The Child School
Tuesday, November 9th, 2004
The Child School (grades K-8)
Legacy High School (grades 9-12)
587 Main St.
Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
212-223-5055
212-223-5031 (fax)
info@thechildschool.org
www.thechildschool.org
Tuesday, November 9th, 2004
The Child School (grades K-8)
Legacy High School (grades 9-12)
587 Main St.
Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
212-223-5055
212-223-5031 (fax)
info@thechildschool.org
www.thechildschool.org
This school is BAD! There are small gangs within the school that both think rule the school. Not to mention the founder of the school is a thief, asking for supplies that the children don’t need so that she can use theme such as transparencies and CD-RW’s.
Wow, that’s a very stressful environment to go to school in. I updated that address, thanks for letting me know.
This school is not very good with children with Learning Disability. I have found that they will get rid of children who will not respond to their very limited resoures. They say that they offer counseling and speech therapy, that is false. They only take the money from the Board of Education and pretend to help minorities. If you dont have money to donate to the school, I would recommend to stay away.
Our school always strives to deliver the utmost in quality services to those with learning disabilities. We make it a priority to find each individual child’s strengths. Since 1973 we’ve built a community dedicated to respect, compassion, and growth. Ours is a communal learning environment, where teachers and parents are learning alongside students. We recognize that asking people to work together as a family isn’t an easy task. A guiding principle of our school is to acknowledge the dignity and worth of one another and strive never to diminish another by our conduct or our attitudes.
We are VERY proud that the racial make-up of our school almost exactly mirrors the demographics of New York City, an accomplishment we actively work to attain. We’ve won awards and recognition on our acceptance of diversity, quality of teaching and student participation. In our K-12 population of 250 students we have 5 licensed Psychologists, 3 Speech Therapists, and 3 Occupational Therapists working directly in the classroom every single day. Our graduation rate is exemplary. Most of our students receive Regents & RCT diplomas, a notable sign of success given the climate of special education in New York City’s public school system.
Sincerely,
Faculty of The Child School/Legacy High School
The thought that someone, I assume a competitor or party of interest, could possibly come to the conclusion that there are gangs at the school or that the administration has stolen assets is either a very inappropriate joke, or at worst, evidence of a vindicative and intentionally false accusation. Any parent, such as myself, with a child at the The Child School, will attest to the fact that this institution is one of the most caring, nuturing, and fundamentally sound and honest places of education one can find. It is an honor to have my child enrolled at the school. My child was subjected to an illness at an early age and as a result of the efforts of the staff and administration continues to thrive and develop as he now reaches his teenage years. If given the opportunity, my son would absolutely attest to the fact that the notion of a gang, or petty larceny is ourtrageous and quite simply, ludicrous. As a member of the fundraising committee I have had the pleasure to work with parents, staff, and members of the administration. I can personally confirm that members of the administration have made extraordinary donations well beyond the expected means of those individuals. To think that those donations are now subject to such baseless attacks is truly the only crime committed in this venue.
My son has been at The Child School and now Legacy High School for almost ten years. The negative posts on this site have no bearing on this school. The sharing of supplies is part of the school philosophy to engender a sense of community. As for “gangs”, no way. The classes are small, highly supervised and disciplined. Calm and order pervade the entire school setting. I have had occasion to teach several writing seminars at the school, and I have seen first-hand the generosity of spirit and cooperation of the teachers and students alike. And one of the school’s greatest assets is the diversity of the community, both ethnically and economically. I would suggest that this site do some research before posting hateful remarks that are clearly meant to do damage.
I happen to run across this blog and I am extremely surprised and aghast at reading such criticism of the school.
The suggestion that there are gangs at the school is absurd. A member of my family is employed by the NYC criminal system and they would be the first to know of any such activity.
My son has attended this school for over 7 years. Considering the size of the student body, I am always amazed when I meet with the director. She knows exactly what makes my son “tick” and of all of his individual learning differences. She has provided not only him guidance at school, but also has suggested to me, as a parent, creative techniques I should use at home to address his behavior, anxiety issues, lack of self-esteem, etc. (even his fear of the dark). The posting from The Faculty of The Child School is on the mark. The school does try to teach the INDIVIDUAL child and believe me, my son’s IEP is quite extensive. He has always received his supported services - counseling, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. My son has never refused to go to school which is a major feat in itself considering he usually refuses to participate in anything else which can help him.
In these times, many educators spend more time fundraising than doing what they are suppose to do - educate and help our children. The main emphasis of the director of The Child School/Legacy High School has always been to educate the student. I find the postings from “Anonymous” a joke. I have never been pressured to donate to the school. If anything, because I believe so strongly in the school’s ideals and I am appreciative of how the school has helped my son, I have INDEPENDENTLY requested contributions from individuals who are not related to the school. These individuals are more than happy to help the school as they have witnessed my son’s progress over the years.
The staff at The Child School goes above and beyond their duty helping our children. It is a “crying” shame if someone gets a negative impression of the school based on “Anonymous” postings.
Given that this seems to have prompted an articulate and ultimately supportive response for the school, instead of just deleting all of these comments and closing comments about this school I thought I’d leave them stand as the comments will be useful to other parents. If you’ve been tracking this I’d love your opinion about it. Leave all of the comments or get rid of all of them and close comments on this school. Thanks.
The comments about counseling, ot, speech, gangs, drugs are true! Former co-teacher
The mandates are not being done, emergency counseling is only what’s available. The director does not care for many of the kids and allows much illegal activity!
Elementary school students vastly different from high school students. If they’re not “gangs”, by New York State criminal justice system, they’re students with thug mentality who dominate the classroom by intimidating teachers and students alike. My high school age child never felt safe. I had no choice but to find another high school for him. Families of academically-capable, high-school-age students — beware this school. .
Former Parent,
Where did your child wind up going? Does he have learning disabilities and did the next school work for him?
I have a 7 year old son that is classified as OHI(Other health impaired) He has adhd and PDD. His school wants to send him to a Boces school so I have been frantically looking for a different placement for him. When I read about the child school I thought I had found the perfect school. Now hearing all of this negative feedback I am very concerned. Please if anyone has children that attend this school please comment and tell me if this is a proper placement for my baby.
Tina, have you gone and taken a look at the Boces school in your area yet? What did you think of it?
no I haven’t gone yet. The CSE committee will send me a tour date. I just want to have a back up in the event I don’t like this school they have chosen. If anyone had any suggestions I could really use it.
I suggest yo go look at the BOCES program. If it’s not right for your son, then ask the school for other suggestions and go look at those. Don’t stop demanding until you find a school/progam that can meet his needs. When it comes to getting poper services for your child, be a relentless squeaking wheel.
I would not recommend this school to anyone who cares about their child. The director is seriously misguided about what kids need. State mandated IEPs are not followed, and “counseling” is a sad joke. There are no special education services offered at this school for learning or emotional disablilites. The director abuses staff and students on a daily basis. She achieves conformity from students and staff by threats and passive-agression. Avoid this school at all costs.
Wow! For how long did you teach there and how long ago? I’ve read a bunch of comments from people such as yourself who obviously have great concerns about the school. as well as one post from “the faculty” of the school which was obviously positive. One thing I’ve wondered about is why if things are so negative, do people continue to send their kids.
Yesterday after reading the Former Teacher post I went out and googled the school, the director, and pretty much everything I could find and I found quite a bit of positive stuff on both the school and the director. I’m not offering this as a way to undermine the folks who have found fault with both her and the school, but there are some satisfied customers out there who are saying that the issues raised here are not universally agreed upon.
I’m actually glad we’ve let this thread continue because initially we considered closing it down. I don’t want my web site to be part of a lynch mob, even if the person being lynched is guilty of something. However, There is a thread of controversy here that parents considering this school for their children need to research. This is not the best place to do the research but it should be done, either by talking with other parents or by visiting the school. An astute parent doing a classroom visit might get wind of some of the things talked about here, if they exist.
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to comment here. Please try to keep your comments civil and to the point so we can paint a fair picture for others to consider.
Richard, I understand the challenge you face regarding The Child School. To google the school, you will read all positive things regarding Maari de Souza and her work to make TCS what it is.
Let me first say, for some kids, this school is wonderful. It is a “very” controlled enviroment. Kids who are high functioning without emotional problems will thrive there. For kids that have greater needs, it’s more of a challenge.
Looking at the school from the outside, it looks amazing. Maari knows what to say to have parents in awe, and some of it is accurate, some of it are lies. There are a large number of tremendous teachers/co-teachers and staff members at TCS. It’s true, that working there is hard (as the co-teacher wrote) and Maari is MAJORLY controlling, can be abusive and insulting, and because of this, there is a HIGH turnover rate of staff members.
