First of all, I believe Mrs. Depalo is innocent and is being blackmailed. She was my teacher in my freshman year of 2006-07. She was kind, critical, and outgoing. She would never do anything like this. Either way you look at it, these ALLEGED charges that are put against her has forever ruined her reputation as a great teacher, coach, and mentor 2 children. I don't know now about you guys, but I'm behind my former teacher in every way, shape, and form that I can be of some support.

The fact you find this embarrassing is correct. But who's more embarrassed, the town, or this poor women's fate that can be her life behind bars?

Ms DePalo has been released on bail.

I would not take the word of a 15 male student. He could be lying to impress his buddies by saying he nailed a teacher. He mostly a virgin

First off you need to check your spelling. Do not blame the board of education for a teachers choice. The board does their very best to provide wonderful teachers. Thanks to the board of education who made sure this teacher was reported. West Orange did not make top 100 in NJ because instead of going to a school full of morons most people prefer to put their children in private school. So think about it! Most parents in West Orange put their children in private school. You should do the same!

Why must people always try to place blame on others? She is the only responsible party here: not the Board of Ed.

"Most parents in West Orange put their children in private school." What kind of a statement is that. Where is the fact on that that more than 50% send their kids to private school in WO? Please show me those numbers.

I just found the answer: 19.4% of the WO residents go to private school. So that is WAY BELOW 'most'

For the people dissing the whole district for one 'alleged' teacher. That is just not fair. We have WONDERFUL teachers here in WO.

I have children in elementary school and have been very happy with the schools and their governance. I'm confident that this is an isolated incident, and I don't think it has anything to do with school rankings (in which we're just above the middle, just about reflecting our economic situation, as with nearly every district in the state).

Hi Sylvia- Oh my - just reading these comments and I have to stop "mid-Sylvia" b/c of all your typos! There is a red squiggly line that appears beneath a word when you misspell it. You can 'right click' on the misspelled word and select the correct spelling. (ha! I just misspelled misspell but corrected it!) I'm not intending to be mean, but I am not the only one who cannot STAND reading something with so many errors. It takes away from the points you are trying to make. Being that you have a young child you have ample time to improve before your own child starts correcting you! Sorry but I just couldn't ignore this and hopefully you will take this as constructive criticism.

If she did it. We only have the word of a child who may be lying!

Good point Kate....
Can't blame the whole barrel for one bad apple. There are "grown ups" that make horrible decisions...We as townspeople are trying to give West Orange Students the best education we can.
Please try to understand the frustration of this event...Our Taxpaying home owners have a huge percentage of their taxes go towards education....Sixty one cents of every dollar. We feel, in general, that our schools should have better results for the amount that is being charged us.
AND THEN....something like this happens and the "frustration" fuse gets lit.
It's as simple as that.
West Orange wishes you well in your endeavors. God Bless.

Do ou you know how to format a sentence and use capitalization? If yes, this post does not prove it. Is this our tax dollars in action?

Leigh-Ann

Do you realize that within the first two words of your comment you have a typo? Meanwhile you critiquing someone else's grammar... it happens thtas not what we are here for. This is not an English course. Also just so you know "I bettered my English skills and moved on to a prestigious university" is the correct use of the word as Gladys said. Look now I've bettered your skills. Stay on the subject.

She never behaved unprofessionally. People are playing a game of connect the invisible dots with this story. Every little thing suddenly becomes suspicious and unusual that was obviously foreshadowing these accusations.
Oh and as long as we're referencing petty pop culture movies, she shouldn't be "punished for being well-liked."

People should be a lot more sensitive to the fact that she's innocent until proven guilty and that there are current WOHS students here... Y

Adam Kraemer:

Yours is as nonsensical a comment that we're likely to see here.

First, let's accept this fact that while Ms. Depalo remains innocent until proven guilty, nothing that subsequently happens in a court of law will change the fact that this woman's reputation, and likely her life, have been permanently scarred.

Second, if the allegations contained in various news reports are accurate, the alleged "relationship" began mid-June and ended within the last week and surely wasn't conducted under the eyes of supervisors and administrators.

Absent any evidence of someone with fiduciary responsibility having seen, or having received a report of, some impropriety by Ms. Depalo and their failing to act, there is neither blame to be afixed nor "accountability" to be had.

Gary,
You are right if your assumption is correct, that this was the only incident and started this year in June.
The problem is that, if you read the other comments from students, looks like this is not the case.
If we find out that this behavior was going on for some time and with other students, then the supervisors and administrators of the high school should be held accountable.

DB:

Last I heard, anonymous comments from unidentifiable sources constitute nothing more than gossip and are neither actionable nor admissable in a court of law.

The suggestion that someone in authority should therefor have seen or known anything, let alone taken any action, is a conclusion reached by nothing that has been admitted as evidence.

