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Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 16:31:17 -0000

He isn't a monster, you are ignorant and narrow minded.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 16:23:55 -0000

Well thanks for the clairification. I find it a little odd that a 2nd year law student would make that mistake...lol.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 15:00:44 -0000

Lol, no I never took debate but I wanted to. My highschool and college class load was just to full... You are right about arguing though, I'm trying to master the art of "picking my battles" instead of fighting with everyone about everything. This however is not one of the frivoless battles to me. This is important.

I'll try and better explain how I would feel about it if I were the mom of the supposed "victim" in this situation, since I still can't seem to get my point accross clearly. I will defend my children and stand by them in anything they do. If they are in trouble of any kind I will do my best to support them and protect them. After re reading my post I think what was missing is, I don't think 17 year olds dating 24 year olds is a situation in which my child is in any harm. I myself had a relationship with a 35 year old when I was 19. Age pretty much means nothing to me, but I do believe in the exceptions to the rule. Every instance is different. If my child was dating a teacher in which he was a student in his/her class, that I would frown on. Grades should be earned, not bought if you catch my drift and when two people are in love their short comings are not always seen. How could I be sure that his/her grades were what they were because he/she earned them and not because the teacher had a soft spot for them?

However, I don't believe I would have a problem with my children dating anyone who had the professional label "teacher" if they were not this persons direct student.

Jumping back to the case with Mr. Henry, this is totally blown out of proportion for a couple of reasons, and even though I can't say I have no bias, I truely believe that if I just heard this story on the news I would side with the accused as long as I knew that the relationship was consentual. The first reason this is blown out of proportion is because Mr. Henry isn't even a TEACHER. He's a paraeducator, which requires NO college schooling. He isn't certified to work with kids, (which makes me wonder how the school can get away with that) but he is about as high on the totem pole as the caffeteria lady or the janitor. He doesn't participate in parent/teacher conferences and he doesn't dispense grades to anyone. The second reason is due to the fact that the victim never took any classes that Mr. Henry was involved in, and stopped going to school altogether before they got together (whether or not she was still enrolled should be irrelevant if she wasn't attending PeaceKeeper) and their relationship was never on school grounds. The accused and the victim did not meet at South Kitsap High School, they met through some mutual friends. The high school had absolutely nothing to do with it.

I apologize if I've stepped on your, or anyone elses toes. Like anyone else, I defend the people I care about.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:30:41 -0000

You should re read what you wrote and think about all that. Looks like you are flip flopping to me. On one hand you say that "If he is found innocent; he deserves the plea because there was reasonable doubt that a crime was committed." So you think even if he's found INNOCENT he should have to do the plea bargan offered because there was reasonable doubt that he committed a crime, which is pretty much the same as saying he's guilty, and then when it's pointed out to you then you go back and say "If he is found innocent it will matter to me, it will mean in the eyes of twelve impartial peers based on evidence.. he did not commit a crime beyond reasonable doubt." So here you are saying if he's found innocent then he should be set free. Completely contradicting yourself.

"I do know what I'm talking about though, I'm a second year law student." Please don't take offense to this, but this is what is wrong with our justice system today and why I have no faith in public defenders. Lol.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:39:15 -0000

Well I've known Mr. Henry for about 10 years now, and I stand by what I say about you being a moron.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:31:24 -0000

You are more than welcome to think what you want. As the saying goes, opinions are like $%^holes, everyone's got one. That doesn't make your assumptions correct. I will however point out a few things since you took the time to write me.

My name on here is MRS hendricks. The MRS part indicates I'm MARRIED and since my last name is HENDRICKS and not HENRY obviously I'm not related to the accused. Kudo's to you for figuring out that mystery. I also clearly stated that me and FOUR OTHERS bailed him out of jail. I can't take all the credit for that, though I'd love to.

Since you've been reading the kitsap sun you should be fully aware by now that if it WAS my 17 year old I would be more concerned about the teachers career than my child (although a 17 year old can hardly be called a child) and his/her safety.

You should also be aware (not that it's anyone business) but I had a conversation about the seriousness of this relationship (not because I had any issue with their age difference but because I was sure the school would frown on that) and a week later the relationship was ended. I'm not Mr. Henry's mother I'm his friend. I can only give advice, it's up to him to take it.