There is much truth about the students and their mandates not being met. Much of that is due to the staff turnover rate, and another part is due to the “shortage” of specialists. Sometimes you will find that staff are hired for one job (i.e. speech therapist… and are turned into supervisor, or counselor…turned supervisor). It’s due to these problems that kids don’t get their services. Also, parents are urged to sign off on services that there kids might still need (although they will be told their child doesn’t need them), due to the lack of staff vs. mandate ratio. Mandates are NOT being met, and that IS the truth!
There are also some challenges for students that have behavioral issues at the school. Many of the kids are sent to the Directors office- now this is for all levels of kids (Elem, M.S., and H.S.) and they will sit outside her office for what can be hours missing classroom work. The behavioral problems really need to be dealt with in a better way, by the counselors, but often times the Director DEMANDS kids to be sent to her. For some kids, if they have emotional issues, Maari’s school is not the place for them, they only get worse and some have ended up in residential placement as a result. I’ve personally seen unethical treatment of students (and have written letters about it too), but these are the “behavioral” problemed kids, not the ones who work “well” in the school.
A benefit of TCS is that the kids still have gym and art and music by devoted, talented staff members. At many schools these programs are being pulled, and especially for Special Ed. kids, much of their disability comes out in other means creatively, so this aspect of the school is wonderful.
Someone asked why parents continue to send their students to this school. The answer is that MOST parents have no other options, or BELIEVE they don’t. Let’s face it, people get comfortable and don’t like change. Many disabled kids don’t like change. Therefore, it’s not easy for them. Some parents look and can’t find optional placement, although when things heat up for parents, they will in a hearbeat pull their kids out. It just depends on how much “hassle” their kid faces. I believe if there were more options for schools, more people would leave TCS/Legacy, but for now, parents are trying to get their kids through HS and have them graduate. It’s relatively safe (I’ve never seen GANGS, but I have seen some H.S. situations occur, but serious consequences are taken toward violence and abuse of student to student), and as I said, if a kid is a high functioning student… then they will fly through the school without trouble. If they have any other problems, it will become a problem for the student and their parent.
Also, for those parents who wrote about the school above (all those wonderfully, positive things you wrote), deep down you KNOW there are problems at TCS with the director, but they were asked by the “relations” staff member who wrote post #4 (and had only been at the school a year) to counter post. They have ALL experienced hardship (or their child has), however, they all want to portray TCS in a “positive” way, they won’t however, discuss the problems with the school- which many of them are FULLY aware of.
Oh, and lastly, here’s some advice for parents thinking of placing their child at the school. First, take a tour of the school. On your tour of the school (I think she allows questions on the tour… or else you will have a interview or two with her- but be warned… if you ask these questions, you may see her true colors) … ask Maari if you can speak with a teacher (this will NOT be allowed). Also, try to talk to a staff member (this will NOT be allowed). Ask her if you will have access to observe your child’s class anytime (parents are NOT allowed in the classrooms to observe- only if it’s your child’s birthday, OR on parent/teacher night). Ask what the policy is about letter writing to your child’s teacher. (All letters are SUPPOSED TO be given to the director and discussed before a reply is sent. Supposedly this is for the “safety” of the teacher, but truthfully, this is another aspect of the control.) Ask if you can randomly call the school and speak with your child’s teacher (you are allowed 1 day a week- in a period of about an hour to contact your child’s teacher- these are phone times-the teacher is supposed to be taking notes on the conversation, and will NOT be allowed to make any kind of decision or say much until this has processed through the Director.) Maari will stress the MANDATORY meetings that you will be required to attend, and she means mandatory. This is a HIGLY CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT, both for your child and for you. If that’s ok for you and your child is high functioning… then this school may work for you. If not, and your child struggles with other disabilities… I’d tour the school, ask the questions (just so you see I’m not exaggerating) and then make your decision.
However, please remember, this is the MOST IMPORTANT decision you can make for your child. Don’t rush to make it and don’t just place your child somewhere because there is a seat open. It MUST be a right fit!
I think it’s fair to say that no school is a perfect fit for all students and it’s up to parents to do their research to find the school that’s right for their kids. In order to do this, they need to know a bit more about their kids and a bit more about the school. If, after doing this research they pick a school and the fit is wong, they change schools. This is not uncommon and The Child school is not the only school where there is a possibility of an offset between the way the school is characterized and the way some students and parents and teachers experience it.
In short, every single school in the world has these issues and it’s up to parents to sort it out the best they can.
Richard, this “school” is not run like a school. It is run like a kingdom. The kingdom of Maari. As stated, she does not follow IEP mandates or provide services, and she gets away with it. She presents and promises a school that seems too good to be true. And, indeed, it is. Thanks to the former staff member who wrote the above post and presented a picture of the real deal.
Sorry AFP, I don’t mean to be argumentative, I know nothing about any of this except what I read on the web and because there are some people who seem to find the school useful if not good for their kids, there is no “real deal,” there are simply a variety of perceptions and opinions about the way things are done there.
There is not a school on earth that is right for everyone and independent schools are in the business of selling themselves, all of them do it.
All parents need to be aware, do their homework and choose the school that’s right for their kids. If I were a parent reading this thread I’d want to dig a bit deeper and find out more about the school and its headmistress for myself.
FYI, this is not an independent school. This is a new york state school. Once approved by the board of ed, students are fully funded by the state. Most students attending The Child School are l00% funded at state’s expense.
Postings by the “former teacher” and the “former staff member” as to what goes on at this schol are not perceptions or opinions. They are recountings of their experience. They are the behind-the-scenes personal, actual observations of the protocol.
I have a home schooled child that is a dyslexic.CSE has made too many mistakes in her case. She has 3 Nickerson letter,because I and CSE cannot Find a school for her.I was thinking about the Child School, but…….I dont know.
Two weeks ago I got a acceptant letter from Winston Prep But I am having a problem with the Funding
I was concedering The Child School
But now I dont Know?
After my ex-husband & I were referred to The Child School as a possible placement for our son for his kindergarten and on, we got very excited about that and enthusiastically started the enrollment process last November. Now, after 5 month-long process of asking and begging Sheila Steiner, Director of Admissions, to contact us confirming receipt of our son’s paperwork and discussing it with us, we got extremely disappointed with the School and gave up. Sheila, who is the first School’s person perspective parents meet and deal with and who literally is the gate-keeper of The Child School, didn’t even bother to respond to dozens of our calls, messages, certified and FedEx mail to her. We mailed her twice a complete application package with all necessary reports and IEP in November’06 and March’07, as well as faxed it over again in February’07. Apparently she was too busy during that whole period of time to review it and give us a call back with status update despite our desperate requests and explanation of the Board of Education deadline for placement.
I found the way the School’s officials tend to “communicate” with parents of potential students to be outrageous, disrespectful and unacceptable for professionals, especially those dealing with special needs kids and their families. I believe that’s a good example of how our children will be treated there. Based upon our experience, we will not recommend The Child School to other parents.
Natasha, thanks for sharing your first hand experience with the admissions process. This is not a good sign that the school is well organized although this is a different type of complaint from the ones further up in the comment string that have more to do with the head of the school and its curriculum.
Logistical problems can happen but I’d say in your case the school had ample time to make it right and didn’t. Not good.
Thanks.
To Natasha — that was my experience also. But my son did eventually get in. But then, when all the other things described above started to happen, I took him out. You are right to look elsewhere. But don’t be surprised if they contact you with an opening, to begin in July. It’s a 12-month school year there, and they like to start in July. Good luck.
As a former parent of a child who attended the child school. Be warned! Avoid this school at all costs. IEP’s and not followed, mandates are totally ignored. If your child has a learning disability or emotional issues, this is definately NOT the place for them. Maari runs this school like a prison. Why she is confronted by parents, she lies straight to their faces. This is horror chamber not a place of learning and support for children who need it.
In reading all of the above commments I have to say that those written by the “Former Staff Member” on 3/6/07 ring truest and most comprehensive for me. When I am a “Former Parent” I will be more straightforward in identfying myself and making my own comments more specific because with a child in the school, and having experienced the “style” of the Director, I know that my child could reap the wrath of the Director because of what I would say….and she is smart enough to do that in a manner that I could not prove. I firmly believe that parents need to carefully consider this school and recognize that everyone (staff and parent-body) are micro-managed. Given the size of the school at this time (250 or so students) it is clear that a “healthy” administration would foster the decision-making process of designated staff based on a clear philosophy and accountability structure. Unfortunately the Director cannot tolerate what she may consider a “loss of control” and consequently noone can make decisions without consulting her and without her approval. Teaching children with learning disabilities is not an exact science and requires much collaberation. Unfortunately, Ms. DeSouza needs to dictate. You can imagine how this plays out given the size of the school and the number of people involved. Again, the “Former Staff Member” was quite fair and accurate in my opinion. I will share more in a few years when I am a “Former Parent”.
