posted on April 17, 2003 07:54:13 AM new
Coed bathrooms for children under 10?? This is a very disturbing story. I would be outraged if my child attended this school!
Boy charged with rape no longer attending Roxbury
By Eve Sullivan
Staff Writer
April 17, 2003
STAMFORD -- The 9-year-old boy who was arrested on charges of raping a 7-year-old girl in the bathroom at Roxbury Elementary School has been removed from the school, officials said yesterday.
Schools Superintendent Anthony Mazzullo released a statement, saying a number of questions have arisen concerning the allegations against the student.
"We want to assure parents at Roxbury School and the larger Stamford school community that students are safe," the statement said. "The student in question is not attending Roxbury School at this time and will not do so unless and until the school district is assured that he does not present a risk to any student."
The boy was arrested Tuesday in the sexual assault, which allegedly occurred in late March. Police are not saying what charges were filed against the youth.
Mazzullo said the district cannot comment further because state and federal laws prohibit the release of confidential information about a student without parental consent. He said Stamford Public Schools takes "very seriously" its obligation to protect the privacy of children and parents.
Mazzullo has repeatedly said he wants to reassure parents that the school district has safety measures in place, including policies and practices to protect individual students. He said parents can be assured that those procedures are appropriate and will be reinforced.
Police said the boy followed the girl into a coed bathroom at about noon and raped her. A teacher, who was looking for the boy, saw both children leaving the one-person bathroom.
The girl had a pass to use the bathroom, but the boy didn't have a pass and was unaccounted for, according to police.
School officials contacted police on the day of the alleged attack. The police department's youth bureau investigated for a couple of weeks before arresting the boy Tuesday morning.
The boy appeared at police headquarters on Bedford Street and was taken next door to state Superior Court to be arraigned.
The girl's family has retained Stamford lawyer Beth DiRusso to represent them. DiRusso said she had no comment yesterday but may be making a statement in the future.
"Be kind. Remember everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Harry Thompson
"I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it." - A Few Good Men
posted on April 17, 2003 11:56:24 AM new
sad, but true, twelve...
It surprises me everytime there is a function at my little boy's school how few parents show up.
For instance, there was a "Dr. Seuss Birthday Party" not too long ago, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The school provided pizza, along with two large birthday cakes. After eating, there were scheduled readings of Dr. Seuss stories in different classrooms.
My son is in kindergarten, and his school ranges from Pre-K to 5th grade. I would venture to guess there are approximately 500-700 students in his school. There were less than 100 students (with parents and siblings - family dinner night, I guess) for the pizza, and even less that stuck around for the readings!
I am very fortunate that I work for myself and am able to spend plenty of time with my child. I realize that most parents work these days, but such a poor turnout had to be disheartening for the school!
My son's teacher was doing one of the readings; and as I was talking with her, she pointed out that other than my child, there was only one other student from her class there - out of a class of 32 students!
On other occasions I have helped out with different events at his school, and have had children clinging to me for attention - obviously not getting it at home for whatever excuse the parent can offer. It breaks my heart! I'm from the old school - when you decide to have children, they come first above everything else...
And before anyone starts the "single parent" arguement and working two jobs....I AM a single parent - I "am there, doing that" - you do what you have to do.
"Be kind. Remember everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Harry Thompson
"I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it." - A Few Good Men
posted on April 17, 2003 03:04:11 PM new
How sad. At this age, I would think the child would be trying to imitate something he's seen rather than it being a sexual urge. I'm almost not surprised with all the junk kids see nowadays.
posted on April 17, 2003 04:43:08 PM new
I sat at a PTO meeting two days ago. There were exactly 2 parents in attendance. Looking out the window to the school ballfield, the bleachers were filled with parents watching the softball team play. Being discussed in the meeting were the implications and requirements of the "No Child Left Behind" Act...sad.
posted on April 17, 2003 06:41:33 PM new
I am proud, Helen, that I MAKE the time to be involved in my child's education.
I agree, KD - it is sad. Some kids are just forced to grow up way to fast these days
I have done the same, prof; however, I would rather see the parents supporting something positive the children do than nothing at all.
"Be kind. Remember everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Harry Thompson
"I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it." - A Few Good Men
posted on April 17, 2003 07:20:01 PM new
A later version of the story....
Schools Superintendent Anthony Mazzullo released a statement, saying a number of questions have arisen concerning the allegations against the student.
The boy was arrested Tuesday in the sexual assault, which allegedly occurred in late March.Police are not saying what charges were filed against the youth.
Mazzullo said the district cannot comment further because state and federal laws prohibit the release of confidential information about a student without parental consent. He said Stamford Public Schools takes "very seriously" its obligation to protect the privacy of children and parents.
posted on April 18, 2003 07:31:53 AM newI have done the same, prof; however, I would rather see the parents supporting something positive the children do than nothing at all.
That's very true, but next year, when they see the hoops they and their kids are going to have to jump through in order to not be "left behind", they'll be complaining that nobody told them in advance.
- Harry Thompson
