The Bedford County School Board filed a lawsuit seeking $600,000 in damages from the father of a special needs student, claiming the man’s abrasive communications with school staff about his son’s treatment over the last three years amounts to illegal intimidation and harassment.

In court filings, Bedford resident David Rife insists he’s the one being intimidated, noting that the county school board sued him shortly after he filed a complaint with the Virginia Department of Education saying local school officials weren’t following the individualized education program, or IEP, designed to accommodate his son’s learning disability and improve his reading skills. When he filed the complaint, Rife told state officials he feared he would face retaliation locally, according to court documents.

The school board filed its lawsuit against Rife on March 26, roughly a month after Rife sent his complaint to state education officials.

In a March 29 letter responding to Rife’s complaint, state education officials ruled Bedford school officials were out of compliance in several policy areas and ordered the division to take corrective action in regards to Rife’s son by April 29.

In his answer to the lawsuit, Rife suggested the timeline “suggests the possibility” the suit may have been retaliation and argues it’s school officials who are in the wrong.

The court case highlights ongoing disputes over parents’ rights in K-12 schools, spotty compliance with special education rules and how public officials should handle unpleasant or hostile speech from critics.

Virginia adopts regulatory changes for special education amid federal review

The case was brought on behalf of the Bedford School Board by attorneys in the Richmond office of Sands Anderson, a law firm that handles a variety of local government issues. A Sands Anderson attorney didn’t respond to a request for comment on Rife’s claims about the motivations for the suit.

Bedford School Board Chairman Marcus Hill didn’t respond to requests for comment Monday. The school board itself is the plaintiff suing Rife.

In court filings responding to the suit, Rife and his attorney contend he had good reason to be frustrated with Bedford schools over the lack of consideration for state and federal special education laws. Rife’s defense contends he only used “impolite” language while “passionately advocating” for his son, who suffers from anxiety and was reading at a fifth grade level as a sophomore in high school.

“It is highly ironic that BCPS, whose School Board members have emphasized repeatedly and strongly the importance of protecting parental rights, have now sued a parent for a total of $600,000.00 because the school personnel did not like how he has advocated for his son,” said the response filed on Rife’s behalf by Bedford attorney David Whitehurst.

The civil suit claims Rife used “obscene, vulgar, profane, lewd, lascivious and/or indecent language” when interacting with school staff in person, over the phone and via email. The lawsuit lists several examples of Rife threatening to call the police, have people arrested, file lawsuits or initiate investigations over what he believed to be mistreatment of his son.

The filing recounts conversations in which Rife allegedly said the school principal should “get her head out of her ass” and said her “bullshit” was putting his son at risk. Documents filed in court also suggest Rife used the terms “asshole,” “jerk” and “jerkoff” to refer to school staff members.

Bedford school officials tried to put Rife on a communications plan in early 2023 that limited his contact with staff.

“Bedford County Public Schools expects parents to be respectful and civil when interacting with school staff members,” Deputy Superintendent Karen Woodford wrote to Rife last July in a letter filed with the lawsuit. “We will no longer tolerate your profanity to staff, threats, dishonest communication about people losing their jobs, yelling and speaking badly about staff members. If you cannot abide by this plan, I will limit your interaction with staff even more than it is at this time.”

In addition to the $600,000 the school board is seeking from Rife for “personal injury, lost profits, increased operating expenses and legal fees,” the board is asking the Bedford Circuit Court to order Rife to stop using vulgar language and follow the communications plan the school division laid out for him.

“Putting an end to the abuse of government resources is plainly in the public interest,” the school board’s lawyers wrote in a motion seeking an emergency injunction against Rife.

Rife’s attorney has argued that nothing he said rises to the level of criminal conduct under the laws the school board pointed to dealing with using a computer or phone for harassment and “abusive language to another.” The communication plan the school division is asking the court to enforce states that Rife can only use email to contact the school principal and the division’s director of special education and says they “will not communicate through phone unless there is an emergency.”

