BARTOW -- A former Bartow Middle School teacher is facing arraignment on misdemeanor battery charges, after police say she bit two boys in her class over a jar of pickles.
According to the Bartow police affidavit, 53-year-old Rhonda Rice was teaching in late October when two students were taking items off a shelf in a section of the classroom used as a kitchen. They saw Rice grab a jar off the shelf and thought she was taking it for herself. One boy grabbed the jar and tried to pull it away. He said Rice bit him on his right forearm and he let go. Another boy claimed Rice did the same thing to him.
The affidavit says the school resource officer questioned Rice about the incident, and that she said she was "playing" with the students and "licked" both their arms.
News Channel 8 reports Rice is on paid administrative leave. Her arraignment is set for March 31st.
Photo: Canva