And lastly, I will not step down and let everyone think that this man is anything less than amazing. This situation is completely ridiculous, and completely blown out of proportion. Am I accomplishing anything? Maybe, maybe not. Do I care? Not one bit. I'll argue to the moon and back. If you want me to stop posting, then don't talk to me, and don't read what I have to say. As for spending less time with my family, I have cut down the amount of time I read these articles over the last weeks by 3 fold, not that it's any of your business but I do appreciate your concern with the well being of my family. It's good to see that people still exist that care about the well being of strangers. If the rest of the world was like this we wouldn't be typing to each other now would we?

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:22:51 -0000

LOL! I'm not a teacher at all, and don't plan on being anytime soon. But thanks for assuming so, it was a nice compliment. =)

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:27:12 -0000

Um, actually he's not in jail he posted bail last saturday (thanks to me and 4 others) and he won't be going back. As for whining about what he did being okay I've never once said that I believe what he did was right. However I will say that its about equal to wearing socks with sandals. Probably not the best idea, but definitely not illegal.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:24:48 -0000

Lol. I'm passionate about people that I care for that are being treated HORRIBLY by the government.

As for getting a life? Thats none of your business, and you can feel free to take a short walk off a long pier. I'll argue with who I like and I'll post what I like. If you can't handle that you can feel free to not read it. I like how I'm the one who needs to get a life and I'm not one thats degrading somone with a keyboard when everyone else who's posted so far is doing the same thing.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:19:20 -0000

Lol! True dat!

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 03:58:20 -0000

Not love...just sex.... Huh. So you must be able to mind read. I've always wanted that talent. It would work out pretty well for me I think. It must be nice knowing the thoughts and feelings of others all the time.

Lol, debt to society. Right. I seriously doubt he's going back to jail. But hey, if basking in the misfortune and misery of others is what gets you through the night, then by all means. Hope for the worst!

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:12:51 -0000

LOL! I guess I struck a nerve huh? it's the picture not the story. It would be ridiculous to think that this wouldn't be plastered all over the media. This is just the sort of crap that people love to read and who can blame anyone for wanting to make a buck off someone elses pain? I guess thats why I'm not a journalist. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I had to do this to people.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:08:56 -0000

We're just going to have to agree to disagree and go on with life. It's obvious I'm not going to change your mind and vice versa. I want to argue more, but this is starting to consume what little free time I have, and thats not fair to my husband or child.

Arguing about this is rather silly anyways, because our opinions mean exactly squat. The courts will be the ones to figure all this junk out. That won't stop me from being optomistic though. I'm going to keep doing all I can for Tom, and hopefully things will be alright for him (and the young girl as well although I don't know her that well.)

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:12:49 -0000

Um...no.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:12:10 -0000

Your spelling and grammar make it very difficult for me to understand what you are trying to communicate. Maybe you could have someone proof read your comments next time.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:11:09 -0000

Yeah that picture is awful. Lets be sure to make people think he's a scary sex predator and ruin his life. That makes GREAT news, who cares if it's true, and it'll definitely sell a bunch of papers.

Kudo's to Port Orchard Independant. You've successfully taken part in the beginning of the end of someones life.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:09:22 -0000

Yeah right. And I can predict the weather.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:08:20 -0000

"Take it easy. I'm not "lashing out" at Tom, i'm simply stepping back and looking at this situation in an objective light." I'm not quite sure you know what objective means. Your first post was not very objective at all. Objective means to see facts over opinions. That post was chuck full of opinions with very little facts.

"Many continue to develop as late as their early 20s. There is a reason 18 is the age you are a legal adult, because up until around that time you do not have the ability to rationalize the consequences of your actions. This is the same reason minors are typically given much lighter sentences for their crimes." If this is true, then why was a 12 year old in Texas tried as an adult? As for not being able to rationalize the consequences of my actions before my eighteenth birthday, that is ridiculous. I was fully aware of my actions, and the consequences that came from my decisions. In no way would I say a 16, 17, or 18 year old is a child. They call teenagers young adults for a reason.

"I don't really see how you can say he didn't break the law." This is rather complicated to explain, and once again I'm not a lawyer nor an expert in reading Washington states laws. However, when you read this it clearly states that the victim must be enrolled to the school (she wasn't, she dropped out before the sexual relationship began) where the perpetrator works and also be using his role in order to have sex with the student, and not only that they have to PROVE that in court. It's my opinion, he won't see any more days in jail. Call me optomistic if you like, but thats how I roll.

