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Let's vote Wendy Portillo out of her Kindergarten class!

Let's vote Wendy Portillo out of her Kindergarten class!

Target:
Principal, Morningside School, Port St. Lucie School District AND Florida Department of Children and Families
Sponsored by: 
****FOR BACKGROUND INFO, SCROLL DOWN****

Here's an email address you can use to send a message of support to Alex and his family:

supportalex@treasurecoast.com

Here's the link to the police report:

http://www.slate.com/id/2192480/entry/2192481/


I was contacted yesterday (May 29th) by staff at CNN and they had me do an on-air interview about this petition on the Glenn Beck show!  A video clip is available at http://www.ontarioautismcoalition.com

I'm happy to report that as of May 27th, Ms. Portillo has been removed from the classroom pending an investigation.  It's a start.

"Portillo was removed from classroom duties until further action may be determined, according to St. Lucie County School district spokesman Janice Karst said this week. "

http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/972423,oust052708.article

Let's keep this petition going to send a loud message to Ms. Portillo and to all teachers that public humiliation is NEVER an appropriate form of classroom management.

Here's a background article on what happened: 

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/may/28/dr-phil-show-calls-mom-autistic-boy-voted-out-port/


Write the St. Lucie County School Board at
webmastr@stlucie.k12.fl.us

The school's principal is Marcia Cully: (772)337-6730

Morningside Elementary School Principal: Mrs. Marcia Cully cullym@stlucie.k12.fl.us (772) 337-6730St.

Lucie County Schools Superintendent: Michael J. Lannon4204 Okeechobee Road Ft. Pierce 34947-5414 Phone: 772/429-3925 FAX: 772/429-3916 e-mail: lannonm@stlucie.k12.fl.us

St. Lucie County School Board Chair: Carol Hilson 772-519-0397 HilsonC@stlucie.k12.fl.us

Vice Chair:Judith Miller772-528-4545 MillerJ@stlucie.k12.fl.us

BACKGROUND:  Wendy Portillo, a Florida Kindergarten teacher, somehow thought it would be a good idea to invite her students, one by one, to tell one of their 5-year old classmates why they didn't like him.  "A.B." has behavioural issues, and has been sent to the principal's office on occassion.  After one such visit, Ms. Portillo held a vote on whether the students wanted to keep A.B. in their class.  A.B. is in the process of being tested for Asperger's Syndrome, a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder.  

Whether this child has a disability or not, NO CHILD should be humiliated in such a fashion.  If you think that this teacher deserves to be fired for such blatantly unprofessional and discriminatory behaviour, please sign this petition! 
****FOR BACKGROUND INFO, SCROLL DOWN****

Here's an email address you can use to send a message of support to Alex and his family:

supportalex@treasurecoast.com

Here's the link to the police report:

http://www.slate.com/id/2192480/entry/2192481/


I was contacted yesterday (May 29th) by staff at CNN and they had me do an on-air interview about this petition on the Glenn Beck show!  A video clip is available at http://www.ontarioautismcoalition.com

I'm happy to report that as of May 27th, Ms. Portillo has been removed from the classroom pending an investigation.  It's a start.

"Portillo was removed from classroom duties until further action may be determined, according to St. Lucie County School district spokesman Janice Karst said this week. "

http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/972423,oust052708.article

Let's keep this petition going to send a loud message to Ms. Portillo and to all teachers that public humiliation is NEVER an appropriate form of classroom management.

Here's a background article on what happened: 

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/may/28/dr-phil-show-calls-mom-autistic-boy-voted-out-port/


Write the St. Lucie County School Board at
webmastr@stlucie.k12.fl.us

The school's principal is Marcia Cully: (772)337-6730

Morningside Elementary School Principal: Mrs. Marcia Cully cullym@stlucie.k12.fl.us (772) 337-6730St.

Lucie County Schools Superintendent: Michael J. Lannon4204 Okeechobee Road Ft. Pierce 34947-5414 Phone: 772/429-3925 FAX: 772/429-3916 e-mail: lannonm@stlucie.k12.fl.us

St. Lucie County School Board Chair: Carol Hilson 772-519-0397 HilsonC@stlucie.k12.fl.us

Vice Chair:Judith Miller772-528-4545 MillerJ@stlucie.k12.fl.us

BACKGROUND:  Wendy Portillo, a Florida Kindergarten teacher, somehow thought it would be a good idea to invite her students, one by one, to tell one of their 5-year old classmates why they didn't like him.  "A.B." has behavioural issues, and has been sent to the principal's office on occassion.  After one such visit, Ms. Portillo held a vote on whether the students wanted to keep A.B. in their class.  A.B. is in the process of being tested for Asperger's Syndrome, a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder.  

