to match the wallpaper.
We should demand that the Lodi City Fire Department do a complete and comprehensive investigation into this matter. People (including friends, colleagues and children) could have been seriously injured or much worse.
Any Third Grader can tell you what to do if the fire alarm goes off at school..."you evacuate immediately." That is, unless you're told not to.
LARSONGATE "
Rhodie v2.0 wrote on Apr 26, 2009 9:17 AM:
" Jerry--- Were the kids and teachers told by the principal to stay put as the alarm was going off?
No."
I'm sorry, Lee, both my kids in attendance at Larson said the samething, that when the alarm first started they were told it was a false alarm and to stay put. Then moments later when smoke was detected they were told to evacuate. My son's classroom was only a few doors from the fire.
AFTER they were evacuated I was called by a teacher and moments later by the automated system. Staff was handing out cold drinks to kids out in the hot sun. "
jbhiker wrote on Apr 26, 2009 8:59 AM:
jbhiker wrote on Apr 26, 2009 8:57 AM:
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 8:01 AM:
WE NEED A FULL AND COMPLETE INVESTIGATION...NOW! "
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 7:59 AM:
I just woke-up my best friend who tells me that the principal told the students to stay in their seats as the fire alarm was going off because she didn't want to disturb STARR testing. However, as she was telling the kids not to move her school was burning down.
Looks like another District cover-up ...
wallpaper and all. "
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 7:30 AM:
Jerry wrote on Apr 26, 2009 7:25 AM:
Please do not attempt to intimate that I thought the teacher at Larson is anything less than a hero, he is. In fact, my information was the principal upon hearing the fire alarm told the children to sit tight...they did for over a minute. Without this teacher the whole school would have burned to the ground (see the principals own words)..."he saved the school"...
These things said, what is the proper policy regarding these matters. Should a teacher first get his/her class out of the building before attempting to fight the fire. Is property worth more than lives?
Don't you agree someone needs to do a full and complete investigation of exactly what happened at Larson last week? It seems to me we came very close to having about 200 kids BBQ'd on the second floor. Isn't that worth an investigation? We can figure out how to match the wallpaper later (see Pennington's quote above)... did she suffer smoke inhalation..that quote was delusional sounding.
Your thoughts. "
Lee wrote on Apr 25, 2009 7:38 PM:
...that have children, a daycare, hospital or convalescent home etc.
I had to add those last comments just to be clear. "
Lee wrote on Apr 25, 2009 7:35 PM:
"Lee
Just one question: What happens to the teacher's children while they are putting out the fire?"
They walk out as previously practiced and with the class next door.
Jerry wrote on Apr 25, 2009 6:36 PM:
"Lee
What would happen to the students if something happened to the teacher while the teacher fought the fire?"
The teacher next door would take over in an emergency. I guess just like any other emergency in any other building of employees.
Are you saying that the teacher should not have extinguished the fire with the school fire extinguisher? I'm not sure what you're driving at, but did I answer your questions to your satisfaction? Of course these are my personal opinions as I see it. "
Jerry wrote on Apr 25, 2009 6:36 PM:
Just one question: What happens to the teacher's children while they are putting out the fire? What would happen to the students if something happened to the teacher while the teacher fought the fire?
Whoops, I guess that's two questions. "
Lee wrote on Apr 25, 2009 5:19 PM:
Lee wrote on Apr 25, 2009 5:17 PM:
Yes, the automated system is in place and calls went out to parents at 11:09am. "
Lee wrote on Apr 25, 2009 5:15 PM:
No. "
Lee wrote on Apr 25, 2009 5:15 PM:
Jerry wrote on Apr 25, 2009 3:48 PM:
Were the kids and teachers told by the principal to stay put as the alarm was going off? What happened when the second call went out... I heard the kids ran out of the rooms screaming after they saw all the smoke...is that true?
Anyone? "
Jerry wrote on Apr 25, 2009 3:45 PM:
Were they or were they not contacted automatcally? Also, does anyone know if Larson has an automatic sprinkler system? If so, why didn't the sprinkler system go off; what about smoke alarms? Lastly, it's on the street that the Principal told everyone to stay in their seats while the alarm was going off and her school was burning down, is that true? "
sparky wrote on Apr 24, 2009 5:16 PM:
Who's telling the truth? Maybe Art Hand could explain! "
gatemom wrote on Apr 24, 2009 11:22 AM:
yeah you wrote on Apr 23, 2009 10:10 PM:
sqr dncer wrote on Apr 23, 2009 8:09 PM:
jbhiker wrote on Apr 23, 2009 7:47 PM:
Giovanina wrote on Apr 23, 2009 7:01 PM:
sil1118 wrote on Apr 23, 2009 5:23 PM:
Mrs. S. wrote on Apr 23, 2009 1:11 PM:
I hope the student who set this fire gets a proper educational placement if needed, and any problems he may have are addressed. "
walkonwater wrote on Apr 23, 2009 10:01 AM:
Comments on this story are now closed.