P.S. Some might ask why I have not looked into other schools. To those people I would answer……..”You then do not know that there are too few educational resources for the number of children who require better special educational services than the NYC Dept. Of Education can offer. That is why this Director can continue as she has been doing for this many years and also why I cannot yet identify myself.
Reply to posted by a former parent April 21, 2007. I totally concur with you; but I urge you to continue to look for another school. As I said earlier if your child has a learning disability/and or social or emotional issues; this is definately not the place for them. I have personally confronted Maari, and she lied straight to my face; and unfortnately my child had to face the consequences, also denied. The only reason we choose this school was because our child had the option between a regents or an IEP diploma. Our first choice was Martin De Porous in sheeps head, brooklyn, which then offered only a regents diploma. Unfortunately, we just did not know if our child could complete the program. Believe me, it was a HUGE mistake! I implore you, please get your child out of this school. My child was there for three years; and it was a totally horrible experience for her and us. As you stated in your comment, that is exactly why Maari continues, because there are too… few special educational services in NYC; and also
because she hides behind the veiled threats she issues staff and students.
Does anyone ever wonder why there is such a hugh turn-over staff? That is quite highly unusual. I urge any parent that even considers this school, to just please say no. I know to many, it seems like the ideal school, but it really is like a chamber of horrors. My child was was so… miserable there I had to pull her out. She came home crying almost every day. The only good thing I can say is that if your child is in the regents program, it is quite different, those students seem to do quite well. On the other had, everyone else is treated as last. Not much thought is given to them, and that is quite a shame; especially given that their tuition (given this is deemed a private school) is highly inflated; and nothing is really being done for them.
Bottom line is… Just say no!
the school principle can seem racist and she thinks that she has to seem inferior to all the students.She makes the teacher say that they quit when they really got fired. This school says they give ot and speech but they do not even take u out of class the teacher thats helps you with goes in with us.he/she can not really give you what you need. She says not to bully but when we go to her office she makes u feel bad.For example she called some of her students gay and dimwitted chimps.The older teacher are the principle pets they do not fight for the students cause they know once they say something they so ca ll quit.I have notice that the teacher that fight for the students they leave.the leader is a bad example for the students that can talk freely. HA HA the second worst school in the nyc. The founder of this school is evil. one last thing she treats the students whose parent has gave money to the school better. Input from a few of her students. This is only a opinion you cant do anything to the students that wrote this.
Dear Students,
My child used to go to this school, and, as you describe, did not receive the speech, OT, or counselling that was on the IEP. My child was also verbally bullied by the head of the school. We watched favorite teacher after favorite teacher disappear from the school. My child spoke to me about all of this, and I found another school, where these things don’t hapapen. You should speak to your parents or guardians when these things occur, especially when she insults you. You may feel like you’re “stuck” there, but there are other schools, and with adult help, you can pursue other schools. I know the school psychologist “quit.” But your parents or guardians can help you find another school. My child is much happier now now that he’s getting the services and the respect he deserves. You deserve the same. Don’t be afraid to speak up at home. And don’t drop out, as other kids there do. This page is a good idea, a place where everybody can be heard, especially the students. If you think this is the second worst school in NYC, what do you think is the worst?? Just wondering.
posted by former parent.. my kid use to go to that school to. TCS/LHS.. and it’s bad cause she experienced very bad stuff like the principle being very mean and yelling at my child because she always had to be right about everything.. that school is a dictator school.. You can’t speak your mind in that school.. because if you do she’ll get angry and be even more harder on you. than before. my kid wasn’t liked by maari so her life was hell.. and Maari runs the school like it were the military.. these kids have disabilities some more severe than other… and you can’t do anything to my kid because protected by us the parents and the family.. but everything that has happened by the principle to my kid was always upset and very angry.. that school is evil.. and ya it true the teachers can’t fight for the students even though they know that maari is bad and evil they will get into alot of trouble with maari God only knows what she says to them so they don’t stand up for the students..
It’s a very stressful environment to be him.. you have to have balls of steel to put up the her.. Maari needs someone to give her the taste of her on medicine I sure hope they do something about the principle because she get go on treating people dis way.. my kid doesn’t like that school.. even when my kid was interviewed with maari herself she was very uptight and very not nice.. and my kid was very nervous just being in the meeting with my kid and she meets with kid separatedly after my kid came out then I went in to meet with this woman what a witch, very uptight ans she thinks the world evolves around her… well my kid faced alot of stuff and if wondering why am I putting down about why some of the teachers that do try to fight for the students don’t stay or because wby some of the teachers that don’t find for the students what happens to them well it’s because my kid has seen the behind the scene without anybody else watching.. she’s very sneaky.. and she does everything under table.. she picks trips that are very costly and my kid wanted to go and where she picked a trip to Costa Rica or Spain those are faraway places and in other counties and it’s not fair why she can’t pick a trip where everybody can go on a trip she has to pick these expensive trips tht’s not fair and unreal.. But she’s egocentric and she thinks who she is.. and yes she is a thief..she asks students to bring supplies that staff can use more than the kids can.. and let me tell you something once you get in it’s like a walking living nightmare that you hope when you up it was just a dream but it really isn’t cause you really are going through hell.. it’s not cool to experience this stuff.. just ssy no.. and I agree with the parents that have put why the principle is bad and stuff.. and the other people that don’t really agree you know what’s going on don’t hide it.. and don’t ever be afraid to speak your mind…….. it’s shame that a school like that can’t be good school.. ya it’s one of the worst school in NYC
I almost forgot to mention.. to the former parent that posted number 34.. I agree with you.. and you did the right thing by taking your kid.. that was a very smart move of you… you see I”m not the only one that is saying the principle is very bad.. I know what your talking about because it’s happened to my child… I totally understand… and good for him or her that their in a new school.. I’m very happy for your child that is getting the help that your kid deserves.. and the service that he didn’t get from them shame on them for not giving the services kids with disabilities deserve the extra help and they shouldn’t say I’ll give you the help when they know their lying.. it’s a shame it really is… because my kid was miserable over there in TCS.. but my kid is no longer there no more.. my kid wants to get help somewhere else… and I’m sorry it had to happen to your kid and to everybody else that had to go through it.. and yes your right if something bad is going on in school or anywhere they should definitely most certainly come to a grown up anybody that is guardian over them.. so these type of problems or more severe depending on how bad the situation can be taken care of.. you did the right thing by taking your kid out of there.. and your right there are other schools but you really have to look… I wish they would build more private special schools for these kids that need it.. you have alot of kids with all types of diabilities and they need all the help that they can get and beyond… I’m happy your kid out and it’s great to hear that your kid is getting the help that your child deserves and respect as well and good luck to you and future
one more thing and I feel very bad for the parents that had to put with the principle and the things that she would do to each and everyone of your kids… to the ones that know that maari is bad and that their children had to suffer.. well good luck everyone
The number of comments related to TCS/LHS is quite striking when you look at how few comments there are for all of the other schools in NY on this website.
There is a very real, concrete and identifiable “thread” that connects the many negative comments. That “thread” is the Director, Maari de Souza. Maari was a pioneer in her time, 25 or so years ago when she started the school, and there is no doubt that she is a very bright and determined person. Unfortunately, she is also a very disturbed and insecure person who capitalizes on her position aned the vulnerability of others (students, staff, students, parents, students, Board Members, students etc.) to her advantage. Differences of opinion are intolerable to her and she administers utilizing fear as her main “tool”.
There have been (and are) many talented professional and non-professional support staff in the school. At this point in time I firmly believe that the gifted staff who are there will not be there for long (turnover is an issue in any school but……at TCS/LHS I believe it is a much more significant issue) and that many of those who were there, left as a result of being treated in a disrespectful, degrading and condescending manner.
It is unfortunate but it seems that she “reigns” as if without accountability. The Board of Directors has a real and significant responsibility to the present and future students and they do not appear to have intervened in any significant manner. “Exit Interviews” of departing staff are a standard in schools that are committed to quality service. The “Board” should be conducting them, at the very least interviewing staff that have remained at least 1 year. They should be confidential and held after letters of recommendation have been provided to the staff person, as fear of getting a good reference can impact on honest feedback.
The school needs to go on, especially given how few options exist for students with these types of learning challenges. But……Maari’s “style” and behavior are common enough knowledge at this point in time for there to be a clear recognition that someone else needs to take the helm. An educator and administrator who welcomes constructive input and ideas, rather than being threatened by them, is badly needed. Micromanaging a school of this size is not the way to administer. People have to be trusted and have clear decision-making guidelines and authority.