Whether this child has a disability or not, NO CHILD should be humiliated in such a fashion.  If you think that this teacher deserves to be fired for such blatantly unprofessional and discriminatory behaviour, please sign this petition! 
We, the undersigned:
Believe that the actions of Florida Kindergarten teacher Wendy Portillo show a lack of professionalism, compassion and good judgement;
Believe that classroom discipline should never involve shaming, isolation or cruelty;
Feel that allowing 5-year olds to "vote" on whether to keep a classmate is evidence in and of itself of professional incompetence on the part of the teacher;
Therefore, we request that Wendy Portillo be removed from her position as teacher in the State of Florida.
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goal: 1,000
 
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We signed the "Let's vote Wendy Portillo out of her Kindergarten class!" petition!
# 7,719:
5:54 pm PDT, Aug 28, Donna King, New Jersey
If the teacher had a problem with teaching this child, then she should have removed herself from the classroom, instead of forcing her opinion on 5 year olds.
# 7,718:
11:01 am PDT, Aug 28, Kimberly Wangnoo, Minnesota
I'm a mom of 2 sons with Asperger's Syndrome, age 21 and 9. It made me absolutely sick to my stomach that this...this...so-called TEACHER could abuse not only the little boy who was singled out and humiliated, but the other children in her care as well by making them think this was all okay. I'm beyond disgusted. I hope by now this cold heartless sorry excuse for a teacher is long gone not only from Morningside Elementary but any other school as well. Take her teaching license away - she hasn't earned the privelege.
# 7,717:
4:32 pm PDT, Aug 23, Name not displayed, Germany
..
# 7,716:
7:32 pm PDT, Aug 22, Name not displayed, Canada
# 7,715:
7:27 pm PDT, Aug 22, Amy Long, North Carolina
I have a son with autism spectrum disorder and if a teacher had done that to my child I would sue and do everything I can to get that teacher fired.
# 7,714:
2:28 pm PDT, Aug 22, Jane Turner, New Mexico
As the parent of a special needs child that is about to 'age out' of the public school system, I am apalled, but not surprised by this sad story. Ms. Portillo should find a new vocation, something a little more structured, like, janitorial work. My child has benifitted from inclusion, but more importantly, he has educated a countless number of children and adults alike to be patient and compassionate.....
# 7,713:
1:37 pm PDT, Aug 21, Brad Debbaudt, Florida
# 7,712:
1:03 pm PDT, Aug 21, Lauren Faberlle', New York
I plan on becoming a Special Education teacher for primary school and if I EVER start to turn into this kind of teacher I will personally quit and never teach again! No teacher should be allowed to do this.
# 7,711:
10:52 am PDT, Aug 20, Jan Warren-Rucker, North Carolina
where was Child Find? Federal laws should have protected this child....the schools certainly do not. mother of two with AS.
# 7,710:
3:12 pm PDT, Aug 19, Tiffany Wells, Kansas
As a mother who also has a kindergartner who is on the spectrum, I am appalled by the actions of this teacher. She should never be allowed to teach again. I vote that Wendy Portillo be permanently removed from the classroom!
# 7,709:
10:37 pm PDT, Aug 16, Jodi Giddings, Oregon
Shame on you, Wendy Portillo. Our children deserve better. FInd another job, preferably on another planet.
# 7,708:
9:54 pm PDT, Aug 16, Atul Deshpande, Illinois
# 7,707:
9:10 pm PDT, Aug 13, Jennifer Cody, Canada
As the mother of an autistic child I know it can be like herding pigeons to try to shepherd an autistic child through a classroom setting, but for any adult, much less one who is a role model teaching the class social skills that they will take with them into their adult lives to be so deliberately cruel makes me ill and breaks my heart for that poor child. This is emotional abuse and she should be kept far FAR away from children in their formative years.
# 7,706:
8:25 pm PDT, Aug 13, Matthew Preston, Canada
# 7,705:
8:23 pm PDT, Aug 13, Rosalie Preston, Canada
My son has Aspergers along with my brother. The problems that arise from this is lack of impulse control... MEANING THEY CANNOT HELP WHY THEY BEHAVE IN SUCH A MANNOR THAT IS WHY MANY ARE PRESCRIBED ANTI PSYCHOTICS... lETS ALL DO THE RIGHT THING AND VOTE THAT BITCH OUT OF THE CLASSROOM!!!!
