Remember that custodian that I filed a complaint abaout?

[AirForceRocks]

I guess I don't see what the big deal is. It sounds to me as if the guy is being accused of something when he has really done nothing (or at least nothing that I've read here) wrong. So he likes to interact with the kids - when did that become criminal?

 

[disneyjunkie]

I have to agree with Blondie and Marlasmom. I don't see anything wrong with him being friendly with the students, staff, and parents.

Maybe the sexual harassment charges were found to be untrue.

Does he know you are making complaints about him? If so, do your think there is a chance that he can file a harassment charge against you?

Was there a teacher in the gym when he was running laps with the kids? If not, I would be angry with the teacher for leaving the class alone.


How do the other teachers in the school feel about him? What about the parents?

 

[DaisyDebbie]

I think it's something you just have to see for yourself. In words it doesn't sound all that bad. Mine if more of a creepy feeling I get. There are plenty of other people who work in the school who interact with the kids and I don't get that feeling at all.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Have you recent posters seen the original thread started by jan-cape.... this guy is creepy... Jan simply didn't reiterate every single thing that had been previously mentioned.

And, YES this guy is way out of bounds. Interacting with children alone is NOT why he is there. And, as noted, is against official policy. A big smile and a hello are one thing, but, IMHO this guy is a freak. Jeez, running laps with tiny children in the gym... Disgusting! He has crossed so many boundaries, he thinks he is untouchable. I am wondering if there may be some hidden connection between him and the principal, to where she feels that she is not really able to do anything for some reason? Why else would she let the AP handle it, giving out that notice to try to smooth things over, and NEVER involve herself??? Strange???

Personally, I would NOT want my child to be a 'friend' to this guy! Also, it is really telling that the one time Jan-cape was delayed arriving at the gym, that is the one time he up and decides that he can get away with fraternizing with little elementary school aged kids.

This guy is not being 'harassed' by numerous unrelated other school employees for just NO reason!!! Think about it... I believe that there is just cause for concern here.

Jan-cape, Keep us posted!

 

[Blondie]

Originally posted by Wishing on a star
Jeez, running laps with tiny children in the gym... Disgusting!

Maybe I am missing something here...why is running with the kids disgusting?

 

[Cindy B]

Well, if the kids didn't have an adult there, I would be THRILLED as a parent that they weren't alone in a room.

 

[annemariec]

Cindy B. the situation you described does encompass sexual harassment in many workplaces. Even if the man "...did not "touch" anyone, he just had a filthy mouth, and off color jokes which were well, nasty and demeaning." It's offensive and not appropriate in a work environment.

The situation with Jan hinges on a man that takes liberties that are sometimes not within policy and liberties that fall into a grey area. He has amassed numerous complaints. Most people that have had complaints lodged against them and have the rules and or situation spelled out for them adjust their behavior. (If he was lonely) He could be friendly by asking what he could do to be helpful and within policy.

JMO

Annemarie

 

[annemariec]

I think people are assuming that the students were left without any adult present. It could be that there were other teachers sharing the gym and watching the class.

Annemarie

 

[DaisyDebbie]

Yes if he's lonely he could talk to the adults in the school.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Have you recent posters seen the original thread started by jan-cape.... this guy is creepy... Jan simply didn't reiterate every single thing that had been previously mentioned.

I just looked up the original thread on this subject, and this is what I got from it:

jan/cape didn't like the fact that the guy said hello to her a number of times during the day, so she was as nasty as she could be to him until he stopped. When he got sarcastic with her, she didn't like it.

She wanted to scream "Are you STUPID???" at him because he was greeting parents one day.

She doesn't like the fact that he sat down at the table with some of the children while they were eating lunch. (I too question if this was appropriate, but it certainly isn't something I would consider "creepy").

JMHO, but from what I've read on this subject so far, jan/cape didn't like that the custodian said hello to her numerous times per day, she complained about it, and when he didn't roll over and act thankful because she treated him like a serf, she got angry. Now she seems to be looking for a way to get him fired.

Again, JMHO, but I really have to question who the creepy person is in this situation.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Blondie,

Hate to even acknowledge your post with a reply...

BUT, this is not a young PE instructor!!! This is an elderly custodian in full clothing, etc.... Yep... I stand by my words... And I stand by Jan-cape

Uggghhhh!!!!!!

Soooo wrong on Soooo many levels.