School boy-girl crushes on young, attractive teachers, regardless of gender, are something most all of us are aware of...the vast majority of which never result in anything more than a lot of talk and wishful thinking.

What did and didn't happen here still remains to be seen but, I'm disinclined to think either the WOPD or ECPO took the action they did without probable cause.

'09 Jock:

"From what i heard she felt she was one of the students ,gossip,grudges, drama,etc. She was was a little intimidating to those wo didnt know her."

Well, that all sounds somewhat contradictory, doesn't it?

On one hand, you suggest she tried to be one of the gang (part of the gossip, grudges, drama, etc.?) and on the other hand, you suggest she was "intimidating to those who didn't know her?

09, you graduated with honors? No wonder the school is so weak, because you cannot write. You are right, you are 09 "Jack Ass".

You're so very right. Rumors floating around a highschool full of hormonally wired boys are always on point.

God...worse than herd animals.

Rick Ross:

Unless you are giving sworn testimony that you were one of these former students (and aren't hiding behind a psuedonym)and/or can present irrefutable forensic evidence, your assertion is meaningless.

Then too, if the "students that have graduated already" had reached the age of consent, the activity may well be unseemly and ill-advised but, would not be illegal or actionable.

Bronte:

The single salient word you use is "gossip" and any other tales (cruel jokes at students' expense?) are little more when alleged anonymously.

WOHS student:

"She always wore very high, sexy high heal shoes that looked like hooker shoes. And her clothes was always tight and very fashionable. She came to school looking like she was working there for the modeling industry or whatever. It's not all about the way she acts but also about the way she looked. No wonder other kids were always saying "look at that tight ass of hers."

If you consider this an indictment of someone's character, there's likely an opening for you on the morals police in Tehran.

First off, "heels."
Last time I checked, looking fashionable wasn't punishable by law, or grounds for suspension.
Has it ever occurred to you that perhaps the lookers were the ones at fault? No, of course not, a woman's body is obviously there to be looked at.
By that logic, I can bet that you'll agree that a woman should be wary of what she wears because if a man finds her too attractive and rapes her, it will be HER fault.

Just curious.. Why do you believe she's being blackmailed exactly?

WOHS student:

The likelihood of "we" (the general public) "find(ing) out exactly what happened" and "know(ing) the truth" is slim to none.

There are only two people in a position to know the complete "truth" of what actually occurred; one of whom's reputation (rightly or wrongly) has already been tainted for life and the other (because they are a minor) who will never be "officially" identified.

"I bettered my English skills and moved on to a prestigious university." OMG that really speaks well of her teaching skills....

Leigh-Ann, you should consult a dictionary before you criticize other's use of grammar. Concerned's use of "bettered" is correct.

Leigh - Ann There is slang,There is the venacular, the patois, the argot, the nomenclature ,and there are accepted usages. I just had a glass of orange juice . On the side of the carton, it says " New Bettered Flavor. " Look at a Stradavarius violin .The techniques used to make it are several centuries old, yet no one has been able to better on them. Well, that's it for now. I'm going to watch an episode of Home Betterment. Remember,none of us is perfect ,that's why I recommend we all take self - betterment classes.

concerned former student:

I can certaintly feel your passion and empathy for Ms. Depalo who you clearly had reason to think well of...and I share your concern. If these are specious allegations, considerable and irreparable damage has already been done to her reputation and life.

That said, however, I am still left personally conflicted for I really do not believe that either the West Orange Police Department, or the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, would file such charges without reasonable cause...and that means something more tangible than "he said, she said."

concerned former student:

While we are in general agreement, I think I know enough about law enforcement procedures and protocols...as well the character of the law enforcement people who likely had a hand bringing these charges (one of the detectives is a fellow coach)...to know that the action wasn't taken lightly.

Reasonable and responsible adults don't ruin another person's life on a whim.

Agree

concerned former student:

The investigation necessary to make an arrest has already been accomplished and, while there may be further investigation before a Grand Jury presentation and before any trial, you can bet your bippy they've already got enough evidence to suggest they are on very firm ground.

Among other things, they impounded the women's car; undoubtedly looking for forensic evidence.

