Newton Schools Prepare for Students' Concerns After Teacher's Arrest

With the first day of school looming, Newton school officials will prepare for students reacting to the second arrest of a Newton employee on child pornography charges in a year and a half.

F.A. Day Middle School math teacher Steven Chan was arraigned Friday morning on charges of possessing and disseminating child pornography. This comes after the January 2012 arrest of second grade teacher David Ettlinger on similar charges.

Newton Superintendent David Fleishman wrote a letter to the Newton School community regarding Chan’s arrest.

“The news of a Newton teacher’s arrest and arraignment on such serious charges for the second time in a year and a half has a real impact on the entire Newton community,” Fleishman wrote. “Due to the media attention focused on the matter, we know that students will be talking about information that may make them feel shocked, anxious and angered.”

Fleishman said schools will have people available for students to talk with about Chan’s arrest. He also encouraged parents to share concerns with faculty, staff and adminstrators.

Day Principal Brian Turner will communicate directly with the school community with plans for the opening day on Tuesday, Fleishman wrote.

“We will work closely with Principal Turner to maintain stability and daily routine during this challenging time,” Fleishman wrote.

See Supt. Fleishman's letter above.