In a competing motion asking the court to order Bedford County Public Schools to comply with the IEP plan, Rife’s side argued the injunction school officials were seeking would infringe on free speech.

“It would serve as a ‘lesson’ to other parents that advocating for their children could result in being sued,” Rife’s motion says.

The communications the school divisions objected to, Rife’s attorney argued in legal filings, should be understood in the context of a parent trying to help their child but getting little assistance from school officials. Many of the interactions school officials spotlighted involved Rife complaining about bullying by other students or behavior by teachers that he felt was adding to his son’s difficulties at school, according to court records.

“One example is that Mr. Rife has been restricted from speaking directly with his son’s case manager or the reading specialist for over three years outside of IEP meetings,” Rife’s court filings say. “As would most parents in such a situation, this has caused him to become frustrated and upset, and that frustration has at times been expressed to school employees, but never with malice or threat.”

The specific language school staff found offensive would “generally be considered fairly mild in today’s culture,” Rife’s court filings argue.

State officials ruled Bedford officials were not in compliance with several sections of the student’s IEP calling for him to receive specialized instruction and assistance. For example, the plan called for the student to receive at least 45 minutes of reading services five times per week in a special education setting, but state officials determined he wasn’t always getting that level of instruction.

The state ordered Bedford school officials to reexamine the student’s IEP, discuss whether he needed extended school year services and review what “compensatory” assistance was necessary to address the impact on the student’s “access to a free appropriate public education.”

Attorneys for the school board portrayed the lawsuit as a necessary step to safeguard the school division after less formal efforts to improve relations with Rife failed.

The courts requiring Rife to communicate with school officials in a particular manner, the school board’s lawyers wrote, won’t impede his ability to have “reasonable, good faith communications with BCPS about his child’s education.”

A hearing has not yet been scheduled in the case.

by Graham Moomaw, Virginia Mercury

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By whichever name you prefer: Earth, Lone Pine, or Tree Giveaway Day in Front Royal, Sunday, April 21, was a rousing success and then some! That is unless you got there much after 11 a.m. and were looking for one of those 450 native species trees being given away through a grant from the Department of Forestry. We’ll let Aces Committee supporting member Chris Rademacher, who was manning the tree distribution table when we arrived, explain:

“This was an awesome grant from the Department of Forestry. It was funded through their Virginia Trees for Clean Water Program. So, it was a $7,000 grant and we bought these trees and we’re giving them away to the community during our Front Royal Earth Day, Lone Pine Day Festival. And they’re all gone,” Rademacher observed shortly after 11 a.m. before we noted three lonely trees sitting somewhat obscured at some distance behind his table and over toward East Main Street.

Aces Committee member Chris Rademacher tells a citizen that available trees for giveaway are getting slim – you may have to take one helping advertise the ‘Native Tree Give-away’ table site. Below, Rademacher displays one of the final three trees available at 11:20 a.m. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

Wait, what — nearly 450 trees distributed to citizens attending the festival gone in just over an hour into the 10 a.m. event scheduled to run to 3 p.m. If we recall correctly, 250 trees were given away at last year’s event.

“We had a line of about 45 people waiting for trees at 10 a.m. It was pretty intense. And so we had this really nice flow throughout, I guess it’s only been an hour — And what time is it, 11:20, so about an hour and 20 minutes and all of our trees are gone except for three,” Rademacher said of the steady run on the grant-enabled tree give-away.

And while all trees appeared to have been claimed by about 11:30 a.m. there were still nearly four hours left for informational booth visiting, mingling with friends old or newly made, grabbing a snack at healthy food table displays or a food vendor booth, not to mention getting to know some of the Heavenly Heart Petting Zoo animals before the 3 p.m. final stop would be called.

Four perspectives of the Heavenly Hearts Petting Zoo and Animal Awareness site. In 3rd shot WayLynn the Guinea Pig wonders if any of that bagged food is coming its way. Marigold, the brown and white sheep surrounded by children in final shot, is blind, but loving the attention.

