Parent raises concern about teacher lesson on Ouija and related activities at Mabel Rush

During public forum on Sept. 9, a resident identified as Mr. McBride told the board that his grandchild, a fifth‑grade student at Mabel Rush, was exposed to class activities about Ouija boards, Bloody Mary and “Charlie Charlie.” He said he considered those topics inappropriate and said school staff had moved his grandchild to a different class after his concern.

The matter is significant to parents who expect instruction to align with age‑appropriate curriculum and school policy. In the meeting Mr. McBride described hearing that a teacher had used a podcast showing how to build a Ouija board and alleged that students were encouraged to try a “Charlie Charlie” activity using pencils and paper. He said he had spoken with the principal, who told him the subject was not part of the district curriculum and arranged for his grandchild to change classes.

The board chair and staff thanked the commenter and the principal said he would follow up. The superintendent or principal told the board, “I’ll give the principals a call and investigate,” and confirmed the district would look into the incident. No formal board action was taken; the transcript records the parent’s account, the principal’s response and the student’s classroom reassignment.

The board did not identify the teacher or provide lesson materials at the meeting. Board members and staff said they would follow standard procedures for complaint investigation and use the district’s chain of command to determine curriculum alignment and any next steps.