A Traumatic Trip to the Principal's Office

Mental Health, School Bullies, Racism, and Policing in Schools

Viroqua Middle and Viroqua High School located in Viroqua, Wisconsin

Viroqua Middle School is located in Viroqua, WI (2021 Population: 4,419) and serves approximately 300 students. Based on statistics from USNews.com, “The school’s minority student enrollment is 9%,” which is about 2.43 students out of 300.

I remember this day so clearly - it was a Fall afternoon and I was in 8th grade orchestra class. I played the violin. The school was going through a major remodel, so we were rehearsing in the wrestling room, which always smelled of rubber mats and sweat. All of a sudden, the guidance counselor, Mrs. Schneider, interrupts our rehearsal to get me and instructs me to pack everything up. Strange.

I was so naive, I thought, “maybe I was receiving an award?” It’s embarrassing to admit. I had rarely got “in trouble,” so it didn’t even cross my mind that it could be for something else.

I was a teacher’s pet, perfectionist, and major people-pleaser. I played by all the rules.

She escorts me to see the principal, Mrs. Klos, who I was already afraid of at this point. She had a reputation of being very assertive and demanding, and I did not have any interest in being around her one-on-one nor getting to know her. Something made me feel unsafe.

Now, because the school was being remodeled, the vice principal, Mr. Heitman, and principal’s office is located in the Shop area.

So when the principal takes me into a private area to talk one-on-one, there is heavy machinery, large saws, and tools on every wall and hanging on the ceiling above me.