If DNA and bodily fluids were found, it'll take one hell of a defense to discredit the evidence.

concerned former student You were in Ms. Depalo's honors 10 english class. Ms. Depalo was named Essex CountyTeacher of the Year for 2011 -.2012, which is also part of the state Department of Education's Teacher of the Year program. That year, she also was selected as one of the five finalists for Teacher of the Year in the same program. concerned former student, you don't need to apologize for the typos. We owe you the apology.

concerned former student I was happy to read that you are now attending a prestigious university. Remember, " Nothing great was ever achieved without effort ".Good luck,and keep up the great work..

concerned fromer student:

No, we don't certainly but, the fact that charges were brought speaks volumes...as they wouldn't have been based soley on someone's unsubstantiated complaint
or testimony.

concerned former student, You write "Therefore my need to defend her until I'm proven wrong and even then being lawfully guilty does not prove moral guilt in my heart ." For several years there has been a State mandated Character Curriculum taught in the public schools. concerned former student, you're saying that even if Ms. Depalo is found guilty in a court of law of first - degree aggravated sexual assault, second - degree sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child, it does not prove moral guilt in your heart. concerned former student, I think I understand what you're saying,and why you're saying it. Your powerful defense of Ms. Depalo, both as a person and as a professional educator, and your unwavering devotion and loyalty to her speak volumes about what you believe in your heart to be her true character and her real inner - self. Shakespeare; " So full of artless jealousy is guilt, it spills itself, in fearing to be spilt "

Kate Davenport:

If indeed a crime has been commited, there is both a perpetrator and a victim, with tthe latter deserving all the consideration and empathy in the world.

The sticky wicket here is the nature of the crime, the protocols for handling it and the resulting inconsistency with a basic precept of the laws of the land; that being that one is innocent until proven guilty. Regardless of how this matter is ultimately disposed of in a court of law, and even if she is to prove her innocence, Erica Depalo has been immediately scarred for life. Whether she deserves it or not, she has been severely punished well prior to any verdict by a judge or jury.

The victim, on the other hand (given his alleged age), is going to being formally and legally insulated from public rebuke...absent his own revelations of the matter to his peers. If anyone knows who he is, just how did that come to pass? It's not through the WOPD or the ECPO.

While I certainly agree that a 33 year old woman should clearly understand the consequences of her actions, there is a certain legal hypocrisy to this, as well, as trying 15 year olds as adults is far from unheard of. For example; Gerardo Gomez, the youngest of the defendants charged with the murder of three college kids in a Newark schoolyard was 15 at the time of the incident and is being tried as an adult.

(To be continued...)

Accordingly, there is plenty of legal precedent to suggest a fifteen year old can and should bear responsibility for their actions. Absent any evidence of mental defect (and having been a 15 year old myself) I'm inclined to believe the young man knew precisely what he was doing...IF he was actually doing anything at all.

@Gary. This alleged act is most like statutory rape correct? I believe the laws will be very clear. And what exactly is the legal hypocrisy? It is illegal for an adult to have sex with a minor. There is no hypocrisy, no gray areas, it is very much illegal. As far as minors being charged as adults, the 15 year old is the victim and not the perpetrator so I am not clear on the point you are trying to make. Not to mention the crime has to be particularly horrendous for a child to be charged as an adult.

I am sure plenty of 15 year old fantasize about their teachers, heck, Van Halen wrote a song about it, but it should never become a reality. How can you say he knew what he was doing? That just boggles my mind.

MSS:

There is no "statutory rape" in NJ law; there are degrees of sexual assault which are detailed on this and other webistes: http://www.samsachs.com/crimlaws/2c_14-2.php

My point here was quite simple: notwithstanding the relevant ages memorialized in the statutes, in both practice and theory, we often confirm that a fifteen year old is responsible enough, and mature enough, to be considered an adult under the law.

A fifteen year old being charged with murder, armed robbery or sexual assault is quite likely to be tried as an adult.

Ergo, I'm simply suggesting that the 15 year old victim likely engaged in this activity (if it indeed occurred) of his own free will and, absent any mental impairment, knew precisely what he was doing.

The "age of consent" in New Jersey IS 16; are you trying to tell me me a few months, or even a year, make that much difference in the decision making process?

I really don't think it does...just sayin'.

That said, there is a certain amount of hypocrisy to the idea that a 15 year old can be considered a responsible adult (who knew what he was doing) should he commit a crime but, is viewed as a child when it comes to his/her sex life as the assumption is that he/she doesn't.

concerned former student

Clearly, one of the dichotomies of "sexual assault" in New Jersey law is that it being a first degree crime applies to widely differing actions: an adult having consensual sex with a minor (under the age of consent) has the same degree of criminality as an actor commiting a forcible rape while using a weapon.

There's nothing to suggest that force was an element of this activity and I rather doubt that it was.

Kate Davenport

Would you care to detail the "inappropriate behavior" you witnessed and, more specifically, would there have been reason for Ms. Depalo's supervisors or school administrators to be aware of it?

"Free spirited" class rooms?? Exactly what most tax payers and parents don't want.

Tom

It's also called encouraging participation and a free exchange of ideas...a rather essential element in a discipline (English) that's supposed to expand one's ability to communicate.

