Michael J. Sanders, Ph.D.

Principal

Lisa Saba-Price

Assistant Principal

June 3, 2010

Dear Parents,

As you may know, there was an incident on the 5th grade trip yesterday in New York City.  There were ninety seven students and forty chaperones including teachers, parents and myself on the trip.  A parent who was chaperoning had inappropriate contact with some female students on the bus tour portion of the trip. 

After a preliminary investigation, I made the decision to call the police.  Authorities met us at the last stop on our trip, lunch at Mars 2112, and conducted their own investigation.  Most of our students, staff and chaperones went home after the restaurant.  Parents of the students that the NYC Police defined as involved in the incident were contacted.  Those students were accompanied to a New York City hospital and police precinct by several teachers, parents and me to further investigate the situation.

Bad things happen in good places.  Stillmeadow remains a safe school focused on its core mission of educating students for a 21st century world.  I am truly saddened by yesterday’s events.  Today the entire school, including the fifth graders, were going about their normal routines.  We continue to ensure Stillmeadow remains a safe and successful school.

In light of the situation at hand, I would like you to know that your children were among some of the most professional and dedicated teachers I know.  Our staff remained calm and kept students on track despite the circumstance.  Specific details of this situation are still under investigation and will be kept confidential for the protection of the students involved.  Thank you for your continued support as we anticipate moving past this unfortunate incident.   

Please call me if you should have any questions.

Sincerely,

_____________________________

Michael J. Sanders, Ph.D.

Principal