# 7,704:
12:05 pm PDT, Aug 13, Name not displayed, Utah
Heartbreaking.
# 7,703:
5:21 am PDT, Aug 12, Name not displayed, Georgia
# 7,702:
12:54 pm PDT, Aug 11, Barbara Hall, North Carolina
I wonder if the teacher now knows how it feels to hear all the negative things people want to say about you and can now empathize marginally with the hurt experienced by this young child.
# 7,701:
11:43 am PDT, Aug 11, Debra Antifaev, Canada
Special needs children have no control over their behaviour unless they are taught properly. They are innocent and trusting. This teacher is a bully. She is the worst kind of creep, ammassing a lynch mob of other gullible children to pick on a special needs child. Shame!
# 7,700:
8:24 pm PDT, Aug 10, Samantha Trosky, Illinois
It would have been OK if she asked the students how he personaly hurt their feelings to teach a child that others have feelings, but not what they don't like about him! That is just plain evil! And this poor child is autistic too? Wendy is sick and should not be near any children!
# 7,699:
6:44 pm PDT, Aug 8, Heather Damron, Florida
What was this teacher trying to accomplish? Perhaps she thought it was adult group therapy??
# 7,698:
2:02 pm PDT, Aug 4, Andi Alnwick, New York
# 7,697:
5:04 am PDT, Aug 4, Abdul Halim, Singapore
# 7,696:
2:40 pm PDT, Aug 3, Greta Malkotzoglou, Greece
# 7,695:
10:16 pm PDT, Aug 2, Jessica Magby, New Jersey
The fact that this woman is still teaching is ludicrous. This is blatant child abuse, and this woman should be ashamed of herself.
# 7,694:
12:29 pm PDT, Aug 1, Sandy Rundell, Missouri
My nephew is Autistic and the kids in his class are compassionate and helpful to him, as are his teachers and aides.
# 7,693:
3:20 pm PDT, Jul 28, Lesley Barton, Illinois
# 7,692:
10:21 am PDT, Jul 24, Kial Conway, Massachusetts
I would like to express my deep regret that a situation like this is not handled properly by administrators and authorities right from the start. I hope that we can make a difference so our children will be protected from this type of gross misuse of authority and influence.
# 7,691:
10:16 am PDT, Jul 24, Trina Buffum, Massachusetts
This was barbaric behavior and unthinkable for a teacher to behave that way, even for a typical child, but when dealing witha special needs child, not only should she be fired, but a civil suit would teach her a lesson for a change.
# 7,690:
9:58 am PDT, Jul 24, Jonah Cole, Massachusetts
Absolutely appaling the lack of sense and evolution in some people. Autistic children are the sweetest, kindest most innocent human beings you will ever meet, they are honest and have a clearer sense between right and wrong than you or I. How dare she pick on such a defenseless young boy she ought to be ashamed of herself.
# 7,689:
1:31 pm PDT, Jul 23, Esther Elizabeth Crompton, South Carolina
# 7,688:
10:07 am PDT, Jul 23, Stephanie Donovan, Canada
I cannot believe a teacher, of a kindergarten class no less, would do such a thing. I am appalled.
# 7,687:
1:54 pm PDT, Jul 22, Deborah Stolzberg, New Jersey
This has got to be one of the most disgusting things I have ever heard in my entire life. This woman should be voted off Planet Earth.
# 7,686:
7:11 am PDT, Jul 22, Jessica Adams, Texas
How dare you treat another human being, especially a disabled child, like that. You are a lucky woman because if I was close enough I'd personally speak to you and make you look like the ignorant fool you are. Ha you call yourself a teacher!
# 7,685:
6:41 am PDT, Jul 21, Jennifer Knoebel, Louisiana
# 7,684:
5:07 pm PDT, Jul 18, Ronnie Freshour, Florida
These acts of such a person are not only incorrect, demeaning, and unmoral, but inhumane. Investigation or no investigation, this should call for immediate termination. Not only did the teacher make a ghastly teaching decision, but also set an unethical and horrible example in front of a class full of impressionable youth. Irregardless of Alex’s behavior, discipline is up to the teacher, parent and/or ADULT figure. NOT to be decided or “polled” by a bunch of kinder garden CHILDREN. What has the world come to when those who are supposed to influence the mind of our youth demean and belittle a person who has less control over their humane actions, AND