Kate Davenport

"Giving hand me downs to students" sounds charitable and practical and, if girls took them, I assume they liked and likely needed what she gifted. I'd rather give such things to people I know who'll use them, rather than stuff them in a Goodwill box to be cut up and sold as rags in China!

"Choice of clothing?" Are we talking fashionable or stripper wear?

"Flirtatious attitude?" Was she being friendly or seductive?

"Choosing favorites?" I think "Teacher's Pets" date back to one-room school houses.

You're clearly not giving anyone anything to sink their teeth into here.

Gary's right. Those are incredibly vague pieces of so called evidence that hold little to no weight whatsoever.
It seems you've almost completely absorbed everyone else's "reasoning" behind why these accusations must be true.
Please stop perpetuating the accusatory thought process behind a witch hunt.
Stick to Tumblr if you want to pretend to be opinionated.

Tom:

I comment "so much" because (forgive me) people (like you) apparently know so little!

Witness your comments from above: "Vouchers and home school...
Close WO high"

"Free spirited" is simply not synonymous with "lacking discipline" and, given the woman was teaching honors courses, it's fair to assume she had a classroom full of bright kids that needed to be challenged.

Tom Great comment about classroom discipline. Students who were taught without standards are now teachers who teach without standards. Public school teachers put their children in private schools at a ratio of 2 to 1 to the general public.

Tom Here are some excerpts from reviews of a public high school ; "Why ? Because there are alot of douters who are saying a school located in an urban area cannot succed. P.S. I made honer roll ! " " ******** is not a horrible school, the school can't be horrible, its the student that's making it bad, they the ones that can't sustain. I mean seriously we have some good teachers that will help you and staffs an others." "The academic programs are the lowest of the low " This school was in State Senator Richard Codey's old district for DECADES. He never said anything and he never tried to do anything about this appallling situation, because he would never do or say anything that might possibly offend the Teacher's Union, and also because he couldn't care less.

WOHS Student:

Having fought for my right to free speech, and yours, I'll exercise it where and when I choose to, thank you, and won't do so while hiding behind a screen name.

I know plenty about this situation, and clearly more about the law than most everyone commenting here, and my opinions are not only valid but, germane.

Yours? Not so much.

This man Gary is a "sicko". They are right up your ally Gary, only that yours may be hidden. Stop trying to berate everyone. I am tired of seeing you respond to everyone, when you are no expert. In your dreams, you must be Peter Pan.

jaime

One need not be an expert to have intellect and a rational thought process rooted in common sense and knowledge gained in life experience.

You clearly lack either and, apparently, any reading comprehension skills.

Still A Student:

I'm not "gossip thirsty" at all; I'm simply challenging someone to prove/support a premise...and I am absolutely disinclined to accept the unsworn testimony from anonymous posters as "multiple people are speaking out about her behavior," as I wouldn't want to be convicted in a court of law based on such nonsense...would you?

Credibility and actionable proof are reasonable standards that one must consider before reaching a conclusion about much of anything.

You could not have said it better about Gary! "Gosspi thirsty female". Bravo!!!!!!!! I am sure he will curse me out next. In my country they call him "battie Man!" or MamPaula!

jaime

Your comments read like they come from someone with the intellectual capacity of an avocado and who doesn't understand that, in "my" country, freedom of speech is sacrosanct.

Regardless of one's country of origin, only a bigot would think that denigrating someone's sexual orientaion is pejorative. I'm not gay but, if I were, it'd be nothing to be ashamed of or apologize for.

My comments happen to be both germane to the conversation and toward elevating the discouse.

I see that yopu understand the language of my country Gary. Great job!

jaime

And is bigotry the norm in "your" country or just a personal character flaw?

Acemech13:

What makes you believe that Ms. Depalo "won't be treated, in the same manner of a male teacher?"

She has been arrested, bail set at $100,000, she's been suspended from her job, her reputation has been trashed, she'll likely be indicted by a Grand Jury, enter a plea or go to trial and, if found guilty, will face the same sentencing guidelines that would apply to anyone (male or female) similarly convicted.

justice:

All I am trying to do is elevate the level of the discussion, which ranges from staunch defenses of the teacher to allegations of blackmail by the student.

This is a serious matter, with serious implications, that should be discussed by serious people; obviously you aren't one of them.

Concerned WO Mom:

Let's see, i get paid fifty cents a syllable, so it behooves me to use large, multi-syllable words that someone of your ilk is unlikely to understand.

So much for elevating the level of discourse.

If I've written a single thing that could be construed as a defense of the teacher's union and/or to its benefit, I fail to see where...so work on the reading comprehension skills, OK Mom?

What I have been doing encouraging objectivity by everyone musing about this incident.

Do I believe a crime was committed?

Yes; the WOPD and ECPO would not have brought charges if they did not believe, and felt they could prove, that this was the case.

