Teacher charged with battery after students reportedly bruised

JACKSON COUNTY, Ga. — A Jackson County elementary school teacher was arrested and charged with battery, accused of causing bruises to two students while they were at South Jackson Elementary School. 
 
Laura McKown was arrested after a 6-year-old student's parent, reported the student came home with bruises and cuts, claiming McKown grabbed him when he was not following directions in the classroom.  Another 5-year-old reported a similar story, according to deputies.
 
"No tolerance, she shouldn't be allowed at the school, around the kids or anything," said Michelle Graham, a parents who has children in the Jackson County school district.
 
But some parents are coming to the teacher's defense starting a Facebook page called "We love McKown."   
 
One parent with children in her class posted, "she is a wonderful teacher, and is just honestly being taken advantage of. Now teachers are left with no real way to handle difficult situations with kids. "
 
In an emailed statement, April Howard, the superintendent of Jackson County Schools, wrote, "Ms. McKown has been an effective teacher with Jackson County Schools since 2006.  Two kindergarten students reported that Ms. McKown took them by the arm leaving a mark.  She has been suspended with pay pending an investigation by both the school district and local law enforcement.  We are absolutely committed to student safety and will ensure a through and complete investigation."
 
"I hope the school does something to fix it. I hope they make sure it doesn't happen again," said parent Michelle Graham.
 
McKown was released from jail and had no comment on the case.

WSBTV