 

[AirForceRocks]

What is disgusting about an older man in full clothing running with a bunch of kids?

Sorry, but I don't get it either.

 

[AirForceRocks]

What is disgusting about an older man in full clothing running with a bunch of kids?

Sorry, but I don't get it either.

 

[Cindy B]

Ok, I have elderly neighbors.. they are lonely. They say hello, walk over, stop by with baked goods, and take pictures of the kids on Halloween as they are trick or treating...


Is that creepy? No.

I personally don't have a problem with this.. This guy seems very cheerful in his position. I would love to have the custodian greeting the kids, and realizing that they are Not "just servants" as well.


I worked at an elementary school camp, and the custodians were great to the kids and to us. They loved "Mr. Matt", and they would invite him to have snack with them. We were there, and and Mr. Matt was fantastic to the kids. He just loved being around the kids, and had fun with them. He didn't do camp activities, but if he was doing something near the room (ie landscaping, or whatever).. the kids would watch. If it was near snack time, they would always leave snack for Mr. Matt. He would come by, eat a cookie, and chat with the kids for a few minutes.. do high fives and leave.

I think some either a) don't have kids, or never had them b) have grown kids, and miss the little one c) don't see anything wrong with sitting with the kids

At our school the aides sit with the kids, and same with the student teachers. Would it bother me if "Mr. Matt" sat with them as well? No it wouldn't.

Mr. Matt even does work on the side for some families around here.

 

[Kermit]

I think that the fact that he's been asked to stop certain behaviors but continues with them or walks right on the boundry is something to be concerned about. I genuinely hope that the man is harmless, but he should understand that in today's society, he can't keep pushing the envelope when it comes to interacting with children. It could be that he doesn't have the mental capacity to understand that. But I don't know what the perfect solution is in that situation. Unfortunately, I don't think there is one.

 

[annemariec]

I also think Jan/cape has some legitimate concerns.

* He's supposed to be working.

* He had complained to the A.P. that he didn't have enough time to get all of his duties done.

* He didn't try his running with the students bit with the classroom teacher present. (I think this is key.)

His behaviors are not within the norm. I think it merits cause for concern.

Annemarie

 

[annemariec]

Kermit, I agree wholeheartedly.

Annemarie

 

[dalepool]

Sorry for your concern. This is a very real issue that needs resolution. Maybe now would be the right time for the Stranger/danger lesson. This system is also used with "Friends". You need to teach your child things like adults DON'T NEED HELP FINDING A LOST PUPPY-(this is just one exsample I used while working with daughter)----As young as 3 I worked with my daughter about the fact adults don't need help from kids--even in an emergency she was to call for an adult--- Another exsample-- I would tell her yell out Mr----needs help with what ever---this gives alert to teachers and will usually bring others into the conversation. There are a lot of good people in the world ---just as there are not. Remember if someone is "interested" in children they will try to gain employement at a location where children frequent------

I am incharge of the protection of my child------If I felt uneasy---I'd keep a close eye out for danger signs. Get a copy of these signs from your local law enforcement office.

I'm sure by law the A.P. has daocumented all interviews with this employee. Make sure another school official is brought up to speed concerning this matter.

 

[wvjules]

Why am I getting an image of the Salem Witch Trials in my head!?!?!?!

 

[Rajah]

Just with what's been described so far, I see absolutely nothing wrong or creepy with the guy's actions aside from the fact that he's not getting his work done because instead he's interacting with kids. I've seen nothing in the words to give me a feeling that there's anything "creepy" about this guy.

However, that being said, there are some people out there that are just bad and what this guy is doing is how they "lure in their prey". Unless he goes beyond what he's done so far, nothing in words would convey that he's one of the bad ones.

But a mother's instinct (and even just instinct in some people, mother/father or not) can frequently spot the "bad ones" without them ever stepping over the lines. And what an instinct spots won't ever come across in words on a discussion forum.

So for me... I'm withholding judgement on this guy. He sounds like just a lonely old man who likes kids and there's nothing wrong with that. But there is always the possibility that he "likes kids" in a way that isn't appropriate.

I do find it sad that in today's society, someone in a different "working class" trying to be friendly is instantly construed as being creepy. Maybe there is something creepy about the guy, but there's no way for any of us except jan to be able to really see that just because someone says hello. I miss the days when being friendly to strangers/new people outside of a Disney park didn't instantly flood others with suspicion.