Of the Earth/Lone Pine Day event, we found this from an online search for Front Royal’s Earth Day event: “Whether you’ve been a part of previous events or are joining for the first time, kick off Spring with us and showcase your commitment to the environment! The event will connect you with diverse, nature-oriented conservation groups that showcase environmental stewardship at its best.”

So, in case you missed it, or just want to be reminded of all the fun you had by not missing it, enjoy this event photo run. And never forget, the earth we leave behind is a key portion of our generational legacy to all generations to come. Certainly something worth gathering to remember and recommit to annually.

Four of the environmentally themed informational tents set up in the Village Commons Park in Historic Downtown Front Royal, Va.

Two early-arriving citizens with their tree takes – don’t lose those on the way home, and plant them with care.

The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center display; and below some information on the instructional magic distributed at the American Gourd Society table.

A dinosaur-kid standoff; and below the plant lady wanted to make it perfectly clear that she was with this representative of the Stone Branch Center for the Arts located not far away on E. Main St. in downtown Front Royal.

And a final look around the Earth/Lone Pine Day scene in downtown Front Royal.

Patience isn’t just a virtue; it’s a skill that can transform your work, relationships, and personal growth journey. In our fast-paced world, the urge to rush through tasks and milestones is common, but slowing down can unlock deeper understanding and greater efficiency. Here’s a simple exercise to help you develop patience in all aspects of life:

Value the Process: Instead of focusing solely on the end goal, embrace the journey. No matter how mundane, each task offers its own lessons and experiences. Recognize the value in what you’re doing right now.

Visualize Slowing Down: Notice when you’re hurrying and mentally picture yourself moving at a more measured pace. Imagine engaging with your work or conversation more deeply, absorbing the nuances and wisdom it offers.

Pause and Breathe: Whenever you catch your mind racing ahead, take a moment to breathe deeply. This physical pause can help reset your mental pace, anchoring you in the present and allowing you to engage fully with the task or moment at hand.

In her book Inner Gardening: Four Seasons of Cultivating the Soil and the Spirit, Diane Dreher advocates for this mindful approach, highlighting how slowing down enhances our focus and leads to significant insights. By practicing patience, we can enrich our understanding, improve our performance, and find joy in the paths we’re walking, both professionally and personally.

Dealing with stains can often feel like a battle, especially when it comes to substances that are notorious for leaving their mark, such as red wine, pen ink, coffee, and blood. But fear not! The world of home remedies offers several effective solutions to tackle these stubborn stains, restoring your fabrics and other materials to their former glory. Here’s a guide to some of the most common stains and how to remove them using ingredients likely already in your home.

Red Wine Stains

Red wine spills are a common party foul, but they don’t have to spell disaster for your fabrics. A mixture of baking soda and lemon juice can work wonders. Apply it generously over the stain and let it sit for about an hour before rinsing with cold water. Dabbing with white vinegar before rinsing can also be effective for dried stains.

Pen Ink Stains

Ink stains from a leaking pen need not be a death sentence for your clothes. Applying white toothpaste (not gel) or rubbing alcohol to the stain and rubbing vigorously can lift the ink. Alternatively, a paste made from milk and cornstarch applied to the stain and brushed off once dry can also be effective.

Coffee Stains

Coffee stains are a common morning mishap. To treat them, blot the stained area with a mixture of lukewarm water, dishwashing soap or laundry detergent, and white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual. For persistent stains, gently dabbing with rubbing alcohol can help remove any lingering discoloration.

Blood Stains

Dried blood stains can be particularly challenging. Soak the stained area in cool water mixed with white vinegar for about 15 minutes, then blot and rinse with clean water. It’s important to use cool water, as hot water can set the stain, making it nearly impossible to remove.

