Two sets of parents on Monday filed grievances against Dr. Cecelia Hudgens, fellow music teacher Tim Lightfoot and principal Melissa Harper for the incident and the response of the administration.

Dr. Hudgens leads the third-, fourth- and fifth-grade choir and after a morning performance students held up signs declaring their support for the educators and Kennedy-Powell teachers. Each presented her with a rose.

The grievances claim that on Nov. 9 Dr. Hudgens disciplined a first-grade music class by having students perform push-ups. Lightfoot is named because he is said to have entered the classroom while the class was doing push-ups and did nothing to stop them. Ms. Harper is named because the parents said she did not address their concerns and tried to cover up the incident.

Mary Speights, Kennedy Powell PTO co-president, said Dr. Hudgens does wonders with students and she is behind her all the way.

“We support her 100 percent,” Mrs. Speights said. “She is a wonderful teacher and we love the way that she is able to help our kids to feel better about themselves through singing and the programs she puts on and how she helps them to shine in ways that they may not be able to do in other areas.”

Ed Laughlin’s child is in the choir and said Dr. Hudgens has been nothing but professional.

“She’s been an excellent teacher, she works really hard and she takes those kids down to the Capital (for a concert) every year,” Laughlin said. “I certainly think she is a good teacher and would hate for the school district to get rid of her because of this incident. I don’t know if I quite understand or even believe it. She does a good job and I never see her upset. For the people that really know her well, they think a lot of her.”

nkchandler@temple-telegram.com