Still, given the premise that the accused is innocent until proven guilty, Ms. Depalo has already been condemned in the court of public opinion and has been scarred for life.

Those piling on with anonymous, unsubstantiated gossip are simply adding heat, not light, to an already polarizing subject...period.

Now, do you have anything intelligent to add, Concerned WO Mom?

Out of 96 posts, fully 48.9% are by this particular poster. I don't think the WOEA is paying for this - it's the Township that's funding this service (just a small "stipend"). It happens on every article about WO and on every internet forum and message board concerning WO. Your tax dollars at work.

Status Quo:

By all means, if you see my name on somebody's line item budget and/or know somebody is wrtiting checks payable to me, give a brother a break and get me a name and phone number...because I'm not cashing them.

That said, in a medium where 50% of the commentary is nonsense, the other 50% should make some kind of sense to achieve balance...and I'm pround as punch to provide it.

formerstudent, concerned former student wrote; "And as a student who once sat in her honors 10 class and as a student who poured out her heart and soul to this individual ".... concerned former student also wrote ; "Therefore my need to defend her until I'm proven wrong and even then being lawfully guilty does not prove moral guilt " First ,why did concerned former student pour out her heart and soul to an english teacher ? It's quite apparent concerned former student believes Ms. Depalo taught her a great many important life lessons,one of which is that even if you're found guilty of multiple heinous crimes by the courts and you become a registered sex offender for the rest of your life, no one can say with certainty that you're not a person with high moral standards and values .You write ," I've.sat in Depalo's class for a year and have had frequent talks with her up until graduation" Since you are speaking of past events, the sentence should read " I sat in Depalo's class for a year and had frequent talks with her up until graduation " If she wasn't mentoring you exclusively in honors english subject content, and I'm sure she wasn't, she was WAY,WAY out of line. Why didn't you and concerned former student seek the help of a school guidance counselor,or a school social worker,or a school psychologist, or a psychiatrist, or a private counseling service,or clergy, etc.? She was your english teacher,not your Life Coach.What a { double } disaster !

John Anthony Prignano.
 With all due respect Sir, who we each feel comfortable speaking with isn't who you deem plausible. We found it easier to speak to a teacher that we shared day to do with. Instead of a counselor you see once a year to discuss your classes for the next year. Truth be told, only those who were lacking saw there counselors more then once a year. We each preferred to talk to someone who was ALWAYS available and showed she actually genuinely cared, and in my opinion was always very respectful. Why do u talk to the people in your life? I'm sure it falls along the lines of trust. I'm sure not everyone you have ever sat down with was a licensed counselor. Now maybe we chose her because there are individuals like yourself who try to demean the thoughts of others by making their thoughts seem insufficient when compared to yours. In high school you are always encouraged to speak out, teachers are not off limits. if speaking to an individual that wasnt a licensed "psychiatrist" means she's unethical or inappropriate, then I urge you to look back to conversations you've had in your past. She was and CONTINUES to be a licensed professional that gave her students an ear. Last time I checked talking to your students and listening isn't wrong nor does it by any means red flag you as a predator. You yourself are on a forum, that has underage students expressing their thoughts, should we flag you Mr. Prignano. Or are you a licensed psychiatrist?

While impressed with your command of Latin, your use of the plural accusative belies your incredulity - if you really thought that "Concerned WO Mom", "formerstudent" and "[WO] Status Quo" were a single person registering three times (on The Patch), you would have used the singular "animus", no? How is it that three people (a former WOHS student, a concerned parent, and a single young resident) registering on a the Patch to comment on a local issue is so coincidental? How many people domiciled in West Orange register each day? As far as any personal "animos" from formerstudent (who actually seems to support your views) or Concerned WO mom, that's your perception - enjoy!

If I've misread your paranoia regarding this perceived "coincidence", I apologize in advance.

Yes, of course; everyone (except my Blackberry's spell checker) knows that the singular accusative is "animum".

A rebuke (and an unnecessary Latin lesson) from a cowardly, anonymous, Internet nitwit?

Oh, the shame! Oh, the horror!!. NOT!!!

Haha ... Latin lesson (NOT!!!). I happen to know that you [claim to have] learned to speak Italian fluently using Rosetta Stone ("Gli uomini cucinano", "Il ragazzo beve", "Le donne corrano") so I can only assume that you've read Ovid's Ars Amatoria Bk III in the original 2nd century Latin and understand better than anyone the art of the seductress :-).

The single salient point concerned your opining that Mom, student, and Quo were one and the same when that is definitely not the case. While Mom and student just might be a dual registration, I can assure you that I have no connection with "her" or "them" and your use of the plural indicated that you knew that, too. Check with Patch admin on the IP addresses, as someone suggested, if you're really not sure (IP addresses are quite different from e-mail addresses). Unless and until you know the IPs, you have no actionable evidence with which to back up your meretricious - dare I go so far as to say mendacious - claims.

