High Point, N.C. — State investigators suspended Principal Angela Reeves with pay and teaching assistant Teresa Hazlett without pay at Sedge Garden Elementary School. The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education launched the probe after reports of corporal punishment and unmet childcare standards in the Pre-K program.

Documents detail Hazlett grabbing a child by the arm, kicking a 5-year-old, pushing a child’s head down with her foot, and covering a 4-year-old’s head with a blanket. A child care consultant visited on December 3, 2024, confirming these force incidents. Principal Reeves knew of the events but did not alert authorities, according to the report.

Ashley Wallace, mother of a student at the school, called the findings devastating. “Being disgusted, shocked, and angry is an understatement,” she said. Wallace, a frequent volunteer, learned of the allegations through public state documents. “They are babies, and they’re our most vulnerable babies,” she added. “It’s absolutely sickening. I was almost in tears.”

A follow-up inspection on January 16, 2025, uncovered more lapses. Staff had skipped required incident reports for multiple child injuries. Officials deemed the evidence sufficient to confirm maltreatment.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools acted swiftly after Human Resources received complaints on November 25, 2024. Hazlett, a Pre-K exceptional children teaching assistant serving as a long-term substitute, was pulled from the classroom that day and has not returned. The district placed the Pre-K program on a six-month special provisional license.

Superintendent Tricia McManus stressed zero tolerance. “We do not condone the use of physical force against our students,” she said. “We are grateful to those who reported the issues in this case.” The Preschool Director retrained staff on policies, positive discipline, and child interactions. Administrators ramped up classroom observations.

District officials clarified Hazlett’s role when pressed. “Yes, she is a TA that serves Pre-K EC students,” a representative confirmed. Parents were not immediately notified after November alerts to administrators. The district issued a corrective action plan and pledged full compliance.

The Winston-Salem Police Department opened a criminal probe. “WSPD is actively investigating this reported incident at Sedge Garden Elementary,” the department stated. “Our investigation is ongoing, as law enforcement cases follow a thorough process that takes time to ensure successful prosecution. We remain committed to transparency and will share updates with the public as soon as we are able.”

Wallace urged parents to stay alert. “I hope that this never happens again,” she said. “I don’t want parents to think that all teachers are bad, all principals are bad. I hope that parents always hold the district accountable, always ask, always stay informed.” Families can access DCDEE documents online through the district.

The suspensions remain active pending internal investigations. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools continues cooperating with state and local authorities to resolve the matter.