Latest news with #schoolsafety
CTV News
12 hours ago
- CTV News
Calgary family ‘devastated' after 11-year-old autistic boy comes home from school with unexplained injuries
Eleven-year-old Purnayan Mohanta — known as Tirtha — came home from Pineridge School on May 29 with what his father described as 'brutal' injuries. A Calgary family is calling for an independent investigation after their non-verbal, autistic son returned home from school with multiple bruises, scratches and bite-like wounds. Eleven-year-old Purnayan Mohanta — known as Tirtha — came home from Pineridge School on May 29 with what his father described as 'brutal' injuries. 'We just saw these bloody scratches all over his body so brutally,' said Partha Mohanta, Tirtha's father. 'Our son left for school as a happy, healthy child and came home traumatized with severe injuries. The school has offered no clear explanation. We are devastated.' Injuries, July 18, 2025 The parents of an 11-year-old Calgary boy who is non-verbal and autistic are calling for an investigation into his injuries suffered May 29. (Mark Villanii, CTV News) According to his parents, Tirtha, who is non-verbal and in Grade 5, returned from school with several marks across his body — including his inner thigh, neck, chin and shoulder — along with apparent bite wounds on his arm. Mohanta says the family immediately sought medical attention. 'Based on the observation of our family doctor, we were told it appears he was physically hit or abused and that the bite mark on his shoulder and back 'could not have been done by himself' so somebody has done something.' Tirtha's mother, Mousumi Mohanta, said the discovery also left her devastated and has had to take a leave of absence from her work to now provide extra care for her son. 'As a parent, it is heartbreaking when I see my son with a lot of bruises, a lot of marks like this on his body,' she said. Injuries, July 18, 2025 Tirtha's mother, Mousumi Mohanta, said the discovery also left her devastated. (Mark Villani, CTV News) 'He is special. He is non-verbal. So I can feel as a mom the real pain he is going through. He is the most lovable person, not violent at all, he's very calm, loves to go outside, a good student, good listener, and learner so now we are seeking the truth.' Family frustrated The Mohanta family says they contacted Pineridge School and the Calgary Board of Education immediately after noticing the injuries. 'We talked to the front desk receptionist, and they said everybody's so busy, they didn't see our email that we sent,' said Mousumi. 'So our first impression was really frustrating for us, we felt so ignored.' Partha says multiple attempts were made to speak with the assistant principal, the principal, and the CBE area director. He says the school initially told him no staff observed the incident or saw any injuries. 'I was told by the school staff that no one has seen the incident. No one noticed these marks as well,' said Partha. 'My son often wears shorts to school so I was confused at how no one was even noticing these injuries on his legs, they were very, very much visible.' Partha adds that he was later told by Pineridge school staff that an educational assistant admitted to seeing the marks on Tirtha between 10:30 and 11 a.m. the day of the incident and reported it to a teacher — but the school never notified the parents. 'If anything unusual is seen from the kids, the school is supposed to contact the parents,' said Partha. 'If they don't get any suspected answer, they should contact Child Protective Services.' Mousumi says she also just wants to ensure schools are safe for all children — especially those who cannot speak for themselves. 'We need to assure that school can be a safe place for all children,' she said. 'Please take care of your kids. Do not ignore small, small reasons. Be serious about every case.' Autistic injuries, July 18 Note following investigation into injuries sustained by 11-year-old Calgary boy who is autistic and non-verbal. (Mark Villani, CTV Calgary) No incident observed: school board In a statement, the Calgary Board of Education said it conducted a 'comprehensive investigation' involving all school staff connected to the student, as well as the transportation service provider. 'No staff member observed any incident or interaction that could account for these injuries occurring at school,' the CBE said. 'The investigation also concluded that the class was adequately supervised.' The board says it remains in contact with the family and has developed a plan to support Tirtha's return to school in the fall. 'The school has been in contact with the Calgary Police Service. We remain willing to cooperate fully with any external agency, including CPS, should further information become available or should additional inquiries be initiated,' read the statement, 'We are committed to supporting Tirtha's safety, well-being, and educational needs moving forward.' CTV News has also reached out to Alberta's Ministry of Education for comment, but has yet to hear back. Investigation remains open: CPS The Calgary Police Service confirmed its child abuse unit has taken over the case. 'We appreciate the public's patience as we continue to investigate,' police said in a statement to CTV News. 'Investigations such as this can take additional time due to witness statements, medical and digital evidence.' The Mohanta family says it contacted police the same day the injuries were discovered but was told the school's internal findings showed no criminal activity. The hope from family members now is that the involvement of the child abuse unit will lead to a more thorough review. Systemic changes and accountability needed: Autism Calgary The executive director of Autism Calgary says the situation involving Tirtha reflects deeper systemic problems in Alberta's education system — particularly for students with complex needs. 'We've seen a substantial decline in resources provided to teachers to support students with diverse learning needs,' said Lyndon Parakin. 'It's gone from worrying about whether education goals are being met to worrying about whether your child will be safe.' Parakin says the loss of specialized supports, such as behavioural consultants and classroom therapists, has made it harder for teachers to meet the needs of autistic students — especially those who are non-verbal or have significant sensory and behavioural challenges. 'These are families that are struggling to keep their employment because their students are sent home on a regular basis,' he said. 'They come home often in a more diminished capacity than they went to school, and school is not proving to be a safe space for them.' He adds that recent changes to Alberta's mandated instructional hours are only making matters worse. This fall, all school divisions must meet new baseline requirements — 950 hours for Grades 1-9 and 1,000 hours for Grades 10-12 — limiting flexibility for school boards to offer modified schedules for students with complex needs. 'Instead of empowering educators to tailor hours and supports for kids who need a different kind of day, the government is locking everyone into a single standard,' said Parakin. 