BREAKING NEWS: Child Porn Found at Suicide Teacher’s Home
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011FROM GHS HEADMASTER:
Dear Parents,
Below is a statement just released by the Greenwich Public Schools in response to new information from the Greenwich Police Department regarding an ongoing investigation of Steve Allen.
If you would like to talk to your child about this new information and need guidance or assistance, we are prepared to help you. It is important for all of our students to feel comfortable talking about these issues with you as their parents. The administrators and counselors at Greenwich High School are also available as an additional support system to you and your child.
If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact us.
Thank you,
Chris Winters,
GHS Headmaster
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Wednesday, November 30. 2011
Greenwich Police Department Issues Press Release
Regarding Former Music Teacher Steve Allen
The Greenwich Police Department (GPD) has issued a press release stating that photographs of a sexually explicit nature, some of which appeared to include children, were discovered in Mr. Steve Allen’s apartment at the time of his death. Mr. Allen, a thirty-three year educator and music teacher at Eastern Middle School for the last eleven years, passed away on November 9, 2011.
According to the GPD press release, an in-depth investigation into this issue is ongoing in order to, “determine Mr. Allen’s level of involvement in this activity, identify and assist all possible victims, and confirm that none of the victims are local residents.”
Superintendent of Schools Roger J. Lulow said, “We are both surprised and distressed at this news. We are surprised because there had been no indication or suspicion that Mr. Allen was involved in any activity of this nature, nor have there been any complaints or accusations regarding his behavior. We are distressed because we do not condone or tolerate this behavior in anyone, much less a member of our staff. A review of Mr. Allen’s personnel file and the background check, including fingerprinting, conducted at the time of his hire, reveal no reports, accusations or suspicions of inappropriate behavior nor any criminal record.”
Dr. Lulow continued, “We are relieved that the police have not found any evidence that local individuals have been victim to inappropriate or illegal acts in relation to Mr. Allen’s personal activities. The GPD release further states, “the majority of the discovered photographs appear to be from web sites that cater to this type of criminal activity, many of which are located in foreign countries.” We are cooperating fully with the police in their investigation, and encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact Lt. Kraig Gray at the Greenwich Police Department, 203-622-3620.”
Dr. Lulow added, “Our primary objective at this time is to assist the school community, particularly the students, in dealing with this news. To that end, the District as a whole and Eastern Middle School and Greenwich High School (schools with students of Mr. Allen’s) specifically, will provide support and guidance for staff, students and families as needed.”
If parents have concerns about how to respond to specific questions from their children or if they are concerned about their children’s response to this information, they should contact their child’s school and ask to speak with the psychologist, social worker or guidance counselor.
The Greenwich Public Schools curriculum includes instruction in Grades 1, 4, 8 and 11 for students on how to recognize inappropriate or illegal behavior and what to do if they believe they are experiencing it or are witness to such acts. We encourage families to listen carefully to their children and encourage conversation about this matter.
In order to maintain or hold a license to teach in the State of Connecticut, teachers must abide by the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility for Educators, which specifically addresses expectations around both professional and unprofessional conduct. There is no tolerance for any illegal behavior on the part of any employee of the Greenwich Public Schools, particularly when the actions may impact the health and safety of our students.