Jimtown High School teacher no longer employed after allegedly hitting student

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. (WNDU) - A Jimtown High School teacher is no longer employed after school officials say he slapped a student in the face.

According to a press release from Baugo Community Schools, the teacher, identified as Mike Hosinski, confronted a student about a hoodie sweatshirt the student wore to class on Friday morning. A verbal exchange ensued in the school hallway and teacher struck the student in the face with an open-handed slap.

The slap caused the student’s head to strike the wall, and the student suffered visible injuries. Medical staff immediately treated the student.

School administrators promptly contacted the Indiana Department of Child Services and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office. Both organizations are presently investigating the matter.

Additionally, school representatives reported the incident to the Indiana Department of Education and teacher licensing officials.

School officials say Hosinski is no longer employed by Baugo Community Schools and is not permitted on school grounds.

School officials say the safety of students attending Baugo Community Schools is their highest priority and greatest responsibility.

Press Release from Baugo Community Schools:

The safety of students attending Baugo Community Schools is our highest priority and greatest responsibility. When anyone, including a teacher, undermines that priority and responsibility, swift action must and will be taken to safeguard Jimtown students. Anything less cannot be tolerated.

On Friday, February 25, following a morning class, a Jimtown High School teacher confronted a student about the student’s attire, specifically a hoodie sweatshirt the student wore to class. A verbal exchange ensued in the school hallway and, inexplicably, the teacher struck the student in the face with an open-handed slap. The slap caused the student’s head to strike the wall; the student suffered visible injuries. Medical staff immediately treated the student. School administrators promptly contacted the Indiana Department of Child Services and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office and both organizations are presently investigating the matter. Additionally, school representatives reported the incident to the Indiana Department of Education, teacher licensing officials. Baugo Community Schools has and will continue to fully cooperate with all investigations, as well as offering supportive services to the student and the student’s family.

The teacher, Mike Hosinski, is no longer employed by Baugo Community Schools and is not permitted on school grounds. Any action that threatens to harm any student will be quickly, directly, and severely addressed. All Jimmies must be able to learn in a safe environment.

Various state and federal privacy laws prohibit disclosure of certain information. To avoid interfering with and possibly jeopardizing law enforcement investigations, Baugo Community Schools will not be commenting further at this time.