A teacher at a private school in Connecticut has been dismissed after a disturbing incident involving a student.
Nicholas Ricciardi, a 46-year-old educator with two decades of experience, was fired from the Solomon Schechter Day School in West Hartford.
The school educates children from early childhood through eighth grade.
Incident Reported to School Administration
The incident first came to light just before Thanksgiving when a concerned parent reported that their child had been tickled by Ricciardi.
Rabbi Jonathan Berger, the head of the school, was informed of the allegation and took immediate action by placing the teacher on leave.
The school also notified the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
While the DCF initially decided not to pursue an investigation, Ricciardi returned to school under the condition that any form of tickling would not be tolerated.
New Allegations Prompt Further Investigation
Things took a more serious turn when, on December 13, a second parent came forward with a similar complaint.
This parent reported that their child had been repeatedly “inappropriately touched” by Ricciardi, describing the alleged touching as tickling around the belly button area.
Following this, the DCF opened a full investigation, and local police were alerted to the situation.
The school placed Ricciardi on leave again, and an arrest warrant was issued after a police investigation.
Teacher Fired and Arrested
Ricciardi was eventually barred from returning to the school and was officially let go from his position.
Rabbi Berger emphasized the importance of child safety in the school community, stating that the school’s mission of inspiring students could not be achieved without it.
He confirmed that the only incident reported was the tickling, and no other inappropriate behavior was identified.
Ricciardi’s Background and Career
Ricciardi had only started teaching at Solomon Schechter Day School in the current school year, where he taught first and second grade.
Prior to his teaching career, he was also a certified yoga instructor and personal trainer, with expertise in various disciplines, including yoga and martial arts.
His professional background also included working with underserved inner-city students, where he introduced them to yoga and mindfulness practices.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
After being arrested on January 17, Ricciardi was released on a $40,000 bond.
He is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on January 30.
The investigation into the allegations is still ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the claims.
The case has sparked widespread concern and led to increased scrutiny of teacher-student relationships, particularly in private educational institutions.
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