LEWISTON, N.Y. — A staff member at St. Peter RC School in Lewiston has been dismissed following an inappropriate interaction with students on Friday.
The school’s administration released a statement Monday saying it was made aware of “an unfortunate incident” that occurred in the school’s cafeteria on Friday.
A parent of a student at St. Peter RC School told 2 On Your Side that a lunch aide asked the fourth through eighth grade students to line up in the cafeteria and bend over, so she could hit them from behind with a yardstick. The parent said they heard the retelling from multiple students and that the lunch aide’s reason for the act was that it was her birthday.
The parent requested to remain anonymous out of protection for their child.
“In all my years, I don't think I've ever heard of such a sick act?” the parent said. “Your wish is to exert pain on children? It's disgusting.”
The school’s statement Monday said the interaction was “a clear violation of the code of conduct.” As a result, the staff member has been dismissed, and the school says it is following reporting protocols.
However, the anonymous parent said more should be done.
“If you're an adult, and you're tasked with protecting children or feeding them or taking them to and from classes, and you watch this happen, then you're just as guilty,” the parent said. “The fact that only one person is held accountable and the rest can just skip freely, that's not enough.”
The parent said they are contemplating transferring their child as a result of the incident if no more action is taken.
Here is the full statement from the school:
This morning, the administration of St. Peter RC School was made aware of an unfortunate incident that occurred May 10th in the cafeteria concerning one of our employees.
Her interaction with the students was inappropriate and a clear violation of the code of conduct. She was immediately dismissed, and the school is following reporting protocol.
Our first priority is the welfare and safety of our school community, and we sincerely apologize for this incident. This breach of trust is not an accurate reflection of our school and Church.
Out of the utmost care of our students and school community, counseling services will be made available to those affected.
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