Hoping that you successfully avoid all DUI checkpoints on this late summer holiday weekend, I cordially invite you to cease and desist "peeing into our tents". With that, I bid you a good day, Sir.

Wait for it --- 3 ... 2 ... 1..., you're so predictable! :-)

Status Quo:

What's far more predictable, and clearly obsessive, is some idiot (like yourself) turning every stream into a conversation about me, rather than staying on point. For your edification:

1. I well know the difference between an IP and e-mail address. You may be assured that one can register multiple e-mail accounts (and attendant user names for a collection of message boards/blogs/websites) from a single IP address.

2. Knock yourself out contacting the management of The Patch, or any other of these free, interactive forums, as you'll find the response (if any) to be less than swift and canned if you get one.

3. I purchased a Rosetta Stone course prior to my first trip to Italy and became conversant (not fluent), then concluded the entire exercise was unnecessary. English is widely spoken in Italy and those who do it wish to converse with native speakers, rather than in Italian.

Accordingly, Vietnamese remains the foreign language I became most fluent in through daily use.

Đồ chết tiệt!

Bạn là một thằng ngốc.

In answer to your point #1, since you claim to know that one can register multiple multiple accounts from a single IP address, checking the IP addresses of "formerstudent", "Concerned Mom", and "Status Quo" should put your tiny mind at rest since distince IP addresses would indicate, even to one as dense as yourself, that the accounts do not originate from behind the same router.

john anthony prignano:

School teachers are among the first adults a child interacts with, and with whom they establish a level of trust, outside of their homes and family. Teachers also have a legal and fiduciary responsibility to act as an advocate on a child's behalf should they, for example, see evidence of or perceive that a child is being abused in some way.

It is disengenuous to suggest that teachers do not, and categorically should not, embrace the additional role of mentor or counselor, even if it is only to serve as a conduit for the student getting the specific professional help he/she might need.

First and foremost, the teacher must know their own limitations (personal and professional) and be guided accordingly.

Stanford University provides guidance to its faculty in such matters and it is likely more than applicable to secondary school teachers everywhere:

http://ctl.stanford.edu/handbook/counseling-students.html

@jonanthoonypriganno, Time to call yours

Tom:

Sorry but, with common sense in such short supply someone must bring it.

Vouchers? And just where, pray tell, do you expect these students (with vouchers in hand) to go scurrying off to for an alternative education from our own public schools?

Parochial school populations are half what they were 40 years ago and the number of Catholic school closings are legion; Our Lady of the Valley, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Essex Catholic all in the immediate vicinity.

Is there a private school in the area that has expanded classroom capacity in recent memory?

Not that I'm aware of.

Are there more vaunted districts in reasonable proximity that have excess classroom capacity they'd like to fill?

Again, not that I'm aware of.

So, what is the practical benefit of issuing vouchers when there really isn't anywhere else for students holding them to go?

Tom People in favor of vouchers have said that once vouchers are approved , the market will rapidly adjust to meet the demand. It has also been said that ending the public school monoply and creating competition for public education dollars will compel underachieving public schools to either improve the quality of what they offer,or go out of business.

I simply can't imagine the circumstances and parameters of any possible voucher system that would guarantee sufficient long-term income to any institution, let alone collection of institutions, that would induce them to make the capital investment necessary to expand classrooom capacity.

To suggest such a thing is just the height of wishful thinking.

Patchreader:

Not only do I have a life, refuting nonsense from nitwits is a hobby I enjoy.

I also have a 4G Blackberry and a bunch of other IT toys that makes doing so fast and easy

Actually, in World War II, the unit's official designation was the 78th Infantry Division and was referred to (informally) as the "Lightining Division" due to to the lightning bolt on a red semi-circle that serves as its distinctive unit insignia. The 78th Training Division now retains that insignia and preserves the unit's heraldry.

This would be analagous to the 101st Airborne Division being known as "The Screaming Eagles," based on its shoulder patch. The nickname was never, however, an official designation.

While regretable how little recent history journalists and editors know yes, your comments are way far afield.

Richard Sanchez:

Common courtesy suggests that one SHOULD respond to a comment or inquiry directed at them, and to particpate (as necessary) in a dialogue he/she is a party to...and that is precisely what I'm doing.

Your feeling the need to critique my participation is neither warranted nor necessary and do know I'll lose no sleep lacking your approval.

kittycat:

While the paradox of someone using your screen name and remonstrating others about their maturity and level of discourse is manifest, one upmanship is not the object of the exercise where I am concerned.