"And please, feel free to enlighten me as to how this is any different from the Ath Med teacher last year." Not only was that victim an enrolled student, but that student was in that teachers class and was directly supervised by them. In no way do I think its right for a teacher to date a student in a class of theirs. Also, this relationship was had on school grounds, Mr. Henry's was not. Very different.

"How is are the video students NOT in a bad place if they're having to attend court dates?" No one HAD to do anything. They chose to go to support someone they care about. I hate to break it to you, but bad stuff happens to good people all the time. What he chose to do was not right, but it does not warrant this.

"how is everyone involved then NOT losing a friend? perhaps not in spirit, but at least physically." As I stated earlier, I seriously doubt he's going back to jail for anything. The most that will happen is he'll get fired, and his name and reputation ran through the mud. (Which is more than sufficient for punishment)

"You can tell the fact that Toms actions do not reflect the department to the rest of the school, but its highly unlikely they're going to listen. They are children." Contrary to popular belief, rumors don't stop being spread about people once you graduate highschool. I know plenty of "adults" who are WORSE about spreading rumors than the biggest gossip when I was in school. And once again, you aren't children. You are young adults and fully aware of the ramifications of your actions.

"And due to the special nature of our class, WE get to be the poster kids!" I was heavily involved with the Video Production department when I attended south and know exactly what you are trying to get at here. Odds are you've seen my picture on the posters that Downum hangs in the classroom. Image isn't everything and if people are stupid enough to let this somehow stain the quality work that you guys put out then they don't deserve to see it in the first place, and are only interested in gossip and spreading lies.

"I know of at least TWO female video students who are being accused of being the student who had a relationship with Tom." Then the people who are accusing them are...well...for a lack of a better phrase, completely retarded. All you have to do is read the articles on here and the kitsap sun to know that NONE of the students there are the victim because the victim DROPPED OUT! Obviously since THOSE girls are still enrolled they cannot be them.

"and do not dare tell me that there are not many, many people who are having to take an additional burden for Toms mistake. Not to air his dirty laundry, but the most immediate example is that of Matthew." If this guys family life is going to be hurt somehow by his job then perhaps he should rethink his prioraty's. Anyone who would take on their work life and let their families suffer isn't the smartest. If he can't handle the work load it's his responsibility to let his supervisors know and if he wasn't hired for those responsibilies in the first place then no reprocussions can be had. Mr. Henry is in no way responsible for this mans life, only this mans actions and decisions are.

"I cannot be angry at the law for this "witch hunt". They are simply doing their jobs. Tom wasn't." Mr. Henry was doing his job, and doing it quite well. His relationship with this young girl was not had on school grounds, and she was not enrolled. It had absolutely nothing to do with South Kitsap High School, and these idiot prosecutors are wasting their time trying to label him as a child molestor when they could be out finding REAL predators and victims who need their help. I'm not impressed with how they are spending my hard earned tax dollars and would love nothing more than to see Mr. Henry SUE THEM SILLY when he's found innocent, or the case is thrown out due to a lack of evidence.

"I look forward to attending his trial so as to show my support." I'm very glad to hear this. He needs all the support he can get.

"I do not however, agree with defending Tom to the point where I fail to acknowledge his mistake." I never once have claimed that what he did was in poor taste. Dating a 17 year old when you are a teacher is just ASKING for trouble. Sometimes I don't know what I'd like to do more, slap him or hug him. It wasn't however illegal and I'm sick and tired of arguing with people who are claiming that it is. Sometimes I think that people just won't be satisfied until they put innocent people behind bars.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:14:24 -0000

Amen. I'm praying for them both.

Re: SKHS teacher arrested for misconduct - Port Orchard Independent

Mrs_Hendricks — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:14:18 -0000

I find it rather cowardly and far to easy to sit behind a computer and type these things to a screen. Mr. Henry however is going to live with this whether he is found guilty or not guilty and so is the young girl in question. This teenage girl was NOT a victim, she knows EXACTLY what she was doing and should be just as ashamed of herself as Mr. Henry. A 17 year old, or any highschool student for that matter is not a child, they are young adults and should act accordingly. I don't know what you've been fed from your parents but maybe you should step back and look at the facts before you break out your pitchforks.