use the youth of today to help influence? IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT THEY WERE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO LIVE IN THIS WORLD WITH A DISABILITY, NOR WAS IT THEIR CHOICE. This infuriates me to no extent. I have been fortunate enough to have grown up with a brother who is disabled, and for this I can somewhat understand the extent of what it takes for his survival in this world. To me, him, and anyone like him are family to me, and I would be more then happy to voice my opinion in any way shape or form that would help any other person survive in this would. It is people such as this teacher who cause our race to be classified as though we are a parasite. Thank you very much for showing me how much of a better person I am to find the gift in persons less fortunate then I. It’s no unspoken thought that the youth of today has less respect then generations before. Teachers like this are role model’s for youth, and I don’t know about any other person reading this, but it’s the fault of these individuals that not only affect the lives of those less fortunate in negative ways, but ALSO HURT by showing OUR FUTURE YOUTH that these actions are ok.
# 7,683:
1:11 am PDT, Jul 18, Hazel Ransley-Warnes, United Kingdom
This is an unforgivable act of Stupidity & Ignorence, by someone who should have a proffesion approach to all matters involving the children in her class.
# 7,682:
9:58 pm PDT, Jul 17, Shirley Anderson, Florida
I also have a special needs Child That was being mistreated in several Saint Lucie County School He was sprayed at with a can of Mace,Grabbed so hard by his ese teacher that it left the teachers finger prints on his arm and wrist,Yelled at and made to feel belittled and then tried to convince myself and him that it is all his fault. And that is just alittle of what went on. Thank you
# 7,681:
5:37 pm PDT, Jul 17, Effie Vincent, Canada
# 7,680:
10:06 am PDT, Jul 17, Michael Higgins, New York
This woman's license to teach children should be revoked. A teacher who creates a lesson plan based on her favorite television show has nothing positive to contribute to society. If this woman is a parent, social services should be called to determine if she is fit to raise a child without full-time responsible adult supervision.
# 7,679:
2:21 pm PDT, Jul 16, Marie-Pier Gilbert, Canada
what this is teacher did was disgusting. A child should never be treated that way. EVER. I'm currently going threw High School, and whenever there's a problem, my teachers are there for me, they don't turn against me and make everyone vote against me. plain and simple, it's just wrong.
# 7,678:
1:14 pm PDT, Jul 16, Name not displayed, Minnesota
# 7,677:
11:28 am PDT, Jul 16, Susan Gaylor, Oklahoma
What kind of a teacher would take it upon herself to point out her KINDERGARTEN class faults... As far as I'm concerned, the children are too young to have faults. All school age children have problems with self esteem, and certainly don't need their MENTOR pointing out one's they may have not even known about. (or very likely don't even have....i.e. one student may say something ugly about another one day and then be best friends the next!!)
# 7,676:
8:55 pm PDT, Jul 14, Darcy Villneff, Canada
I am astounded by the lack of emotion. You don't single out a child with a social and psychological disability like that. It is Damaging to the child AND shows young minds the wrong way to treat someone who is different. This teacher has no place in society let alone teaching these values to children.My thoughts, punishment should suit the crime, let her sit in front of a panel of parents with special needs children, and let THEM vote on if she should ever teach again.
# 7,675:
5:34 pm PDT, Jul 14, Theran Dahms, Canada
THIS IS WRONG ! >=(
# 7,674:
2:48 am PDT, Jul 13, Lisa Reid, Florida
Get her out. I lived in St. Lucie county until we sacrificed everything and moved to Land O Lakes because of our kids. Not even the police officers there have compassion for our kids. I have two sons who are both autistic and are very different so this is very hurtful to me, plus I have had a couple incidents with two teachers in ST. Lucie county. In one of the schools my son was put to sit in a little room for about half an hour if not more because he wouldn't sleep. I was also called to come to the school to stay with him while the aide was at lunch and the main teacher caught up on paper work. It's now 5:42 a.m and I've been up since 3:30 a.m. MOST AUTISTIC KIDS DON'T NAP OR EVEN SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!!!!!!! AS for Wendy Portillo all I have to say is God knows why my sons weren't in her class. As if the kids aren't going through enough on their own. KICK HER OUT!!!!!!!!
