Artwork that was submitted by Celina Student-
(3-15-19) The information below appeared on Facebook this week, the information was released by local Attorney Travis Faber, who represented the student on March 6th –
After this story was posted the following was released on the Celina City Schools Facebook page –
Celina City School District
Board of Education
Press Release
March 14, 2019
For Immediate Release
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act prohibits the Celina City School District Board of Education from disclosing protected personally identifiable information regarding Celina City School District students. Accordingly, the Board may not provide information regarding specific student discipline matters.
“Student conduct is governed by the rules and provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, and the Board requires all students to comply with these school rules,” said Dr. Kenneth Schmiesing, the Superintendent of the Celina City School District. “Respect for the rights of others, consideration of their privileges, and cooperative citizenship is expected of all members of the school community. The Board of Education has zero tolerance of threatening, disruptive, insubordinate, or inappropriate behavior by its students, and enforces the Student Code of Conduct fairly and even-handedly.”
“The Board proudly supports service members and their families. This school year, the Board held a Military Appreciation Night where it recognized students who are choosing to enter the military following high school, as well as veterans and current military members.” Dr. Schmiesing continued, “the Board maintains a positive relationship with the local VFW and American Legion, has POW/MIA seats located in prominent locations in the football stadium and field house, and hosts Veterans Day celebrations with military members throughout the District.” Finally, Dr. Schmiesing stated that, “the Board looks forward to continuing its tradition of partnering with local veterans’ service organizations to support military members and their families.”
Example of a Battlefield Cross-
“Battlefield crosses” were created to honor the fallen. A deceased troop’s rifle is planted, barrel-first, into their boots (or, in some cases, the ground) and their helmet is placed atop the rifle. Like all things military, this cross is part of a long-standing tradition — a tradition that has evolved since its first use on the battlefields of the American Civil War.
Despite the fact that it’s called a cross, there’s no single religious ideology attached to the practice.
Mercer County Outlook 
In order to form an honest opinion about this story I would need some direct communication from his teacher to verify all the statements made concerning the teacher’s approval and knowledge of what he was bringing in to the school. Some schools have a zero tolerance policy and that is pretty tough to go against and if the teacher gave their permission to bring all this in to the school they should be disciplined also, as she should have cleared this with her administration before allowing it. My opinion.
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why was he supended nothing wrong with this picture
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As a 100% disabled veteran it seems the problems in the celina school system also includes lack of common since, dignity, and a very no patriotic administration.. o yes we know yur college grads..
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This school district is ridiculous!!! They don’t care about the students at all and they try to charge kids with trumped up charges when they dont have their way. That poor boy is gonna be a target from the bullying staff for the rest of his time in Celina. Celina is a freaking Joke!!! The staff are bullies and label kids. So glad i got my son away. Oh and surprise surprise….since my son left celina: straight A’s, hasn’t been in any trouble, and his teachers brag about him. Shows you what can happen when you get your kid away from Celina and put them in a school that wants to HELP kids, not just label, punish, and try to ruin their lives
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What school system are you in now? If you don’t mind me asking?
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Wapakoneta
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My son is in the USAF, this offends me! HE CHOOSE to protect and serve our country, and little old “s” town Celina wants to suspend someone showing gratitude towards our military? This is a disgrace to ALL OUR MILITARY!!!! Shame on you Celina HS. Shame……….the only reason you have rights and protection and freedom is due to the military. Sit down and educate yourself Kenneth Schmiesing!! You sir do NOT deserve your’re job.
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I agree R. Michael it seems everyone is on pollitical correct…..sometimes it is better to be human!!!
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If we choose to stay in Ohio, we are putting our kids in Coldwater schools or my wife is going to homeschool….. either way next school year our kids will not be at Celina schools!
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It sucks that America has become such a sorry bunch of liberal socialist that anything that could make a person think outside the box is labeled offensive, this liberal crap is offensive to me.
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There is a very bad situation developing here. As Mr. Mengerink stated in an earlier comment, there are two sides to this story and both sides should be heard, but one side is legally silenced. Right now, this is a battle being fought in the court of public opinion where one side is not even allowed in the court room. From the School District’s statement, they can’t comment on a disciplinary issue such as this. They can’t address any inconsistencies or allegations in a public forum such as this website, Facebook, or other news outlets. While one is silenced, the other side is yelling from the roof top using hyperboles and very damning language. To paint a picture of the teacher being this vindictive, heartless person is over the top, to paint the school district as a monster is a bit much, and to portray the student as a helpless victim and the target of a school’s ire sits on the extremes of the reasoning spectrum.
As I see the pendulum swing back and forth wildly in this story, we need to implore the use of reasoning. Let’s be honest, the parties involved (and not involved) are highly, emotionally invested and sometimes common sense doesn’t prevail when emotions are running high. Everyone needs to stop, breath, and put down our pitchforks, torches, and anger.
