Neighbor News
Empathy is Dead at Holmdel High School: Opinion From Mom
June 19th Holmdel High School held Graduation for the Class of 2018
EMPATHY IS DEAD AT HOLMDEL HIGH SCHOOL.
June 19th Holmdel High School held Graduation for the Class of 2018.
As the parent of a student who has grown up in the school district since kindergarten you can imagine our excitement to witness this milestone, and it happens to be my alma mater.
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It was especially sweet since my daughter has overcome so many obstacles and is headed to College in the Fall. Our experience has been that Holmdel School District does not comprehend the meaning of the word “inclusion”, it was never more evident than at last night’s graduation. Please see the letter sent last evening to the superintendent Dr. Mc Garry, the Board of Ed Members and the Principals at the Holmdel High School. We are not asking for anything special we are just asking to be treated like everyone else. I hope this letter prevents this from happening to another child with special needs.
Dr. Mc Garry, please excuse this email as I would have much preferred to speak to you directly; however, I could not find you after I met up with my daughter Lili Portmann.
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After the ceremony I spoke directly to Bill Loughran to try and understand “why” this administration would not allow my daughter to have her moment and go up the podium to accept her diploma as her fellow classmates did.
She was the first person called.
Lili had expressed her desire to go up the ramp and it had been rehearsed that way. Yet she was prevented from doing so and Ms. Flynn was called down.
Not only did she not go up the podium, a milestone, but YOU could not even bring yourself to walk down to shake her hand, as you did for every other student.
Frankly speaking when Lili and I discussed what happened, she also could not believe you did not make the effort. The lack of communication between those in charge is stunning.
My family, who came from far and wide, are dumbfounded by the lack of empathy. There is zero consideration and acknowledgement on your part and the administration’s for people who are different, are special, and may require a little additional help.
I am truly disappointed by the behavior that occurred on that stage this evening, and especially as a former Holmdel Graduate.
