Palatine teacher accused of hitting student in face with electronic device

A teacher at Winston Campus Junior High School in Palatine faces a battery charge for throwing an electronic device in a student's face, police said.

French teacher SueEllen Patkunas, 51, of the 1200 block of North Lakeview Drive in Palatine, was charged after turning herself in to Palatine police Friday, according to Cmdr. Craig Lesselyoung. She was charged with one count of misdemeanor battery and assigned a Feb. 22 court hearing in Rolling Meadows.

Police said a Winston Campus school resource officer responded after receiving notification of a classroom disturbance about noon Monday. They said the trouble began after a student refused to remove earbuds.

Police said their investigation indicated that as an argument escalated, Patkunas removed the earbuds by pulling a cord and then threw an unspecified electronic device that hit the student in the face. Authorities said the student did not require medical attention.

Palatine Township Elementary District 15 Superintendent Scott Thompson said Patkunas has been placed on administrative leave while school officials investigate. Police and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Service are conducting separate investigations, officials said. "The safety of our students is something we take very seriously," Thompson said in a message to parents. "While we understand that there may be questions regarding this incident, the district is unable to share more information due to confidentiality and privacy laws that govern student and personnel matters."

Patkunas is a longtime French instructor who previously worked at Grayslake High School District 127.