We should not paint this school district with broad strokes; as we should not be painting this situation with broad strokes. If we are going to judge the student by his intent, which it doesn’t seem like it was malicious, you must use the same reason of grace for the school district and measure them by their intent to maintain order and following the school handbook.
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HORSE CRAP
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I’m betting school admin person never served I’m from Nam era I’m old but this admin person needs a good ass whipping. Call me in. Really
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It was an art project APPROVED.
POLITICAL DICTA is what the school is standing behind….
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A nice try to defend the “system”. However, the “system ” failed this time. And has been failing our children for years with liberal ideology meant to destroy this great nation. This action was just another straw on the camels back. And for them to point out their good standing with the area military clubs and then turn around and stab this student in the back, (Yes, thats what they did. ) after telling him it was ok to do the project according to the article , what is a sane person supposed to think? I understand a school has a lot of issues to tiptoe around in this day and age. But you can’t try to balance on the fence to please everyone all the time. You have to take a stand. The School is supposed to encourage students to perform at the their best whenever possible. And since the school is located in a nation formed as a Republic with Christian values, i would think to a show of support for our sense of patriotism and Freedoms would have been a better response. The school failed here in this instance. Had the “system” done this, there wouldn’t be an issue and we wouldn’t be discussing this now in my opinion. Maybe if he had tossed a hijab over the helmet, or put some sort of demonic art at the foot of the boots, or hung an iron cross from the rifle, then it would have an acceptable form of art in the schools eyes? Because that looks like the position the school is taking from my point of view.
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Celina schools failed this kid. Stop defending the bullshit!
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People,keep” yelling to the top of the roof”that is your right , till they take that away also. Thay have started w/ this kids rights.
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The school can’t comment on the student. They can however, comment on what they and their teachers did or did not say and do related to the project. Which they aren’t doing. Pay attention to what isn’t being said. Also, since you didn’t put your name on your post, I can only assume you’re connected with the school.
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This young person should get an award not suspended, he honored our fallen heroes. It all looks like he took all and more than needed precautions to keep this art work safe. You the student, should be proud of your work. I am an Army Mom, I love seeing our young people honor our military. Why punish those who go to great lengths like this student. The school should be ashamed as well as the district.
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it’s fantastic how things get started like this. Read between the lines and spew the truth. Another example of the young man from the catholic school in Kentucky. Yes it makes headlines, until the true story comes out. This young man is a good kid. Problem may stem from background. #1 there is no leniency on anything that resembles a gun in our schools. This merf
gun was brought in after it had been sprayed black paint to resemble a real gun. Who sprayed it
black?? Now who is pushing this by bringing in the Veterans. The boy was NOT suspended for honoring our Vets. So by way of legal help, it has changed from Gun on school premsis to “our schools in Celina hate our veterans” For gods sake , check out our Mrs Esseseltine (msp)
Every year she and her school put on Veterans breakfast. With veterans from WW2 to our
time ,being honored. Travis, you should attend one of these if your a Veteran.
Signed a “combat Veteran” Who does not want any form of a gun in our schools.
Get with it CNN
.
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I do agree AS A PARENT that with all the school shootings around the world that this was not the place for this (no matter how good his intentions were) I get it, I do! But the policy for NO GUNS (toy or not) are in place for a reason, I for one would rather be pissed off at not being allowed to do an art project than to bury my baby because something slips through the cracks and someone shoots up the school. You have to pick and choose your battles, I for one don’t think this should be about the veterans It should be about the safety of our childrens lives!!
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It sucks that America has become such a sorry bunch of liberal socialist that anything that could make a person think outside the box is labeled offensive, this liberal crap is offensive to me.
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So your saying that I could bring in a pink 22 in that would be fine you can get guns in any color just because it was painted black
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I served this Country 34 years, if that was my son, I would file a law suit in a heart beat! Why for all our military serving and Veterans who make possible for schools to even exist Fact!!! I will share this on the Veterans hot line to President Trump’s office, maybe you’ll get a visit while he’s in Ohio? People we are not communist stop acting that way please. Do you understand 1 o/o of Americans protect this great country
You should be ashamed!!!
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Like most school’s nowadays, Celina schools are becoming nothing more than radical left wing indoctrination camps. They dont care about the kids, they just care about pleasing their government masters to get more funding.
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Every parent should send their kids in with MAGA hats, clothes, military support clothing, anything that represents AMERICA and the constitution. Show support for this kid who honored our military.
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Thank you Tyler for remembering my son. Always beside you. Tom
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I come from a Military Family and while I completely stand for everything and everyone honoring our Fallen Soldiers, you have to first and foremost commend Tyler on the person he has been raised to be. Kudos to his parents!! Next, If the project was approved why is the teacher allowing this child to take the brunt of the punishment instead of stepping up and taking responsibility? Lastly, you have to blame the world we live in and the constant threat of violence and guns in schools that have put such an innocent and honoring memorial project as a threat. I can’t say its right but the NO GUN (toy or otherwise) policy in schools are in place to keep us as parents from ever having to live a nightmare. Keep your chin up Tyler
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I agree if he was a threat to the school then why did they leave Tyler in school all day I think the teacher should be suspended for three days without pay Proud of you Tyler keep up the good work
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@Lisa S Um news flash, NO GUN policies are only for the law abiding citizens. Do you really think someone intent on doing bodily harm to others is going to reconsider when they find out the location of their target has a no firearm policy? They are only going to be more inclined to carry out their deranged plan because now they know they will be the only one at that location with a firearm.
