A community discussion has emerged in Lakeville after a social media post raised concerns about student behavior during a walk to school.
The post, shared in a residents’ forum, described an incident involving a 5th-grade student who allegedly used offensive racial language while walking near Lakeville Elementary.
The original post quickly gained attention among parents in the neighborhood and sparked a wide range of reactions regarding discipline, responsibility, and student conduct outside school grounds.
The post was made by Samantha Leigh Johnstone, who expressed concern about repeated inappropriate language she reported hearing from a child walking the same route.
To parent of what I think is a 5th grade, white male child. That walks to lakeville elementary. You might want to talk to him bout screaming profanity and inappropriate things. Cuz today he screamed the N word with a hard ER. That makes me scared for his safety. I get cussing with your friends. when you a kid makes you feel cool. But something you just dont say. Specially if they cant respect adults or small kids or people in general. Someone going to hear him n not care if hes a child. So take care of your child before the world does. Smh.
Samantha Leigh Johnstone
She wrote that the student shouted offensive language and noted worries about safety and respect in public spaces. She suggested that parents should address the behavior before it escalates further.
Concern Raised in Neighborhood Discussion
In the forum thread, several residents joined the conversation seeking clarification and context.
Sarah Helton asked for more identifying details about the child, including what he was wearing, saying she wanted to help address the situation directly.
Samantha Leigh Johnstone responded that she would need to pay closer attention next time, explaining that she usually tries not to focus on the child but notices him frequently on her walking route.
Tiffany Carlson added that she had personally heard similar language and stated that she had already spoken to the student about it.
She also mentioned that the behavior had reportedly occurred more than once in recent weeks and that another parent had previously confronted the situation during a walk across the street.
SunnyRhino3537 responded with a message encouraging kindness and caution, suggesting that children often repeat what they hear and may not fully understand the impact of their words.
OooWeeee let’s be KIND and NOT use those words! My goodness 😳 poor kid doesn’t know any different!!
SunnyRhino3537
The comment emphasized the importance of guidance rather than immediate judgment.
Robyn Gallardo disagreed strongly, arguing that repeated behavior suggests a lack of parenting and accountability.
SunnyRhino3537 excuse me?!!! If he doesn’t know better then his parents aren’t parenting! Odds are his parents are just as disrespectful.
Robyn Gallardo
She expressed concern that children who speak disrespectfully in public may be learning such behavior at home.
Megan Brandon asked for additional details about where the child usually walks from, indicating concern and curiosity about the situation.
What street do you walk from? Samantha Leigh Johnstone
Megan Brandon
Mark Danger Bowlus added a more critical perspective, writing that poor parenting contributes to poor behavior in children and describing frustration with what he sees as declining community standards.
Trash parents make trash kids and this place is like a landfill
Mark Danger Bowlus
Parents React With Mixed Opinions
The discussion reflects a broader divide among parents in the Lakeville area about how to respond to public incidents involving children.
Some residents emphasized the need for guidance and communication, while others focused on accountability and parental responsibility.
Samantha Leigh Johnstone reiterated her concern that the language used was not appropriate for any child and stressed that it made her uncomfortable during her daily routine.
She also noted that her intention in sharing the post was to alert a parent rather than to escalate conflict within the community.
As the conversation continued, it became clear that emotions were running high on both sides. Some participants focused on protecting children from harsh judgment, while others stressed the importance of addressing behavior early to prevent future issues.
