616 Hamblen Dr, Madison, TN 37115

I’m a former 5th grader and I want other families to know what happened here. Over the last two school years, at least 14 students were yelled at and punished for speaking Spanish during non-instructional time. There were 6 kids the year before 5th grade, and 8 kids this past year, including me.It happened with the music teacher, PE teacher, homeroom teacher, and the lunch monitor. We were told “speak English” at lunch, at recess, in the hallways, and even when just talking to friends. Some kids got in trouble and felt scared to talk at school.Schools are supposed to be safe for every kid. Federal law says schools can’t discriminate based on national origin or the language you speak with your friends during free time. This created a hostile environment for us.I’m glad to be going to middle school now, but no student should be punished for speaking to their friends. Families deserve to know this happens here. I hope Old Center changes so future kids don’t go through this.