'It's removing individualized programming at a time when the system is already stretched.' He says the province needs to revisit its approach to inclusive education and introduce clear, enforceable standards around safety, staffing ratios, and the training required for working with high-needs children. 'It's not enough to say every child belongs in the classroom,' said Parakin. 'We need to ensure the classroom is equipped and the staff are prepared. Otherwise, we're setting these kids — and these families — up to fail.' Parakin is now calling on the province to launch an independent review of Alberta's inclusive education system and implement stronger accountability for how school boards respond to incidents involving vulnerable children. 'Our kids are suffering,' he said. Weekend rally planned The Mohanta family is planning a peaceful demonstration outside Calgary City Hall this weekend to raise awareness and demand a third-party investigation. The rally is scheduled for Sunday, July 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 800 Macleod Trail S.E. The event is open to the public and being organized through a Facebook event page. 'This is not just about our child — it's about ensuring that no other vulnerable student suffers this kind of trauma again,' said Partha. 'We're inviting all parents, educators and concerned citizens to stand with us.' The family says other parents have reached out with similar stories and are encouraging those affected to speak up.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Singlewire Software Partners with The "I Love U Guys" Foundation to Help Schools Address Response and Reunification Challenges
The company and foundation embark on providing effective training and tools for school emergencies MADISON, Wis., July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Singlewire Software, the leader in solutions that help keep people safe and informed, announces its status as a mission and software integration partner with The "I Love U Guys" Foundation, a national nonprofit that offers programs and training to standardize crisis response programs in schools. The partnership enables Singlewire Software to add resources from the "I Love U Guys" Foundation directly into its InformaCast solution and highlights both organizations' dedication to school safety through the development of effective training and tools. "Singlewire Software is committed to supporting schools in their preparation for critical situations that put their students and staff at risk," said Terry Swanson, president and CEO of Singlewire Software. "Our partnership with The "I Love U Guys" Foundation gives our customers the ability to leverage a proven framework for response and reunification with industry-leading notification and mass notification software." As a mission partner, Singlewire Software supports the Foundation in its efforts to restore and protect the joy of youth through educational programs and positive actions. As a software integration partner, Singlewire now includes licensed icons and processes within its InformaCast software for the Foundation's Standard Response Protocol (SRP). Schools will be able to leverage icons and messages that directly correlate with the SRP to align training with real-world action. "Over 50,000 schools, districts, departments, agencies, and organizations are using our training to build an effective blueprint for responding to school emergencies," said Pat Hamilton, alliance director for The "I Love U Guys" Foundation. "We value opportunities to collaborate with partners like Singlewire Software, who are committed to helping schools implement safety practices that align with our programs." To learn more about the partnership between Singlewire and the Foundation and how they are helping schools achieve their safety goals, visit About Singlewire SoftwareSinglewire Software, based in Madison, Wis., is the developer of InformaCast and Visitor Aware, two solutions that enable organizations to detect threats, notify everyone, and manage incidents. More than 5,000 organizations in over 80 countries use these tools to enhance safety and communication so they can protect their most important asset: their people. From screening visitors to sending alerts and handling critical events, Singlewire Software offers solutions for every safety challenge. To learn more, visit About The "I Love U Guys" FoundationThe "I Love U Guys" Foundation was started in 2006 by Ellen and John-Michael Keyes following a school shooting that took the life of their daughter, Emily. Today, the Foundation is led and supported by survivors, family members, first responders, educators, and community members with a vested interest in safety, preparedness, and reunification in schools. The "I Love U Guys" Foundation's programs for crisis response–the Standard Response Protocol (SRP)--and post-crisis reunification–the Standard Reunification Method (SRM)--are used in more than 50,000 schools, districts, departments, agencies, organizations, and communities around the world. They are created through the research-based practices of school administrators, psychologists, public space safety practitioners, families, and first responders. To learn more about The "I Love U Guys" Foundation, visit Contact Chris Swietlik, Director of CommunicationsEmail: 608-661-1126 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Singlewire Software Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Derry: School 'exploring' more safety measures after alert
A primary school is exploring extra security measures after being forced to evacuate due to a security alert last month, a politician has MLA Mark H Durkan said Sacred Heart Primary School in the Waterside area of Londonderry was now considering CCTV, additional external fencing and a new said the school had been engaging with the Education Authority (EA) after a suspect object - later declared a hoax - prompted the evacuation of the building and nearby homes on 26 described the incident as "deplorable" and said he had been approached by concerned parents asking about additional safety measures. BBC News NI has contacted the EA and Department of Education (DoE) for a response. The subject object was found in the school grounds on the Trench Road and removed after being declared a hoax. 'Safety of children is paramount' "This is not the first incident like that in the area, but the alert in June was certainly one of the most high profile and had such a negative impact," Durkan said. "The safety of children is obviously paramount, so any additional measures that could help put parents of children at the school and those living in the surrounding area more at ease would obviously be welcomed."In response to Durkan's question, the Department for Education said officials had contacted the school about added security."Officers from the Education Authority's (EA) maintenance service have visited the school site and identified potential security works in the form of CCTV and external gates," a spokesperson said."EA Maintenance Officers are also reviewing a section of external fencing at the school."Durkan said the extra security measures should be put in place as a matter of urgency.