Anything I've posted is not only germane to the subject at hand but, has tried keep the dialogue productive.

Mr. Englert:

You're clearly ("it's a given") beating a dead horse here. Your powers of persuasion have failed; you're unable to make your case. After nearly 70 posts (so far) from you on this topic, your position is clear (as mud) and further tirades are unlikely to further your failed position (whatever it may be beyond obsessively harrassing young posters).

That said, your Carvillean talents might be better directed toward helping turn the tide of anti-Democrat rhetoric over at http://bit.ly/OVFP1V. Why not leave the high school issues to the kids for now. They know the people involved in this story and have as much right to their opinions as anyone else; please stop belittling them and let them work this out in their own way. Fighting with teenagers on an internet forum is unbecoming a purported war hero of your advanced years. Just sayin'.

Status Quo:

First, this is not a "high school" issue but, a community issue that, among other things, underscores a clear conflict between the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and the trial and conviction in the media that has already occurred.

Second, my powers of persuasion have likely had some effect; witness comments (below) from buttercrunch and Mel, focussing on the larger societal issues that are clearly beyond your intellectual capacity to understand.

My veteran status is what it is and there isn't a damned thing that's "purported" about it. It is also incumbent upon those of us with the requisite courage of conviction to productively guide the generations that follow.

I choose to do so and not cower behind a screen name in the process.

"...witness comments (below) from buttercrunch and Mel, focussing [sic] on the larger societal issues..."

In aid of what? How does that acquit you? Aren't they just a couple of (or a single) anonymous, internet nit wit(s) cowering behind screennames?

"My veteran status is what it is and there isn't a damned thing that's "purported" about it."

What's purported is your self-proclaimed heroism, not your veteran status ( http://bit.ly/OVMp6W ). It's still unbecoming of a senior citizen to engage in internet flame wars with children, veteran or not. You're insulting them, ridiculing them, and belittling them when they're just exercising their right to free expression. It's a learning experience. Telling them that they're stupid (i.e. not nearly as smart as you are) helps how? They don't have your breadth of life experience, now, do they? Were you worldly 45 years ago? If you'd like to help, try a little civility.

Hey! Gary! Leave them kids alone. All in all, you're just another brick in the wall.

Status Quo:

Perhaps it has escaped your attention but, the age and pedigree of the vast majority of posters here (including yourself) are unknown quantities. They may "claim" to be student, teachers, adults and parents...or doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs... but, who and what they are is a mystery.

Regardless of who they may be, shaping the debate and pointing out what is of true importance is the responsibility of leadership and I choose to fill the clear vaccum here.

Rather than calling anyone anything perjorative...with the exception of those who draw first blood...my habit is to challenge ill-conceived pronouncements and urge the poster to consider the broader implication of their words.

"In aid of what? How does that acquit (me)?

It's simple, really; we and the generation to follow will confront real issues concerning our system of laws and long held beliefs and protections that are being rendered moot by the speed and distribution of information through ever burgeoning technology.

Innocent until proven guilty? Nice in theory but, when the story of a defendent's alleged crime (particularly a salacious one) has already gone viral, across the country, just where, for example, can they possibly receive a fair trial?

If people living under a rock constitute a jury of your peers, I wish you luck.

As to my combat valor, it's neither purported nor self-proclaimed but, simply a fact that I have no need to apologize for. Sorry it offends you.

WOW! Much more Palinesque than Carvillean. :-) Your latest dissertation is a classical study in obfuscation. Kudos to you.

Status Quo:

I don't think of the Constitution as being Republican or Democratic...and what you incorrectly perceive as obfuscation, those that actually do know me understand is conviction.

That said, for all his Cajun-Southern bluster, James Caville inhabits an intellectual realm that Sara Palin can only dream about.

haha! "...no need to respond...". try "pathological need to respond" (q.v. above ... "paradox", "remonstrating others", "level of discourse is manifest", "keep the dialogue productive". It's hilarious). Don't deprive us of this entertainment.

Mel I commented on concernedformerstudent's posts about her relationship with Ms. Depalo, but I'm not sure I made myself clear. If student didn't know where to turn and she felt Ms. Depalo was someone, perhaps the only person, she could confide in, OF COURSE she should speak to Ms. Depalo.Student may have desperately needed to tell someone she was being sexually or physically abused, or she was being bullied unmercifully, or that she was abusing drugs, etc. In those cases, Ms. Depalo would have been legally obligated to report the statements student made to her to the proper authorities A teacher would not attempt to set a broken leg. A teacher would not attempt to make a diagnosis if someone said they were feeling lethargic and experiencing weight loss. Why do people with little or no formal training believe they can successfully treat intense personal and mental and emotional problems? Student's issues appear to have been quite intense and very painful.In my opinion, after student poured out her heart and soul to Ms. Depalo, Ms. Depalo should have strongly advised student to seek professional help. Ms. Depalo should still have continued to have a teacher - student relationship with student, but she had no business being student's long - term therapist and Life Coach. P.S. I'm glad concernedformerstudent reported her relationship with Ms.Depalo produced very positive resuts.