Unfortunately, Maari’s “style” in her position as Director sets the tone and example for the staff. Negative approaches may yield what she may view as quick “solutions” but the students, staff memebrs and parent body deserve a leader who can lead effectively by their positive, honest and supportive example.
I am hopeful that this may one day be the case but I do not think it can happen with Maari having any significant role in the school.
The only thing we can do is communicate to those who need to hear and….hope!
Thanks for a coherent, well written comment Present Parent.
you see there are alot of bad comments about Maari but it’s because of what these people have experienced with her and her actions… But it’s sad.. and the sad part about it that My kid had to face it and had a hard time dealing with it. So what these people are talking and saying not nice things it’s because of what their kids faced and tolerated.. Look your right in the respect that somebody else needs to take the helm your right because Maari is just doing a p oor job.. and yes I totally understand of what your saying but what my point is yes even if she is insecure and stuff the problem is that even though she may or may not be secure she shouldn’t be aloud to treat people this way because people have real feelings..and well the reason why that person posted a comment the one staff member that was there for only one year the reson it was written the way it was written because they were asked by the the school to not discuss any problems or anything like that with other people… In a year you can experinece a lot but they won’t talk bad about the school because if they do well than they get into trouble with the boss.. and I wish the higher up authority will proceed and do something but than again who knows.. I am speaking from experience and something should really be done about the principle and she is not in right mind sorry to say.. Hey I wish this school was a better school but it’s not a good school.. We need a miracle in plain english will all do respect.. but her style behavior is not common because only a bad person as evil as she is does not have the right to attack people verbally nor scare the living delights out of somebody it’ horrible.. and I’m sorry but I speak the truth.. and nobody is lying about what they are saying it’s all truth.. How can she handle anything the school is run like it was a military.. look mother to mother good luck to you.. and I wish the school does change..but not if she is going to continue to be there… Maari has faults and if she is that insecure than she needs help if that is the case I really don’t know.. BUt everything you have said in your comment posted I respect your opinions… but my kid is no longer there do the principle and her behavior and my child wasn’t getting help so she left…
former parent of TCS/LHS
and have one more thing to add to what I am trying to say you have no doubt she is bright she is not bright because if she was she would know how to run the school properly that’s no excuse and you also said that she is determined please in what making people’s lives a living hell… she is determined to give people nothing but misery… and if she does use fear as a tool well she should be using her brain and heart and they should all be in the right place which is clearly not the case… let’s face it the woman is a very deceiving, coneiving, uptwisted very evil monster with all do respect…
former parent TCS/LHS
I already wrote a post above, although after reading the continued posts (and how intersting that there are SO many) I would just like to add a few comments.
First is about the students who said Maari called them “gay” and “dumb witted chimps”. I recall that those are the “kinder” phrases that Maari often used, and those are absolutely true (I’ve heard her say them myself). I’ve seen behavior and verbal words used that is horrifying toward students (and staff members for that matter) and #36, the Board KNOWS what she is like, although they would NEVER even TRY to meet with the staff, Maari would NEVER allow it and they have been asked in the past to meet with certain staff, and never replied.
Actually, let’s discuss the board. The head (Mr. P) is a wonderful person, wise executive whose daughter used to attend TCS in the early years. Poor guy, he’s too nice for Maari. I definitely KNOW that Mr. P has heard from staff members (present and former) about Maari’s behavior and treatment of not only students, but the abusive treatment of her staff. I’m sure at times he regrets being in that position, and it’s probably more often than less. Another person on the board is Maari’s boyfriend and live-in for over 20 someodd years (Mr K). How is it that you can sleep with a man on the Board of the school you are director of? That’s just so unethical, and needless to say, a coflict of interest! Of course, I think he uses their country house address as his address for “adademic” correspondence, but they both live right near the school, on Main Street on Roosevelt Island. I’ve heard some dusey stories about those 2, and so I really don’t see him “speaking up” against her, after all….he has to live with her! Then there is Ms. F, whose child is a student. This student is one of the students that can thrive and survive at TCS/LH, he has limited disabilities and does well. I’m truthfully unsure of why she would even agree to serve on the Board of Directors, except that she’s extremely busy and has more of a “hands off” situation due to her own occupation. I don’t believe she has had many “encounters” of the severe kind with Maari. Then there is Mr. H, whose child is one of those kids who has struggled in TCS. His parents have worked hard being involved at the school, so that their child would continue to have a seat- because the child’s been on the “get rid of” list multiple times. (Actually, I can’t even understand why they would even KEEP him at the school, due to past encounters with Maari). If anyone on that board has the ability of helping and bringing about change in the school, it’s him. He’s a mover-shaker and truthfully, he’s got to know about the abusive ways of Maari, I’m SURE his kid has gone home and “talked”. I hope that there is someone on that Board who is willing to get their head out of the sand and stand up for those kids at that school- they are GREAT kids, worthy of kind and respectful treatment (something Maari forces the kids to do, just doesn’t follow herself). The Board should also consider all the marvelous staff they have, and be disappointed about the ones they have lost, and realize there are more who are currently looking for other places to work, and will be gone in a nanosecond, given another job offer! When will they stand up and not allow all the unethical treatment to students and staff members? How long will this go on? Who really CARES about these kids? This IS supposed to be a school after all…. not a prison with Warden Maari! They have PETA for the ethical treatment of animals, maybe they should start PETSS: People for the Ethical Treatment of Students and Staff Members!
Oh, and one last thing #36, here’s a bit of information for anyone out there who wants to be a detective, I’m not sure it’s true (it’s one of those stories that are passed around with no concrete evidence), although I wouldn’t be surprised AT ALL if it is true:
The story begins when the school started, it was started by a woman with a PhD. and Maari. If you look at Maari’s background, it’s in daycare and El. Ed. Her (supposed) degrees are from other countries (and she DOESN’T have any certificates or diplomas hanging on her walls- and wouldn’t a egotistical person like her have them displayed for all to see?)except the “so called” PhD. degree from NYU (which, by the way, on 33rd street all the information material we sent out to perspective parents said she was “pursuing” this degree, somehow now that we moved to RI she has attained it-and none of us were invited to her graduation!). Anyway, the story continues that these 2 people (Maari and this woman with the PhD.) came to the point of inability of working together (does this surprise you?), and so the woman left and Maari just kind of “assumed” this persons title as director. I would challenge anyone to really go in search of documentation about the degrees that Maari actually has. I doubt there were “regulations” on directors and academic people when Maari started TCS so long ago, but now I know that you have to have special training and certification to run a school, and I can tell you for sure… THAT she doesn’t have. I’d actually be EXTREMELY surprised to even see that she even has her Master’s Degree. I just can picture her as one of those “fake” people who function like a certified person when in reality she’s got nothing as far as education behind her. Maybe THAT’S why she treats the students and staff in the inhumane way she does, she’s never taken classes for the ethical treatment of people!
My child has made major educational milestones over the years in the Child School. There are a number of dedicated staff members who truly care about the student body.
Unfortunately, the major stumbling block for this important educational institution is the director of the school, Maari. She has over the years attempted to micro-manage the staff, parent and student body. My child as well as others students have told me of her inappropriate comments to students that could easily be labeled as racist, sexist or homophobic. In addition, there has been a constant turnover of staff members resigning from the school. This has put the student population at risk of learning when the educational instructors leave unannounced.
I have been deeply concerned about my child’s happiness and welfare, but given the school choices in New York for students with LD, we have encouraged our child to stay until our child can graduate from the high school. This has been a difficult task for my child. Each day my child has come home with yet another story about the director.
I have thought on numerous occasions to report her to city and state agencies but I do not want my child to suffer retributions from this sometimes-irrational director. I however am waiting until my child leaves the child then I will definitely report the director.
If you can find another appropriate school, DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO THE CHILD SCHOOL/LEGACY HIGH!!! BEWARE!!!!
to former staff member that posted #38 I totally agree to what you said.. that is very interesting of what you said.. well your probably right.. she knows nothing about how to treat staff nor students it’s really a shame… and your right of everything you said… and the reason why maari doesn’t want the staff or anybody else related to the school to meet with the board of directors of high up well because she afraid of losing her position.. and well your right she is fony.. I mean anybody with the right education in the field for principle should know how to handle the responseability which clearly she doesn’t have.. and hopefully something should be done but than again what goes around comes around.. but you see to do a documation on maari I wouldn’t know where to look on her website the child school all you see is wonderful stuff but it’s just to make her look good… hey she is evil and I’m glad you agree of how bad she is.. all this information I hope the board is looking at it right know as I typing to your reply and let them see how bad she really is , I’m sure they know but the more they see and read the more they are gonna want to urge themselves to push to do some kinid of undercover investigation. Because if their was any kind of investigation and they came up to school well Maari isn’t going to act like her usual self infront of them.. and you also have some people in that school that are on Maari’s right handed people unfortunetely no names mentioned those people are very bad and are kiss ups to maari they tell maari every little thing about what’s going on.. and that’s not good because that’s how problems start.. but it’s just to make them look good and to be loyal to maari.. but it’s wrong because they shouldn’t do that and they should not tell things to maari that are going to hurt innocent people for no reason just because they want a rise or so or what ever the reason is.. and yes it’s a shame that people have quit the good ones.. I just wish we can get rid of the bad apples they’re too… thanks for sharing… former parent my kid use to go there what a night mare, what hell was there , caos…!!!!!!!!
all the comments that I have posted are all very true my kid has experienced very true and also I have seen it as well… and faced it because it’s true.. to let everybody know including the owner of this website that we are using to network to other people to communicate too…….. This is all reality not lies………..