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Good Luck with any new Levies Celina Schools, looks like you stepped in it again! I realize we cannot turn back the hands of time, but when I graduated from CHS in 1967 we were still bringing, and allowed to bring our Shotguns and Squirrel Rifles in our private vehicles, and nothing was said…..The Fear Factor and Political BS from most sections of public education is something {sad} to behold. But that is a common theme in this nation these days….
Patrick Houseworth
CHS Class of 67
AF Security Police, Vietnam 1968-72
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At my daughter’s graduation from Celina in 2008 her name was omitted from the list of those committed to the military after graduation. Even though she had done her Army boot camp already during the summer between jr and sr year, she promised me she would “walk” for graduation. Her name was also mispronounced when it was called for her diploma. Trust me, they knew her name. This was petty and personal.
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Not surprising. They attempted to have my friends son charged with a felony for bringing a block of wood to school last year.
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As a 2005 Grad and Army Veteran I hope they sue the S*** out of them. Truly despicable you don’t have to support your military, but you still support a kid in his ideals. Things like this is what kills a child’s hopes, dreams, and imagination. You’re educators you leave your personal opinions, biases, and political affiliations at home, and you teach the future leaders of the world how to succeed, flourish, and change the world.
Probably a little ranty but w/e lol
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As a 2005 Grad and Army Veteran I hope they sue the S*** out of them. Truly despicable you don’t have to support your military, but you still support a kid in his ideals. Things like this is what kills a child’s hopes, dreams, and imagination. You’re educators you leave your personal opinions, biases, and political affiliations at home, and you teach the future leaders of the world how to succeed, flourish, and change the world.
Probably a little ranty but w/e lol
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Maybe the school system leadership could have calmly and respectfully explained the policy to this very young man and just have the nerf gun removed.
If it was such a big deal why didnt they lock down the school?
Just a cheap shot at a kid who did something with a right heart.
Back in the day someone’s dad wouldve gave the principal a spanking for embarrassing his child like this.
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I understand a lawsuit but who really pays for that? We the taxpayers do and those responsible continue in their secure jobs and not miss a paycheck. I think the people of this community should demand (from the elected school board members) immediate suspension of the staff involved just like they did to this boy and after a thorough investigation termination of the Junior High Principal as well as the Superintendent and any other person responsible in the decision that was made in this case to suspend this student. Do you want people with this type of gross misjudgment educating and indoctrinating your children and grandchildren? I can clearly see how poor of a decision was made in this one incident is it any wonder they tell us they need operating money can you imagine the fiscal decisions that occur daily?
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Celina school district
As a veteran and a father that has lost a son to Iraq war
I want to know how many students were killed by this NERF gun you are all a joke and if my children or grand children attended your district I would pull them out and encourage others to do so no students no salary shut the doors and tear it down
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As someone outside the Celina area, I do not know Tyler Cardin, his family, or the Celina school leadership. But from what the article says, the parents of Celina junior high student Tyler Cardin should be proud of him and I hope he learns to stand strong in the face of political correctness, like the Celina school leadership mistakenly engaged in.
If Tyler had informed his teacher of his plans and received their “okay” to proceed, I hope he gets the public apology from the school that he deserves, at a minimum. It seems those responsible for assuming a toy Nerf gun could cause panic and possibly future loss of life in the school, must not have felt they did a very good job educating the kids. And if that’s true, the blame is theirs, not Tyler’s.
For those who think their children should not be exposed to a memorial like this expressing appreciation for the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country and our freedom – shame on you. Teach your children some history. Take them to some memorials and tell them what life can be like under those nations who feel they have the right to subjugate others and force their will on them.
Thank you to all who have served and my deepest gratitude to those who lost loved ones in the service for our country. We can never repay our debt to you.
It’s my hope that the Celina School administration comes clean and admits they erred and do their best to acknowledge that the message that Tyler Cardin tried to share with his fellow students deserved to be heard and in fact, should be emphasized in this day and age, where so many seem to put themselves first, rather than others – especially their country.
God bless you, Tyler. Keep taking a stand for what you believe, no matter what the world throws at you.
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[With heavy cartoon Goofy’s voice:]
“Uh-HUP!” “Rules is rules.”
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This is an example of a great history lesson. I give him an A+
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I served in the US Army from 1973-1990 What the heck has happen to the Celina school system? Did I serve for nothing? What happen to Freedom of speech. Might need a new school board.
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