Upstate NY principal suspended for allegedly visiting, rousing absentee kids

A principal in Orange County, New York has been suspended after a family reported that he entered their home without permission and tried to order two sleeping kids, a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old, to school after their mom called them in sick.

Prior to the disciplinary action, the boys’ father, Michael DiQuattro, told press that he felt that Chester Academy Middle School principal majorly overstepped his bounds by entering the students’ bedroom:

“My kids were in their underwear, again you are talking about a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old, where does he get the right to violate my children’s rights[?]” DiQuattro said.

Police in the jurisdiction report that the elder child was caring for the younger, sick one while the boys’ mother was at work. Only the children were present in the home at the time of the principal’s unwelcome visit, but police believe his only intention was to ascertain the reason behind the students’ absence. Police are also examining the boys’ attendance records, although no reason was given as to why that might be.

Despite the strange allegations against him, it would appear he has many dedicated supporters among students and parents with kids in the school. Students at Chester Academy told press that he was known to go out of his way to help children he believed were troubled or at risk.

[via snopes, Image]