SALEM, NJ – A kindergarten aide at John Fenwick Academy in Salem has been accused of slamming a 5-year-old girl’s head into a metal cabinet after grabbing the child and forcing her into a chair. The alleged assault, which left the young girl covered in bruises, has led to an investigation by both the Salem Police Department and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
The Alleged Incident
According to CBS Philadelphia, the assault occurred inside the classroom on Thursday, leaving the child visibly shaken and injured. Mariah, the child’s mother, is now demanding answers from school officials and police, who were not immediately contacted by the school.
The incident began when the 5-year-old girl was accused of misbehaving in class. The school’s principal contacted the mother around noon Thursday, informing her that her daughter was acting out. Less than two hours later, Mariah was asked to come to the school immediately.
Upon arrival, she was told that her daughter had been assaulted by the kindergarten aide. Mariah was also told that the paraprofessional had been sent home and that the school was not contacting the police, opting instead to conduct an internal investigation.
A Mother’s Distress
“When I got to the school, I felt like I was in a daze. I had no idea what had happened, but I could see the bruises on my daughter’s body,” said Mariah to CBS News. “As a parent, it’s like you do whatever you can to protect your kids, but I never expected this in a kindergarten class.”
The mother demanded to know the whereabouts of the paraprofessional but was told that the aide had been sent home. Mariah then asked about the involvement of law enforcement and was told that no police had been contacted, even though a staff member who witnessed the assault had filed a police report.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to the police report, a witnessing staffer claimed that the aide became enraged and forcefully grabbed the child, slamming her into a chair and causing her to hit the back of her head on a metal cabinet. The report stated that the young girl suffered visible injuries, including bruises on her legs, arms, and neck, making her reluctant to return to school.
Despite the disturbing nature of the allegations, the employment status of the aide remains unclear, and no official charges have been filed as of yet.
School’s Response and Investigation
The Salem City School District released a statement expressing their commitment to the safety and well-being of their students, stating that they were taking the matter seriously.
“We want to assure our families and the public that any concern is taken seriously. All matters are handled internally with the utmost care, thoroughness, and fairness, ensuring full compliance with established procedures and the law,” the district said.
However, the family is concerned that the investigation was mishandled by the school, as police were not initially involved and the child’s injuries were not addressed promptly.
Ongoing Investigation
Both the Salem Police Department and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families are now involved in the investigation, though no official charges have been filed against the aide. Authorities are working to gather all relevant information and ensure that the appropriate action is taken in this sensitive case.
School officials have not disclosed whether the paraprofessional has been suspended or placed on leave during the investigation, and the mother remains deeply concerned about the safety of her daughter and other children at the school.
Key Takeaways:
- A kindergarten aide at John Fenwick Academy is accused of assaulting a 5-year-old child, causing bruising and distress.
- The child’s mother demands answers from the school after the aide was sent home and the police were not contacted immediately.
- The Salem Police Department and New Jersey Department of Children and Families are investigating the incident.
- The employment status of the paraprofessional remains unclear, and no charges have been filed yet.
What do you think about the school’s handling of this serious incident? Share your thoughts in the comments below as we continue to follow this unfolding situation. Should the school have involved the police sooner? How can schools ensure a safe environment for young children?