Richard,
I wanted to ask what role you play in regard to these comments? Do you have any other suggestions for communicating concerns regarding the Director of TCS/LHS?
Thank you
My opinion on this school cannot be given properly for I have not remembered a day where I was in a different school.
This school lacks a proper art and music department for High School. A half-year course and that is it. This caused a student to feel depressed at multiple occasions and I am not surprised. There is potential to introduce newer and helpful electives but obviously nothing is being done. Student Assistant class isn’t as educational as anyone thinks.
Another problem is the unusual rules, which contradict the usefulness of other things such as bulliten boards. Did you know that a student cannot remain in the hallway unless transitioning, where the student must directly go to class? It goes directly against the board of student works, which is meant to be read by students.
Of course, this isn’t entirely the schools fault, for the students have “ruined it” for the others. For example, the bathroom. The bathroom is a home for gossip, temporary vandalism, cellphone conversations, cheating, and other things that go against the school rules. Actually, The Wire, which is a voluntary activity where students stuff news papers for Roosevelt Island and deliver them (a long and tedious job which holds students responsible for the homeworks they do), included students who ruined future volunteers of a generous offer of food from Trellis. After intentionally ordering expensive foods, Legacy High School no longer is allowed to have food from Trellis.
Students, although as a whole can be enjoyable to hang around with (as the current class of 11A seems to be), can also show themselves as rowdy. Gang-like students are abundant in the Patterson House and when joined with those in the Island House, form cliques that belittle or deny other groups, destroying the togetherness this school attempts to build. Problems and hate come from little things like seats and typing on a keyboard that it is no wonder we have not seen a fight break out on occasion.
To cut this short, the rules have become ridiculous, the school lacks a proper art department, the ghetto students make this environment repulsive to some, and some students force the school to be this way for others. Did you know that the ones who ruin it seem to relish in the others disappointment, only to deny having taken any part in the situation?
Well said, Current Student. You sound like a thoughtful, intuitive person and I commend you for your thougtful, well-written response. I agree with you about the rules — over the years, they have become more and more ridiculous, and they have such little effect! That’s the irony of the situation. Like the “punishment” of sitting outside Maari’s office all day long, missing classes. Like the “punishment” of being suspended, out of school, for three to five days. That’s just welcome goof-off time for some. Meanwhile, these bad apples continue to “ruin it” , as you said, for others. You sound like an intelligent, motivated, caring student. Best of luck to you in the future.
I agree with you former parent and present student. well written is definitely for sure.. I hate the rules because it’s so utterly ridiculus for the good students because we the good students suffer because maari thinks that if one bad apple does something wrong we all have to take the punishment come on that’s so stupid. and one more thing the rules should only apply to the bad apples.. I know the stupidity that is going on in this school environment because I went through it.. but I’m glad I’ve graduated and no longer there… and maari of course has her favorites and if one of her favorites does something wrong well they just get yelled at but if one of her other students does something wrong well they get it worse… and I have lived to see it and experienced it as well… no names mentioned because it’s not confidential. but the director of the school is not fair and is very unreasonable. we need somebody to run the school better. and I have experienced alot and have been in that school for sometime.
First of all, I want to start by saying that I have my doubts that most people who post as a “parent” or “staff member” are really who they claim to be because of numerous grammatical/spelling errors (not to say that I won’t make any myself).
Now, my opinion of the school: I have been attended since 1st grade and, in my parent’s opinion anyway, it was a godsend for me. Although, I happen to be high-functioning so maybe I was just one of the lucky ones. For years, I didn’t want to leave.
And then I got to High School.
I know that HS is that period of your life where EVERYTHING falls apart, but this was different. My best friend goes to LaGuardia High School and has an immense workload but she’s also learning what she wants to learn (art and the Japanese language). I, on the other hand, get a much more managable workload, but the academics are UNBELIEVABLY limited. Once you get to 10th grade, there are no more art programs. Period. UNLESS you’re in the established-last-year chorus or band, both of which take place during school hours and cut into other academic periods. I have literally cried several times in dispair that I will not be accepted into an art college because of these limitations.
The social atmosphere has also been a change. Never before have the classes been so isolated, even more so are the two separate High School programs (Regents and RCT) which are in different buildings and do virtually nothing together. The classes are only mixed up during elective, after lunch, and during gym (which we only have 2-3 times a week) and even those are very limited. Lunch takes two different periods, one with just 9th and 10th grade and one with just 11th and 12th grade. This is sad because I have several very good friends in 11th grade who I only see in the hallways and after school. Electives are not available to 9th grade, and gym consists only of 2 classes in one grade. Considering that we spend 7 hours each day, 5 days a week with the EXACT SAME SMALL AMOUNT of people, it doesn’t exactly build the community feelings that Maari probably expects us to develop. Quite the opposite. This year, I have become so intollerant of my classmates that I have lashed out at my entire class out of rage on, I’m pretty sure, more than one occasion. It’s reached the extent that I’m even starting to hate my friends. Our class also has several “problems kids” that the teachers barely deal with. It’s the same punishment every time: if they bother the teacher enough, they get sent out of the room. And they never learn. One such student has been at the school for about 5 years and I really don’t think has shown any improvement since he arrived. What’s worse is that he SOMEHOW wound up in the top 10th grade class and, escencially, prevents the rest of the class from learning on multiple occasions. The school probably hasn’t expelled him yet because he’s a particularly problematic case and Maari doesn’t want it to look like she’s “giving up on him”.
The staff turn-over rate this year has been mind-blowingly high and the remaining staff always seem to have the same excuse: family problems. This is becoming an increasingly unbelievable excuse and is feeling more like a parent telling their child that they “just sent Rover to a farm and he’s very happy there”. I think only one of the…what is it, 5? 6? teachers we’ve lost this year had a formal sending-off (which included him telling us, BEFORE HE LEFT, what school he was transfering to).
And then there’s the issue of Maari. I see her as a woman with two faces. On one, she loves all the students at the school. On the other, she is quite the dictator. Nearly every suggestion that the Student Council has sent her way has been shot down (I really think that the SC exists just to give the students the illusion that they can make a difference in the school). Also, to put it quite simply, she is a technophobe. She once confiscated a student’s laser-light keychain because “it could burn someone’s skin off”. She also refuses to use the internet. She lets everyone else deal with the tech stuff. Oh yeah, we also have no internet access in the classrooms and the library was only recently opened (actually, it isn’t quite finished either).
I think the bottom line is this: IF you are a parent who can put up with Maari’s “my way or the highway” attitude, then you probably stand a chance. If not, find another school. Also, ONLY enroll in Legacy High School if your child has been going to TCS for a while. If you’re thinking of enrolling them fresh into the High School program for academic purposes as opposed to disability-related purposes, DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO LEGACY. There are TONS of better academic environments in New York. If you have a 5-14 year old with learning disabilities, give TCS a try. In the long run, it turns out different results for different people.
I’m watching from the sidelines. I know nothing about the school except from these comments so I can’t comment on the school, just on your comments.
I run this web site and can do what I feel is best with any comment thread including edit, delete, or close entirely. I’ve talked with many people about this and other threads that are borderline libelous and at least for the time being, I’ve decided to let these go on. But, I’m watching and read every comment posted here and it’s getting quite tiring.
Here is a warning for those commenting here:
1. I don’t like the names some of you are using “current student,” “current parent,” etc. I have no way of checking your status and I’d prefer that if you are going to write comments that are as strong and judgmental as some of you are writing, you come out of the closet and use your real names.
2. Let’s not continue to make comments just to add fuel to the fire. We’ve already established that the director of this school and the school’s structure may be problematic for some but not for all. We know that, please don’t restate it.
3. Read the entire comment string before commenting. The redundancy from lack of reading in this thread is startling, including from those of you who say you are parents (I realize that these comments may not be from parents). We are not trying to vote with comments here.
Thoughtful parents will go and check out the school and meet the director and make up their own minds, taking the most thoughtful of these comments into account.
