WINDSOR TERRACE — The New York City Department of Health (DOH) is investigating a recent incident in which a teacher at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy in Windsor Terrace was discharged after a troubling situation was reported from within a 3k classroom.
Few details are known about the incident, including the identity of the teacher, the name of the student, and the full nature of the episode.
However, a DOH spokesperson confirmed that a probe is underway. “We are investigating the incident and cannot comment on an active investigation,” spokesperson Shari S. Logan told The Tablet on Feb. 7.
The teacher was fired and DOH ordered the school’s Early Childhood Education program temporarily shut down, the Diocese of Brooklyn confirmed.
“The Diocese of Brooklyn cannot disclose the terms of the teacher’s termination, but we can confirm the Board of Directors of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy took immediate action upon learning of a Safe Environment Code of Conduct violation,” the diocese said in a statement.
“The child did not sustain any injuries and out of respect for the student, we will not provide any additional details about this incident,” the statement read.
The diocese added that the school is awaiting word from the DOH on the specific violations so that they can be addressed and the program can be reopened.
Deacon Kevin McCormack, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, told The Tablet that his office acted swiftly to address the situation.
“When we found out, we reached out to the family to ensure the safety of the child. Then, we went with our safety protocol which has been established in the diocese. DOH was notified,” he explained.
The incident is not reflective of the schools of the diocese, Deacon McCormack said. “As a parent and a grandparent, I know how devastating this is for any parent to be concerned about the safety of the school and I can show them that in our 85 high schools and grammar schools throughout Brooklyn and Queens, safety is paramount,” he said.
“Nothing less will ever be tolerated,” Deacon McCormack added.