By Hector Flores
The announcement came a week after the alleged assault on Feb. 6, following an after-school extracurricular activity. According to police, the boy charged with assault allegedly attacked another student from behind, using a drumstick and causing internal injuries.
Police said that school officials were notified the following day by students who had witnessed the attack. School officials then notified parents and the police.
Leon Campo, deputy superintendent of the East Meadow School District, which includes Woodland Middle School, said that the alleged attacker had been suspended from school and would be subject to further disciplinary action pending the outcome of a superintendent hearing this week.
³This district has a zero tolerance toward aggressive actions and behavior, and this applies to all our students,² Campo said. ³This [incident] involves two students, and we dealt with it immediately. The superintendent hearing will determine what further action will be taken.²
Campo was also concerned with the media attention the case has garnered and misinformation that has appeared in print. ³Much of what has been reported is false,² he said.
Campo explained that some newspapers had reported that adults had witnessed the attack, which was not true. ³There has been mention that the district delayed ‹ that¹s not true ‹ and that the attack was connected to some team activity, which is not true,² he said. ³We¹re shocked that the media is turning this into an event.²
Campo added that the case is very sensitive, involving, as it does, two underage children and their families. ³People should respect the school system and their commitment to doing the right thing for children, including the ones that act in an inappropriate manner,² he said. ³This is to protect the children and their families. If discipline needs to be done, it will be. We are not rushing to judgment, just waiting for the conclusion of the hearing.²
Helen Meittinis, president of the Community Association of Stewart Avenue, said the incident is unfortunate. ³I can¹t really say anything on it,² she said. ³I feel terrible for the people involved. It¹s sad when it involves kids. They should be young and having fun.²
Comments about this story? HFlores@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
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The following letter was sent to parents of Woodland Middle School students this week by the school¹s principal, James Lethbridge.
Dear Parents:
When I became your principal in 2005, I conveyed that communication plays a vital role in all facets of the school community, especially here at Woodland. This letter is to inform you of the unfortunate incident that took place last week at the end of wrestling practice and provide you with as much factual information regarding the situation without jeopardizing anyone¹s privacy. I am sure that you have either seen or read about the situation through various media.
The incident occurred on Tuesday of last week, at the end of wrestling practice in the locker room. One member of the wrestling team allegedly assaulted a teammate. This unacceptable behavior appears to have been unplanned. The next day the incident was reported to the coaches and building administration. Once we were notified, our administrative team investigated the situation. Within several hours, at the conclusion of our preliminary investigation, we were able to identify the individuals involved, and appropriate disciplinary action was implemented. The families of the students involved were immediately contacted and informed of this matter.
To date, I have met with the parents of the wrestling team and student athletes. The purpose of the meeting was to dispel some of the rumors which were being spread and to provide accurate information. In addition, a faculty meeting was held to inform staff and to ask them to be sensitive to students¹ feelings and reactions to the situation.
We at Woodland have handled this matter expeditiously, respectfully and with the utmost of confidentiality. Please be informed that members of our staff, guidance counselors, social workers and psychologists, are available as needed. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
Sincerely,
James L. Lethbridge