4. Keep your comments short. I appreciate the time you’re putting in on writing these comments and many of them are considered, but edit for brevity and clarity so that others read your comments and get your point.
I’m going to now start filtering this thread more aggressively and will delete comments that don’t meet the criteria I just spelled out:
* Read the comment thread before posting
* Use your real name
* Keep it short
* Edit your comments for clarity and brevity
If you can’t meet these criteria please don’t comment here.
Thanks.
Without the cloak of anonymity, current parents and current students will most likely be reluctant to reveal themselves, as there is strong probability of repercussions from the director. The school is indeed reading this thread and I know from experience that there are consequences for speaking up. At the very least, the child will be put on probation for months and will become a very closely watched train. In our case, this made a bad situation worse and is why we are no longer there.
I’ve welcomed the opportunity to express my discontent with the school, and, so as not to restate that discontent, this will be my last post on the subject.
Explanation follows: Are you saying that your earlier comments in this thread were read by the school and your child suffered consequences for it and you were forced to switch to another school because of that?
If you’re willing to post again (how about the same assumed name) I’d like to know if this is in fact that case. If it is the case, how can you be sure? What proof do you have that this happened.
Thanks.
I am concerned for my status as a student and how my image will look upon the staff if my identity was used (even if it isn’t me). It may seem cowardly or inappropriate (or even unnecessary), but the weight that is placed onto my shoulders after doing something like this might be too much in the end. I do not want to deal with pressure when I am so close to leaving the school.
Sincerest apologies, but I cannot disclose my name (yet). But I have indeed watched this school’s progress. Raise the Roof, the basement/auditorium/lunch room going under construction. There was even a contest to submit your drawings of the new school building back in the late 1990s.
Unfortunately Richard I have to agree with the concerns expressed by “Explaination Follows”. Direct feedback from former staff members and former parents (and my own experience and interactions with Maari over a number of years) confirm that retribution is a very real fear and probability. I believe that the only truly “safe” time to identify oneself is when your child has graduated or is no longer attending the school. A “disturbed” person is cause for worry and a bright, disturbed person even more so. I will gladly identify myself when I can.
I’d like to weigh in here. I’ve read through and followed this Child School thread for quite a while. I’m not sure if this school is markedly worse than some other controversial schools I’ve known, or not (and believe me I’ve known a few). In fact even after all the postings of the various reported negatives, I know very little of this school. Like others who’ve posted, I couldn’t begin to confirm the accuracy of the posts. I must say however that they are compelling to me for two reasons. One’s the obvious; but for me the equally compelling question I have is why are so many of the “current folks” still there? I ask this with all due respect and ignorance of the facts.
Is it me or does it seem unfathomable that folks would stay at such a school if they feel so very mistreated? Faculty and families alike, why do people stay?
I understand that some may take longer to make moves but again if things are so bad….
Are jobs that hard to come by? Are the school alternatives so poor that families remain? What is it that has a hold on you who have such strong opinions? Are some students enrolled by the district with the parents feeling little wiggle room as far as alternatives go?
If it were me I’d bring my concerns to the board. If they turn a deaf ear I’d find another place for my kid or find another place to work.
What am I missing?
Sorry for the confusion. My son was not put on probation for speaking up on this thread, but for speaking up within the school, because he made the mistake of believing the director’s misleading message of “my door is always open, come in and talk to me if you have a concern.” For that, he was put on probation and we weren’t told until the end of the school year if he would be “allowed” to stay. Permission was granted that he continue, but my son lost a great deal of faith, trust and enthusiasm for the school in the process. He was not forced to leave, but it wasn’t the same for him after the probation incident. That’s why he left. I’m sorry I didn’t make myself clear in my previous post, Richard, and apologize for the confusion.
Richard, Explanation follows has hit the nail on the head- it’s the retribution that everyone is afraid of- and Maari’s can be vicious, although I would like to answer Mr. Shapiro. Mr. Shapiro, you have to understand, working at TCS for someone who has come out of the Board of Education is “for a while” “heaven”. The class sizes are small, the students behavior is “very” controlled and it’s a “safe” environment. Yes, the Director micromanages the staff and can mistreat them, but some are just willing to tolerate the “perks” of being in a small school, rather than the hardships. Eventually, however, the staff get to the point where they start to realize that even the “perks” aren’t worth staying for- they are underpaid, don’t get increased pay for summer school, have a horrible health plan which was “chosen” for them, don’t have dental coverage, don’t have a good pension plan, etc., etc., etc. Thus the high turnover rate- some forced, many voluntary! Many times the staff don’t even “give notice” because they don’t want to “deal” with her, so they fax in their resignation letters, that’s how screwed up things are there!
As to why the families remain- have you any idea how many children looking for placement with Nickerson letters there are in NYC? Funded schools receive so many IEP packets on a weekly basis, people would pay anything to get their children a seat, in ANY kind of school, even TCS. However, it’s not apparent until you are “in” about these issues and problems with the Director. She puts on a good front, says all the right things and parents are “awed” by her. On the outside things look “marvelous”, “Well controlled” and “amazing”, it’s once you are inside you see all the “cracks”"flaws” and “problems”. Some parents stand up to her and question the MANY issues (like their kids not getting services). If someone does (if they get a reply from the school about the issue that is- calls and letters are HEAVILY screened and MANY not responded to) get to meet with her, they must just be prepared for her. If she gets riled, she can be demeaning, obnoxious, and totally rude to parents who stand their ground and refuse to take her nonsense. Once she has a kid in her school- she feels she’s the “owner” of the kid till he/she graduates- not the parents. I think for many parents it’s just overwhelming for them to think about finding another school, and so they let these things slide. However, for those that do move their children on, they feel it’s the best decision they ever made and wish they had done it long before. What I don’t understand is how some parents allow her to be mean and abusive to their kids- now those parents should be held responsible for their actions! However, if your child isn’t on her “radar” and doesn’t cause trouble- you can easily just do what she wants and “slide” till graduation!
Mr. Shapiro, it’s not like parents (or staff members) haven’t gone to the board, or to the Board of Ed. for that matter. Do you know what some have heard from the BOE? That there are few schools available, so there is not much that they can do- they NEED the school! What do you do when you hit so many brick walls? You give up- and that’s what most have done. Although… I have a feeling there are a few determined people looming on the horizon that will not allow these things to continue- who are determined to make a difference- all for the students sake!
We had a Nickerson letter. No room in any appropriate programs. All schools on maximum overload. This school had an opening. Now we know why. Private special ed schools in NYC run over $40,000 a year in tuition.
Is that a reasonable option for most? Is having to move by September a reasonable option? If you refuse a spot at The Child School, is home-schooling for two hours a day a realistic option? These are the alternatives to The Child School. This is why many stay. And why the BOE tolerates the school. The Board knows all about this school, Sanford, and basically told us that if we can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, and pursue legal counsel. Staying was not an option, as we were on the “radar,” so that is exactly what we did.
It’s always tricky when asking any public school district for funding of a private education; and there are some strings that may be attached.
Do you have the list of approved schools?
Am I to understand that since you were feeling scutizinized (”on the radar”) that you left? Where did you go?
My reason for staying in this school (though I hope to move) is because I cannot find another school out there that I can transfer to. It’s not that I like the “Mistreatment”, but I bite my bullet and hope for the best in other students not getting enrolled.
I find the problems that the posters here have quite true. The extra things that you would hope for like art or music is only a rumor once you get into 10th grade. From there nothing else comes up. There is a strange way of how the Student Council works (and the way it does is that it doesn’t). The art supplies thing is simply a rumor that goes about the school (started since when I came by back at 1997). The pay is something that I only hear is not up to par with the other schools.
Honestly, I don’t care as much about “Getting into the heat”, because I don’t “fear” or “worry” about getting moved. It might actually be somewhat of a godsend, as I have wanted to move to a different school since things have been looking ugly since March.
Let me just say, this school isn’t recommended if you want to enter High School. Though the teachers are doing a mighty fine job (especially at discipline), there are other things that you would rather not have your child face (the “Jocks” are one example, where they have a strange tolerate/hate feeling to “Unpopular” students).
You have been warned.
Sanford — re finding another approved school in NYC, because it was mid-sophomore year when we approached other schools,and we were interested in him starting as a junior, five different approved schools said they would not take a student at junior year level. He was “too old”. This from approved schools where on the web site it says students can attend through age 21. We had the funding in hand, but no approved school would even let us in to look at the program. He was accepted at the last minute by a private special ed school in NYC not on the approved list, and we are seeking funding.
I’m no expert in these mediation type situations but when the schools on the approved list can’t/don’t work out, then it seems to me a district has an obligation to go to schools that are not necessarily on the approved list. That, sometimes is a good thing.
