Thursday, March 27, 2014

Report Points Out School’s Missteps in Queens Teen’s Disappearance


A new report released by the Schools Special Commissioner of Investigation Thursday details the timeline of events concerning the disappearance of Avonte Oquendo and highlights missteps taken that may have led to the tragedy.


According to the report, Avonte was with his class at P277 in Long Island City on October 4, 2013 when teacher’s aides took the group to a technology room during lunch.


Avonte, who suffered from Autism, managed to escape from the group and found his way out of the building.


According to the report, Avonte’s teacher knew he was a flight risk.


She told investigators she had sent a form home at the beginning of the year to learn more about students, though school administrators were unaware she had done so.


On the form, Avonte’s mother wrote, “Please make sure you keep an eye out, he likes to run. Needs 1 on 1 supervisor. Will leave the building.”


But Avonte was not given the requested supervision.


Although Avonte’s teacher said she notified her aides that he was a runner, the paraprofessionals said they didn’t know about the risk.


Avonte managed to get past a security guard on his way out of the building.


The guard said she saw him wandering but was the only one in her position and could not leave her post to chase him.


She was unaware that he had left the building.


The principal was notified by another administrator that Avonte was missing, but decided against locking down the school or making a school-wide announcement, for fear of upsetting other students.


He says that he notified other staff members in person.


After consulting with police, he locked the school down.


Avonte’s remains were found in January on the banks of the East River.





NEWS – NY1




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