I feel for you that a teacher you loved is now missing, believe you me I know EXACTLY what you are feeling. In 2002 Mr. Miranda was brought up on charges for misconduct with another teacher just days before I was about to take his mythology class. Mr. Miranda was loved by all, and that left many of us hurting. That however is no excuse to sit here and blast him. The love you claim to have had for him obviously was skin deep. You forgive and protect the ones you love. Perhaps you should take your own advice and be more of an adult instead of lashing out because you are fuming that he left you. What he did was not right, but it was not illegal. Perhaps you should take some time and ask Mr. Downum if you can have a private conversation with him about this or go down and set up an appointment with your guidance counselor. They are really great people and I'm sure they can help you deal with this difficult time.

You obviously don't know much about what is happening here if you think this is at ALL similar to the Athletic Medicine case that happened last year. Which is understandable because the school likes to keep things hush hush, especially from students. As for the video students being in turmoil and all of you losing a friend, THAT you are very wrong about. Three video students showed up to his court date on friday, and many more have been pledging support via phone and myspace over the last two days. If a friend has been lost its on your end buddy, not his, and you should be ashamed of yourself for not stepping up and supporting your so called "friend" in his greatest hour of need.

As for the video department being stained, Mr. Henry's actions have very little to do with the department since the allegations did not take place on school property or on school grounds. Your questions of age? Are irrelevant. The girl was 17 and Mr. Henry is 24. According to the RCW that he was charged with he is not guilty of this crime. (the RCW is posted at the bottom if you'd like to take a look at it) "

You say he HAD a bright film career? He still does no past tense nessisary. There are many people thriving in the film industry right now with serious stains on their criminal records. Robert Downy Jr, Sean Penn (who just won best actor last night) Alec Baldwin, Tara Reid, Jeffery Jones, Paul Ruebens etc.... If you don't believe me check it out on Wikipedia or imdb.com, it's all there.

As for this statements...'Its easy to look at the irony of the whole situation and say "how is this justice?".'Or "As much as I don't want to see Tom in prison, how is it justice that he escape punishment" I'm not entirely sure what you are trying to refer to. If you are talking about him making bail on saturday you can be mad at me and 4 others. I'll happilly take the load of that blame off Mr. Henry's shoulders. If that's not what you meant then I'd like clarification because I'm rather confused. And then finally this statement " Tom didn't think to put a stop to this." You need to read the Kitsap Suns article where it clearly states that in the police report the young girl said Mr. Henry called it off because he still didn't feel right even though she dropped out having a relationship with her. He most CERTAINLY did the right thing and even in light of that he's still being charged and arrested and humiliated.

"whats done is done, and he must now face the consequences of his actions. Unfortunately, we all do." No, I'm afraid that Mr. Henry is the one that is going to have to face the consequences of this rediculous witch hunt. If you want to play martyr that is your choice, but you're the one thats going to look silly. He's the one (if convicted) that is going to have to walk across the street noticing people turning their heads in disgust, NOT you. HE'S the one with a Scarlet Letter on his chest, not you.

Here's the RCW that the prosectuing attorney charged him with on friday. Enjoy.

RCW 9A.44.093
Sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree.
(1) A person is guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree when:
(a) The person has, or knowingly causes another person under the age of eighteen to have, sexual intercourse with another person who is at least sixteen years old but less than eighteen years old and not married to the perpetrator, if the perpetrator is at least sixty months older than the victim, is in a significant relationship to the victim, and abuses a supervisory position within that relationship in order to engage in or cause another person under the age of eighteen to engage in sexual intercourse with the victim;
(b) the person is a school employee who has, or knowingly causes another person under the age of eighteen to have, sexual intercourse with a registered student of the school who is at least sixteen years old and not married to the employee, if the employee is at least sixty months older than the student; or
(c) the person is a foster parent who has, or knowingly causes another person under the age of eighteen to have, sexual intercourse with his or her foster child who is at least sixteen.

(2) Sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree is a class C felony.

(3) For the purposes of this section, "school employee" means an employee of a common school defined in RCW 28A.150.020, or a grade kindergarten through twelve employee of a private school under chapter 28A.195 RCW, who is not enrolled as a student of the common school or private school.
[2005 c 262 § 2; 2001 2nd sp.s. c 12 § 357; 1994 c 271 § 306; 1988 c 145 § 8.]