From classroom to courtroom: Woman charged after homework session turns violent

Margaret Gissome, 35, was arrested in Palm Beach County, Florida, on charges of aggravated child abuse for allegedly striking a child over incorrect homework answers.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Gissome became agitated when a child responded incorrectly to homework questions. The arrest report states that Gissome “became upset” because the girl gave her “the wrong answer to her homework.” She allegedly grabbed the child by the shirt collar and shook her before punching her in the face multiple times with a closed fist. 

The victim, whose age has not been disclosed, reported the incident to authorities. She described doing homework with siblings in Gissome’s bedroom when the altercation occurred. The child suffered visible injuries, including a busted blood vessel in her left eye and a bruised lower lip.

Law enforcement officials noted in their report that Gissome allegedly threatened further violence, telling the child “not to worry about your lip because your nose will be next.” The exact relationship between Gissome and the child remains unclear, though reports indicate Gissome works in occupational care and was referred to as “Miss” by the girl.

WPTV reported that Gissome was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on Thursday. She was later released on a $2,500 bond, with conditions prohibiting contact with the victim and other minor children unless their parents are aware of the child abuse charge.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Children & Families are conducting the investigation together.