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
Chicago mother says daughter was bullied and racially harassed at CPS school, and school did nothing
A Chicago mom is suing the Chicago Public Schools — claiming, among other things, that her daughter was the subject of racist bullying, and that administrators failed to tell her. The claims center around a school on the Far Northwest Side -- Wildwood IB World Magnet School at 6950 N. Hiawatha Ave. Sherron Hinton said her daughter was a student at Wildwood IB from 2022 through this spring. Her lawsuit with a long list of serious claims, hoping for systemic change. "The harm she endured wasn't hidden. It was documented," said Hinton. "They saw the signs, they had the reports, and still they did nothing." In a new lawsuit, mom Sherron Hinton says her daughter, using the pseudonym "Jenny." was the subject of physical, verbal and sexual abuse while one of the few Black students at Wildwood IB from fifth to seventh grade. "My daughter didn't just fall through cracks — she was placed in them," said Hinton. The suit names the district and four individuals — the principal, assistant principal, as well as two physical education teachers — saying there was a collection of incidents against Jenny. "It was discovered that students were calling Jenny the N-word behind her back — using school computer to do that," said attorney Cass Casper of the Disparti Law Group. The lawsuit created a timeline of bullying incidents — including alleged student messages to Jenny that told her to kill herself, as well as sexual behavior by a staff member. The result was a PTSD diagnosis and serious suicidal ideations, the lawsuit alleged. Hinton said when she realized the severity of what was happening, it "broke [her] heart." Hinton said she holds the system responsible, and is pushing for change. Specifically, she is demanding that CPS immediately notify parents of any suicidal ideation assessments like the ones her daughter received at school, immediately notify parents of bullying, correct student behavior for those involved in racism or bullying, and establish a separate office for bullying allegations. Attorneys said these changes could save the district long-term in legal fees. "The millions of dollars' worth of damages far exceed the cost," said attorney and former Chicago alderman Bob Fioretti, also Disparti Law Group. A CPS spokesperson said: "Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is committed to the safety and well-being of our students. The District does not provide comment on pending litigation." CPS policy states parents or guardians should be notified of bully reports "within one day." The family is also seeking monetary compensation in the lawsuit.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
N.W.T. education minister commits to recommendations after school lead investigation
The N.W.T.'s Education Minister says her department is committed to implementing the recommendations an independent investigator made after looking into how the territory responded to the discovery of lead in drinking water at two Yellowknife schools. Cayley Thomas, an alternative dispute resolution lawyer with the firm Thomas ADR, made a number of recommendations after Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland tasked her with investigating what happened. Her findings were released publicly on Monday, along with a pair of water quality assessment reports by the firm Stantec Consulting Ltd. during a territorial news conference. One of Thomas's recommendations is that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) oversee the development of a plan to test for lead in drinking water at all N.W.T. schools on a yearly basis, complete with testing protocols, plans for what to do if lead levels were too high, and a communication plan. "We are committed to, in principle, applying the recommendations," Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland said Tuesday morning on CBC's The Trailbreaker. Thomas's other recommendations are that: The office of the chief public health officer prepare an education presentation for the education and infrastructure departments and Yellowknife school boards. Any issues with human health implications at schools, daycares or educational facilities be flagged to management immediately. That roles, responsibilities and lines of communication be clarified between the education department and the Yellowknife school boards. That any outstanding tests be done this fall. That the chief public health officer and education department officials should meet face to face to talk about best practices for future water testing. Thomas found that the root cause of delays in communicating and taking action was that staff in both the education and infrastructure departments didn't understand the health implications of lead in drinking water. Cleveland did not directly answer a question about whether there would be consequences for education staff who were involved. "This has been very public," Cleveland said, adding that the intent of the project had been positive from the outset. "There was nothing malicious about this. Everybody who worked on this was, in earnest, feeling like they were coming at this from a place of proactivity, in a place of wanting to do good. So this has been a very big challenge for the public servants that have been involved."