The Joy of Stain Removal

The process of removing a stubborn stain can be incredibly satisfying, transforming a marred item back to its pristine state. These home remedies not only save you a trip to the professional cleaner but also offer a sense of accomplishment in easily tackling household chores. Next time you’re faced with a daunting stain, remember these tips and relish in the satisfaction of making it disappear.

April 23 marks a special occasion for book lovers around the globe: World Book and Copyright Day. Established by UNESCO, this day is dedicated to appreciating books’ unique role in our lives, promoting the joys of reading, and recognizing the rights of authors and publishers. Books are more than just a hobby; they are a treasure trove of knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration connecting us across time and cultures.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Reading

Engaging with books offers a myriad of benefits, both for the mind and soul:

• Entertainment: With an endless variety of genres, there’s a book for every taste and interest, offering unparalleled escapism and enjoyment.
• Education: Reading expands your knowledge, introducing you to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives.
• Vocabulary and Language Skills: Regular reading enhances your vocabulary and improves your understanding of language nuances.
• Creativity and Imagination: Books stimulate the imagination, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Concentration and Focus: Immersing yourself in a book requires concentration, which can improve your attention span over time.
• Stress Reduction: Reading has been shown to lower stress levels, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
• Memory Improvement: The act of reading and following complex narratives can strengthen memory and cognitive functions.
• Empathy: Literature often puts you in the shoes of its characters, fostering empathy and understanding of diverse human experiences.
• Neurological Health: Engaging with books can also contribute to long-term brain health, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Celebrate With a Visit to Your Local Bookstore or Library

This World Book and Copyright Day, take the opportunity to explore the magic of books. Visit a local bookstore or library to discover new titles, revisit old favorites, or even participate in events celebrating the power of reading. It’s a perfect time to enrich your personal library and share the love of reading with friends and family.

Understanding Copyright Law

Copyright law plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of authors, illustrators, and publishers, ensuring they can continue to create and share their work. Respecting copyright by obtaining permission before using someone else’s creative output is essential. This supports the creators and fosters a healthy culture of respect and appreciation within the literary community.

As we celebrate World Book and Copyright Day, let’s acknowledge the invaluable contributions of those who bring books into our lives and commit to supporting their rights. Whether through buying books, borrowing from libraries, or advocating for authors’ rights, we can all play a part in sustaining the vibrant world of literature.

April 26 marks National Arbor Day, dedicated to planting trees and fostering a deeper appreciation for their crucial role in our environment. The tradition began in 1872 when J. Sterling Morton of Nebraska highlighted the importance of trees to a thriving ecosystem. This day has since evolved into a nationwide observance, encouraging individuals and communities to plant trees and engage in activities that promote environmental stewardship.

Trees are more than just a scenic addition to our landscapes; they are essential to energy conservation in ways comparable to insulation or weather-tight windows and doors. By providing shade in the summer and acting as windbreaks in the winter, trees significantly reduce the energy needed to heat and cool our homes. It’s estimated that three strategically placed shade trees can lower air conditioning costs by up to 30 percent. This is not just a contribution to individual savings but also a substantial benefit to the environment by reducing the demand for energy.

The choice of tree species plays a significant role in maximizing these benefits. Deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in winter, are perfect for blocking heat in the summer while allowing sunlight to warm homes during the colder months. Placing these trees on buildings’ south and west sides optimizes their shade during the hottest parts of the day and seasons. Additionally, shading hard surfaces like driveways can further minimize the heat load on surrounding areas.

On the other hand, Evergreens retain their foliage throughout the year, making them excellent windbreaks that can significantly reduce a home’s heating energy consumption. When planted on the north side of a home, evergreens can shield against cold winter winds while still providing shade in the summer months.

National Arbor Day is an opportunity to impact our planet and communities positively. By planting a tree, you contribute to energy conservation, beautify your surroundings, and support a healthier environment. Whether you’re planting a deciduous tree to cool your home in the summer or an evergreen to protect it from winter winds, each tree planted is a step towards a greener, more sustainable world.