6 Weeks Later, Bullied Springfield Student Is Still Out Of School

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — Six weeks after a Springfield fourth-grader stopped going to school over an intense fear of bullies, she's still home. Nine-year-old Emma Spektor's mother, Irina, says she continues to fight with the school district, which she said has again refused to move her daughter to another classroom despite a detailed request from her doctor.

Irina says she sent a letter last week to Superintendent Michael Davino from Emma’s pediatrician instructing the school to immediately transfer her to another classroom following a three-hour full psychological exam that resulted in a diagnosis of depression and anxiety.

But school officials refused.

Davino noted that his hands are tied on what he can talk about publicly since he is not allowed to discuss educational or medical issues of a student. However, he said he has "complete faith in the competency of my staff members and all of the people work diligently on behalf of every child." He went on to say that "people have disagreements, the two doctors have different opinions, that’s why people go for a second opinion.”

Irina is not happy with the district's refusal to change Emma’s class at Thelma L. Sandmeier School.

“Our situation seems to have gone from ridiculous to unreal,” Irina told Patch.

The full psychological evaluation included an in-depth analysis of her mental state and looked at her fears and eating and sleeping habits, Irina said. When it was complete, the doctor concluded that Emma has a diagnosis of clinical depression and anxiety, Emma’s mom said.

“I am beyond disappointed by this choice,” Irina said. “As our school district likes to pride themselves on focusing on students' well-being and safety and claims to have the utmost respect for offering a safe and nurturing environment.”

Davino said the district’s only concern is for "the child’s safety and well-being.”

Irina has been fighting with the district since before school began in September to try and get Emma transferred away from the bullies.

Emma said the bullying began when she was in the third grade during the 2016-17 school year. She opened up to her mother about the daily bullying at the end of last year. She then found out that her entire class, the same students and teacher, were being kept together for the fourth grade — otherwise known as looping.

The bullying continued into fourth grade until Irina pulled Emma out of school on Sept. 20.

A group of parents have started a movement called “Limit Looping” as a result of this incident and others at the school district. Parents are planning on rallying at the next board of education meeting on Monday.

See Related:

• Springfield 4th Grader Won't Go To School Because Of Bullies, Mom's Plea For New Classroom Rejected
• Students Shouldn't Have Same Class, Teacher Two Years In A Row, 'Frustrated' Parents Say
• Springfield Parents To Rally Together For 'Change' At BOE Meeting

(Image via Irina Spektor: Emma Spektor)

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