Holiday spirits in one Brooklyn first-grade classroom got doused in ice water Monday when a teacher told his young pupils Santa Claus doesn’t exist, according to a report.
A substitute teacher at Public School 321 in Park Slope ruined Santa and the tooth fairy in one fell swoop while doing some age-inappropriate myth-busting during a lesson on “convincing,” angry parents told News 12 Brooklyn.
One first grader came home asking, “’but that’s not right, right?’” his concerned mom told News 12.
“Stuff like this, that their parents lie to them, I think is damaging to kids,” the mom said. “It’s three weeks before Christmas. These kids are six years old.”
The school’s principal, Liz Phillips, told parents she was shocked to hear about the harsh lesson, according to an email obtained by News 12.
“I guarantee you that this substitute will not be in class 1-216 again,” the email read. “In terms of any further actions that will be taken, I need to meet with the substitute and investigate further. But, I assure you that we take this very seriously.”
Education Department spokeswoman Isabelle Boundy said “this substitute demonstrated poor judgment, and has been removed from this class. The principal has sent a letter to families, and we will review this matter.”
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