Mr. Prignano.
I apologize but I find your response to my post to be a bit off topic. I am not sure what you think you read and why you think I had a relationship with this teacher. All I said was that she was my teacher and an excellent one at that. I continued by emphasizing on the right to be judged in front of a court of law, and to show that we are doing here really has no importance. What you or anyone says on this post has no meaning in a court, and is fully inadmissible. I continued by saying there are two possible victims and until now we aren’t sure which one of the two is guilty of transgressions. I feel you are reading and seeing what you want only to have someone else to talk down to. Your comments have ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with what I said.

buttercrunch, you're assuming that the victim in this case (the 15-year-old) was the accuser. The accuser may in fact be a third party.

jaime:

You continue to exhibit the depth of your ignorance as, if this matter ever goes to trial, the accused WILL have the opportunity to face her accusers in court, and the "child" might not even be among them...though, undoubtedly, he'll be called as a witness.

A far more likely scenario is the young man regretting his braggadocio which resulted in adults taking the action necessary under the law.

jaime

Anonymous character assassination is both cowardly and unseemly.

If you've witnessed a Board of Education employee behaving in an inappropriate way, whether it be with a subordinate or a student, you should report it to the Superintendent of Schools.

jaime Years ago,I had a conversation with a School Board member. She offered a few reasons for the absurdly high level of compensation the School Board gave the teachers. Part of what she said was "Behind closed doors they threaten to hurt the kids, and they bully us and intimidate us " I believed her wholeheartedly,but that's not the point. I said "Why don't you go to the Prosecutor's Office,maybe they will have you wear a wire." Many years ago, there was a meeting at Town Hall to discuss the $55,000,000 school construction referendum .Then - Councilman John Skarbnik was there.He said to the gathering; "We really need to pass this referendum .Kids are being taught in stairwells and storage closets ,and they're blocking fire exits" I wrote a letter to the Chronicle. I wrote, "Councilman Skarbnik, Why are you telling us? Did you tell the Fire Department ,the building inspectors,and the code enforcement officials about this ongoing travesty? If the schools are overcrowded and dangerous, why are they still open, to coerce the public into voting yes on the referendum ? jaime, if you see a principal slapping young teachers on their butts,speak up.No one should have to be subjected to that garbage.The PUBLIC behavior you describe is not only reprehensible but also illegal. "Coming from the street" or anything else for that matter is no justification or explanation whatsoever for this person's behavior. Don't let this principal or anyone else tell you it is. jaime, speak up.

Brett Kaiser:

Your point is reasonable but, better illustrated by posting the New Jersey statutes and not Connecticut's. :-)

realistic former wohs student:

Be all that as it may, your anonymous testimony is no more credible than anyone else's anonymous testimony.

Unless you personally saw something and are willing to give sworn testimony about what you saw anything you say or allege here is pointless.

What your unnamed friend tells you he did constitutes hearsay...and isn't admissable in a court of law or actionable either.

A former realistic WOHS student?

Perhaps but, you're most certainly a cowardly, anonymous Internet nitwit.

Not only is my head anywhere my vision might be impaired, I can recognize unsubstantiated gossip when I see it and that's precisely what your post and a great many others in this stream are.

The woman has been charged with some serious crimes and common sense tells me the charges weren't brought lightly and are not the result of unsubstantiated allegation.

While you're thinking about that, you might consider getting some counseling to address the deep seeded mysoginy you've exhibited; without it, you're unlikely to ever have a successful relationship with a member of the opposite sex.

realistic former wohs student:

Whatever else you learned at WOHS, reading comprehension and logic wasn't a stellar part of it.

Nothing I've said here, or anywhere else, would suggest the crimes Ms. Depalo is charged with are neither serious, unjustified nor uncorroborated.

What I have said is that the anonymous allegations of prior acts or behavior are nothing more than unsubstantiated gossip and an entirely pointless exercise for those making them.

Ms. Depalo's story has long since gone viral and, in a society where one's innocence until proven guilty is sacrosanct, she has already been tried and convicted in the court of public opinion...whether she actually is guilty or not.

Just where, for instance, can she (or anyone else under such circumstances) receive a fair trial by a jury of their peers?

When and if you, or anyone else, is ever on the receiving end of such treatment, you might then appreciate how such things have an enormous impact on our system of laws, justice and, indeed, fundamental fairness.

I'm neither particularly old, jealous, lonely or bored nor, like you, am I hiding behind a screen name.