School's principal apologizes after throwing mock funeral

Thursday, January 10, 2019
MEMPHIS, Tennessee -- It was supposed to motivate teachers but ended up doing the opposite.

A principal at a Tennessee elementary school is under fire for holding a 'mock funeral' complete with a baby doll in a casket. Tina Smith, the principal at Getwell Elementary in Memphis, wanted to encourage teachers to work harder to increase student achievement.
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Smith held the mock funeral to renew focus and commitment of staff members in the new year. Pictures taken at the school show a doll in a casket surrounded by flowers and a pamphlet that read, "In loving memory of Madam 2 to 3 years behind."

A representative with the school district said the demonstration was supposed to be a symbolic act to eliminate negativity but came across as insensitive to some staffers.
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The principal later apologized.

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