This school(the high school) caters perfectly to kids who had slight “disabilities” in younger grades, because it is NOT run like a special ed school. But it doesn’t help kids who have real disabilities that they cannot control, alough you do have to give them points for trying.
Yes, Sanford, that’s what happens. The tricky part is that most private schools not on the approved list want their $40Kplus tuition paid before the child attends the school. Then the wait for reimbursement settlement begins, usually taking over a year, at which point you already have had to pay the next 40K. In the course of one calendar year, we have had to front $80K. Is the BOE in any hurry to reimburse us??? Hah.
That’s the way it is for some schools even with approved lists. Sometimes with some districts in California, the receiving school and the paying district have a MOU (memo of understanding) and agree on terms. They (district) then pay the monthly fees but it’s the parents who have ultimate financial responsibility should there be any type of glitch. I’ve known parents who choose to make all sorts of sacrifices/take out all manner of loans in order to make these things happen.
It seems harsh but when I think about the types of loans people will take out on new cars without blinking an eye, it puts it into a different perspective for me. I don’t mean to suggest that any of this is easy. The cost of running an independent school is staggering as well. Insurance costs alone would shock you.
It’s not easy…but it’s the only thing to do. Thanks for your encouraging words.
This School is horrible.. There is no privacy at all!! the teachers follow you to the bathroom for gods sake.. Maari has “babied” the students and has done a terrible job of preparing them for the outside world..
Maari has made me strip down almost half naked because my under shirt was hanging a little low.. I attempted to ask her if i can change in the bathroom and she denied my request and made me strip n take my shirt off in front of her.. There was also an incident in which she tried to send me home during a home basketball game and forced me to change in front of her…
The former two students are current Legacy high school students, with adult physique, over six feet tall.
Accompanying students of this age and size, students who if you passed on the street you would assume were men, to and from the bathroom and stripping them down to their underclothes in front of a female director…yes, unfortunately, this is how “discipline” is reinforced here. Dorian, your mother needs to write a letter to the Board of Education and tell them about this.
A very uncomfortable thought, but #69 is right with the students listed (though it’s a shame their names are revealed like this). As for the situations, I cannot say whether or not they are true. Though judging from a punishment, I wouldn’t be surprised.
I know I might be adding to the redundancy that this thread is hoped not to keep up, but the reason why I am not surprised at Dorian’s comment is because I can recall clearly the various things that occurred during elementary. After one incident (which I forgot what I have done), I ended up in my underwear in the “office” (the name for, well, Maari’s office). While waiting, I received the pizza from a party my class was throwing (which was my main concern of what I would miss at the time). I also remember having my shoes temporarily disposed of, though I don’t recall it being on the same day or not.
I know I am putting myself way too out there, which might question if I really am part of this school or if I am telling the truth, but I am known well enough throughout the school by students and I can’t lie about something serious.
Hi. Current Student 2 here. I’m only using my first name because it’s an internet safety precaution of mine to never reveal my last name. Although, everyone from the school reading this will know who I am.
My reason for staying at the school could be called “stupid” by some, but part of it is that I feel that I have a moral obligation to stay until graduation because of everything the school has done for me in the past. Yes, homeschooling is very much a possible alternative for me along with just finding another school, seeing as my mom majored in Education and homeschooled me for most of Kindergarten. Heck, she could’ve gotten me all the way to college level by homeschooling alone (I actually know some people who did that and had Associate’s degrees from SUNY by the time they were about my age) but she and dad sent me to this school because I needed the social experience. And that’s what I got.
That’s not the only reason, though. The small classes and workload feel like a godsend compared to the horror stories I’ve heard from friends who go to other schools.
HOWEVER.
This does not mean that the school has my complete and utter devotion in this matter. Actually, I am somewhat torn. We’ll see what happens. The school year is almost over after all…
Okay. Time for a rebuttal.
First of all, I hope everyone who reads this thread realizes that people are always louder and more aggressive when complaining than they are when they are satisfied. Not to make light of anyone’s complaints but this thread has become rather one-sided.
THIS SCHOOL IS NOT PERFECT, BUT I’VE YET TO SEE ONE THAT IS!
I just want to make a few quick points that will shine a light on what the school has to offer:
SAFETY: this school is the safest school I have ever been in. Many of the students we service have had terrible experiences in their former schools. The fact that many of our students have social/emotional or learning disabilities make them easy targets for bullies. We do as much as is humanely possible to make sure these students feel completely safe and secure during the school day. We do this through consistent supervision. Sometimes this alone is enough to help a kid become less anxious and more focused during lessons.
ACADEMICS/SOCIALIZATION: The Regents program this year is graduating 100% of our Seniors with a Regents Degree. This includes students with substantial learning difficulties. Through modified pacing and scheduling we are able to give students extra help in the subjects that they are deficient in. One of our weaknesses is in challenging the atypical extremely high functioning student, while modifying the pace for the LD kids. We are working on a program for next year to challenge those students, but still for the majority of our students the goal is simply to EARN a Regents Diploma.
Socialization: as I stated before, many times the safety of our school limits social issues. Students who used to dread coming to school are not only relieved by the security they are psyched by the fact that there are so many kids that can relate to their experiences. I can’t tell you how many parents have expressed their amazement that their child finally has friends.
MAARI: okay, now for the Million Dollar question: What’s up with Maari?
First of all, There are NO SCHOOLS THAT ARE DEMOCRACIES! It just doesn’t work. Eventually you need a final word. There is no doubt who has the final word in our school. BUT..Maari is more approachable than many people give her credit for.
It is actually a far less political school than most public schools, in this school if you have an issue you know where to go with it.
I have had more than my share of disagreements with Maari, I have had many arguments with Maari, and I have been full on yelled at by Maari on many occasions but the difference between myself and the people who are posting attacks is that after the initial anger subsides I go and talk to Maari (or she talks to me) and we listen to what each other has to say. That way whether I agree with her or not at least we see where each other is coming from.
DISGRUNTLED STUDENTS: I’m actually just really psyched that Yannick and Dorian are writing outside of class.
You go, John.
Thanks John, I was hoping someone like you would come along and give this thread some context and another point of view.
You’re right, no school (or business or family or person) is perfect. And, no school is perfect for everyone.
Peace everyone.
Oh yeah, I know that there is no such thing as a perfect school and this school is very safe compared to others, but I am giving my warning as a 10 year student that there are some things that won’t settle down anyones stomachs, Maari or not.
Actually, I don’t have too many complaints regarding the school in the eyes of an average student who wouldn’t get in trouble. Sure there are going to be ridiculous rules, but as long as you stay out of constant trouble, not mind the strange absence of some extra-curricular things, and keep a good level with the “Cool kids”, then you’re set to deal with the school.
I’m a current student at TCS, currently in 10th grade, and I have to say that I deeply share the sentiments echoed by many of fellow students.
I agree that Maari babies us. Maari goes on and on about how she wants us to be more and more independent, and yet she doesn’t even trust with us to take a simple trip to the bathroom by ourselves. Not to mention we can’t keep our cell phones secure in our locker. Instead we give them to our teachers, where they are completely out of reach in case an emergecny.
Secondly, some of her disciplinary methods are completely unorthodox. I’ve heard stories that she’s taken away a student’s pants, that she once used the term “faggot talk” to describe the various dialogue from cartoons many kids were reenacting in schools, and she curses at the students. Having been in her office more than once I’d know.
I also think many kids are lacking the proper help that is required for them in certain subjects. I and another studnet are failing math, and we requested earlier this year to work in a smaller group with our co-teahcer (who departed a few weeks ago, the 8th this year). Our math teacher granted us this request, and we really began to improve our grades. However, when this teacher left, the math teacher made no attempt to find us someone else to take her place, so now I as well as my friend ahve to work witht he whole class, where I’m often distracted by the various interruptions and general noise of the class. I’m doing worse than ever in math, and with the Regents less than two weeks away, I’m fearing the worst, since my dad’s going to come down hard on me if I don’t pass, and it’s starting to tear at me.
I also think that the location of the school is a big problem. We are on this isolated little island with no cultural significance or leisure spots, and the people on the island don’t want us there. This is an inconvenciece for us since the Island officials, namely the Rent-A-Cops, go out of our way to inconvenience us in any possible. I wish that for one day a teacher could see the system by which we board our school buses in the afternoon. I bet they’d be taken about by how inconveniencing and unsafe it is.
There are many more issues to be dealt with, but it’s almost 2 A.M. and my mind is fried. I’ll vent more some
I wanted to respnd to John Lockwood’s comments (#72) as I have great respect for him, as I do for many of the staff at the school. I just wish I had the same respect for the Director and, quite honestly, she IS the issue. As I have said before and I will say this to John, I cannot identify myself yet because my child is still in the school, but I do wish that I could let him know right now who it is that is responding to him. There are, and continue to be, talented staff at the school. That, as well as the extreme lack of other options, is the reason that my child continues there.