# 7,673:
12:10 pm PDT, Jul 12, Roger Frischenmeyer, Kansas
Children no matter whether they have a disability or not shouldn't have to take treatment like this. There shouldn't be a question as to whether this teacher should be fired. She absolutely should be let go.
# 7,672:
4:42 pm PDT, Jul 11, James Mcfarland, Ireland
no more like her.
# 7,671:
7:04 am PDT, Jul 11, Robert Finley, Texas
# 7,670:
6:23 am PDT, Jul 11, Name not displayed, Australia
# 7,669:
3:25 am PDT, Jul 11, Kirstie McBurnie, United Kingdom
No child should be humilated like this,
# 7,668:
1:02 am PDT, Jul 11, Jivan Wells, Sweden
Raise the awareness all over the world about autism! This teacher needs education and to change job. But we all need more education in order to help!!!!
# 7,667:
9:27 pm PDT, Jul 10, Adren Acosta, Texas
There are better soltuions how about one on one!!!!?????????????????
# 7,666:
2:20 pm PDT, Jul 10, Name not displayed, Washington
I am shocked at this story, I am the mother of a 9 year old boy who suffered a stroke before birth and I too have had to continually fight to ensure that he receives the education he is entitled to. This woman should be not only kicked out of this class, but should NEVER be allowed to teach anywhere else. Let's get the word out so other school districts are aware of what a monster she is and how her behavior can directly affect the life of innocent childrn.
# 7,665:
1:30 pm PDT, Jul 10, Kyra Z, Canada
# 7,664:
8:59 am PDT, Jul 10, Keri Tyner, Canada
I think what she did was completely uncalled for, even if she was teaching the children about voting. She knew what she was doing and has never denied any of it. And by sending him to the nurses office she really meant to vote him out of the classroom, even though some children thought it was just a lesson. We don't need teachers like that in our school system and she doesn't need to be teaching the future employees and employers of this country.
# 7,663:
8:02 am PDT, Jul 10, Name not displayed, Washington
# 7,662:
7:58 am PDT, Jul 10, Shelly Tilson, Canada
# 7,661:
11:48 pm PDT, Jul 9, Rhonda Rubio, Texas
I can't believe some one would deny a child an education. And she calls herself a teacher!
# 7,660:
10:08 pm PDT, Jul 9, Jessica Frye, Connecticut
This is absolutely appaling and nobody should ever be treated this way. The fact a teacher would do this is completely unprofessional.
# 7,659:
9:45 pm PDT, Jul 9, Eleanor Mui, Canada
She is totally ignorant about autism. She shouldn't be working with children anymore.
# 7,657:
8:56 pm PDT, Jul 9, Kim Miller, Canada
# 7,658:
8:54 pm PDT, Jul 9, Sandra Lebeuf, Canada
Not only should this teacher be fired but, she should have her license striped from her. What she did was single out, intimidate and make this child feel excluded from his class. Those are the actions of a bully and that is exactly what this teacher is. Wendy Portillo should not even be allowed near children at all.
# 7,656:
7:53 pm PDT, Jul 9, Stacey Starr, Canada
# 7,655:
7:24 pm PDT, Jul 9, Richard Qint, Texas
this disgust me, I am not a parent, but a human, and this is wxactly what should be taught as an example of biggotry and ignorance
# 7,654:
2:12 pm PDT, Jul 9, William Fisher, Arizona
I too have an high-functioning autistic son, and I know how deeply hurt he would be. Autistic kids have such problems forming social relationships as it is. Also many have photographic memories so that the poor fellow will remember the whole incident for life, and will act it for many years. This is a terrible teacher who should be sacked before she damages other children.
# 7,653:
12:54 pm PDT, Jul 9, Elsa Reymundo, Texas
Happy to help! I think this is outrageous, the teacher should not make that kind of decision it is up to the school and parents together.
# 7,652:
12:03 pm PDT, Jul 9, Danielle Conley, Texas
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