Archdiocese of Hartford

Rene Running Bear

Father Joseph Crowley of Saint Mathews church has been moved by this Current Bishop despite complaints from us sheep. They don't care about the vulnerable people

Benita Gaston

Mainly I'm posting this review because this information wasn't available when I searched for school reviews, it would have saved my family from the undue stress, harassment, and discrimination, my son experienced while attending St. John's the Evangelist school, Watertown CT. The demographics should speak for itself, racial sensitivity courses are needed for the lack of diversity within it's faculty, also there is no diversity present within the upper grades among the students. With younger students arriving from different cultures, the older teachers need updated trainings, there is absolutely no cultural competency present here. Teachers here need to take courses to develop their cultural awareness, which will give them tools and new approaches to cater to a multicultural and ethnically diverse group of students. Also To learn new approaches to education that can be applied to culturally diverse classrooms. Mrs. Robert, Mary Lou Iannone, Susan Porter, & Hamour, did not have much experience with relating to other cultures. When they could not relate to my son, they sought to label him, referring him to special education- when it was really a cultural mismatch between my son and Robert, as he was the only student of color in her class. Without building relationships or understanding children you can't teach them. She seemed to be afraid of him, once accused him of theft, when proven it wasn't him- did not apologize. Mrs. Robert began with her biases the very first day of school. At this time my son was just a first grader- his very first experience with primary education. It should have been a wonderful experience, instead Mrs. Roberts antics caused him to constantly wonder why he received more correction than his classmates. He wasn't allowed an adjustment period as all of her other rambunctious 1st graders. In her eyes he couldn't get anything correct. His behaviors were always more harshly judged. Currently I am investigating a civil rights violation with the Civil Liberties Union, quite frankly this is what occurred here. For this to be a Catholic institution, it's quite hypocritical, not reflective of our Lord Jesus Christ. My lovely boy is now in a multicultural school and is thriving!! Until present, not one bad behavior report, not one complaint from his more than capable, experienced, teacher!! Present are teachers from all walks of life, a melting pot, as in the world around us. This was a situation which could have scarred him for life. Thank God he has resourceful parents who are aware of institutional labeling, and cultural prejudices. I see the two Catholic schools within this town are merging, SJS and Mary Magdalen. One can only presume due to low enrollment. Perhaps the schools can be saved with more recruitment, multicultural enrollment, and a *diverse faculty. Special note** This is our personal experience with this school, we had a very aggravating two years here. Before writing this review I waited to see how my son was doing in his new school as well as his first marking period grades to be absolutely certain of our allegations against SJS. This review is genuine.

Kevin Dwelley

Catholic Church