John…..knowing what you know and what you have directly experienced with Maari……put yourself in the shoes of a student or a parent. Being belittled, infantilized, micromanaged and/or being referred to in a homophobic or racist manner by the Director or Principal is totally not acceptable.
Yes, there are many stressors for the head of a school….but, my experience in working with other Directors or “Heads” is totally different and…..I have had ample opportunites for experience.
Verbal and/or psychological abuse of any adult or child is unacceptable….regardless of whether you are a staff person, parent/guardian or a student. I am quite sure that you have been witness to situations involving the Director which are, at best, controversial in regard to her attitude or approach.
You and I know that the best approach to children/adolescents and students is an approach that is REALLY based on a Positive and Strength-Based strategy. You (and some other staff) may approach students in this manner BUT….in your heart of hearts, can you really say that this is Maari’s approach?…or, if she verbalizes it, that she ACTUALIES it?
John, you have my respect as a teacher, but……knowing what I know and having heard what I have heard…..the school needs a Director who is skilled and can also exemplify respect for staff, students and parents. Unfortunately….this is NOT Maari!!
Thank you, though, for your support of the students….it has been noticed and appreciated!
Anthony, though what you have stated is true for the most part, there is something that is bothering me that I have to point out.
The thing about Maari and cellphones is that she was informed of students using them in bathrooms and using them for things that aren’t school (infact, she has pointed that out multiple times). She is, in a sense, forced to do this. Though we can’t be sure the students who did this (if they still come here or not).
And for your current Math teacher not making an attempt, I have to point out that this was a hectic year, and he cannot necessarily do enough with the current staff and their schedule (as well as the sudden rate of disappearing teachers).
And as a final thought for today, I would like to ask, why is it that most of you are hiding your names? I flat out admitted my full name because there are more than enough Steve Fosters in the world. But for those who refuse to reveal your first name, you sound like you don’t want to risk getting assassinated.
I don’t mean to sound like I’m taking “Maari’s side” or anything like that, but the cellphones in the bathroom thing isn’t just something she rants about. It’s true. I’ve gone into the bathroom multiple times over the course of the year in which there was another girl on her cellphone. I won’t name names, namely because I don’t really pay attention to who it actually is.
However, making us keep our cellphones in our lockers is one thing. Having them LOCKED UP IN A DRAWER IN THE FRONT DESK is a bit much.
And here, I confess to you openly, I have not handed my cellphone in at the beginning of the day for the past 4 months. I know I will not use it in school when I’m not supposed to, so I don’t bother putting it somewhere else where I’m most likely to go off and forget it at the end of the day. Contrary to the typical teenaged-girl stereotype, my cellphone is NOT the vessel of my very existence.
Okay, about the cellphones, deal with it. I don’t like the cellphone thing either, but you are making it seem like you’re going to school at ground zero. We live on Roosevelt Island, where nothing happens. In case of an emergency, the staff will take action. Believe me, they’re not lazy.
I’ve seen them take action on an incident that has never occurred before and nobody was prepared for. The ambulance arrived quickly and friends helped the staff in contacting the parents. Parents also know not to call your cellphones as it is against the rules and your cellphone will most likely be off in the first place.
Although I do agree that having them locked up isn’t such a great idea. But not having them is nothing to complain about. Don’t mean to sound rude, but it’s something a little to trivial to complain about.
Richard,
I don’t think that you meant for this to be a blog and, consequently, I hope that when you decide you need to edit or delete that you feel comfortable leaving the comments that are consistent and are more than just “venting” without substance and consistency. Again, I believe that TCS/LHS has the potential to be a great school and option for a sizable number of students with learning disabilities and Asperger’s Syndrome (given some of the former and present staff). The only reason for it not being so at present is because of the Director. The forum you offer is important! Thank you.
Actually, the software running LD Resources is WordPress, a weblog engine but you’re right, this isn’t a typical blog. However, the fact that folks can comment and we can have social interaction here makes it blog-like. Just like in weblogs (I have one of those too) we can have trolls and guests who aren’t civil and it’s up to the publisher (me) to sort that out. This thread is problematic in that I want to give people a place to communicate but I want them to do it civilly and responsibly and I have no way to be sure which comments are from kids impersonating adults or from adults who write like kids.
In short, I’m doing my best, which may not be all that great.
Thank you.
I am a past educator of The Child School. I am taking this opportunity to make parents and other academic institutions aware of TCS and its Director- Ms. Maari DeSouza because I am very concerned about the high school students at TCS. My concerns can go on for several pages, but I’ve limited it to what I regard are the major ones:
1) IEPs – Individualized Evaluation Plans are not done correctly i.e. parents and students are not involved in the process of creating these plans for their child. A major element in the creation of any IEP is having both child and parent/s with the guidance of the teacher/s, as required by law, present to help craft a proper individualized education plan with achievable and realistic goals for their child. Also, the services listed on the IEPs are not factual such as having an OT (Occupation Therapist) or Speech Therapist amongst other necessary accommodations for the child, in the classroom during classroom hours.
2) Qualified Educators - there are unqualified teachers teaching the students. Every child has the right to receive a free appropriate public education, just like other children. In being able to obtain this, every child has the right to learn from qualified teachers who have the appropriate training and credentials to work with special needs children.
3) Discipline – students are disciplined harshly by the Director - rather than approach gently, the Director would come down on them (regardless of the offense) by giving angry and ruthless lectures, intimidating the student/s, at times embarrassing a student in front of his peers (sometimes even feeling the need to do the same to teachers in front of students and/or his colleagues). Discipline means to teach – to help children lean responsibility, cooperation, kindness and respect. When dealing with high school students one should keep in mind their age and developmental abilities, as well as their individual temperaments. Positive discipline tools such as Dr. Marvin Marshall’s approach (Discipline Without The Stress) is geared toward enforcing this methodology - disciplining the child with a constructive mode reminds him that there are choices he can make, offer solutions or alternatives, lets him know he has the ability to do the right thing, to choose the right way. Much work and effort and consistent enforcement was delivered by the staff to the students and the students understood their errors and made choices, right choices to correct it. However, when you have a Director doing the opposite, it defeats the entire purpose because her need to control is never-ending and does damage later on to the kids.
4) Independence – students are not given enough independence because the environment is excessively restrictive for their level of functioning. The law clearly states that every student should be afforded the least restrictive environment. “Learning in less restrictive environments benefits students with and without disabilities in so much as all children are likely to improve their academic performance, and increase their communication and socialization skills.” (Least Restrictive Environment Coalition)
5) Travel Training – one of the major elements the high school kids lack is travel training. This suggestion has been brought to the Director’s attention on a number of occasions and every time it has been declined without logical reasoning. Travel training can only allow these kids to travel independently to a regularly visited destination and back.
Education is fundamental to creating a strong pedestal on which understanding is based. A proper high school education should not limit or restrict students but rather gives them every opportunity to broaden their knowledge and gain positive experiences. to implement in their daily lives.
Thank you.
I have read your entire post and there are some things that caught my attention.
2) I have been in this school for 10-11 years and ever since the Regents program was introduced I have not seen, heard of, or experienced any unqualified teacher except for maybe one who has unexpectedly quit half-way through the year. As a matter of fact, during the beginning of the year it almost seemed as if the teachers were doing more learning than teaching. Learning how to accommodate the student’s needs, proper discipline, and the curriculum at the same time.
Patterson House is a mystery to me.
4) Students may complain about this but turn 11th grade the individuality level increases. I guess my grade got the short straw due to limits placed due to code of conduct rules being broken.
5) I call half-bull. Though this isn’t strongly supported, 11th and 12th graders are allowed to do voluntary service by attending The Wire, a Roosevelt Island newspaper where students are to go by themselves and stuff newspapers and deliver them.
We’ve attacked the Director enough. Anything ELSE to bring up tat is either good or bad regarding the functions of this school?
Maari has left 3 kids back for behavior.. The last time i checked that was illegal.. maybe somebody should look into that rather then everything else everybody on this site is talking about…
Every school has its dark underbelly and TCS is no exception. Despite its issues, the staff at TCS is full of very skilled, very dedicated, very effective teachers who care about their students and who pull the best out of their students. Amazing and wonderful things happen every day at TCS, despite the challenges.
Dear Legacy student,
“…left 3 kids back for behavior. The last time I checked that was illlegal..” I’m not a lawyer but as far as I know, that’s not illegal at all.
I have no interest in discussing the particulars of how someone judges Maari or how any other director deals with an individual’s discipline. I need to be respectful tol the privacy needs of all concerned.
I do think the issues you raise are really i