Chappaqua Theatre Teacher Investigated by The Police

CHAPPAQUA – Christopher Schraufnagel, who has been teaching speech and drama at Horace Greeley High School for 12 years, has been placed on paid leave, pending a school and police investigation into his interaction with students.
Shraufnagel confirmed Friday that he was on leave.
"I really can't talk about anything," he said, referring questions to teachers' union President Ray Lucia, who did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
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Students Exempt from Final Exams

Dear Students and Families:

 

As conversations continue to circulate about the Greeley Theatre Program, we understand that many of Mr. Schraufnagel’s students are feeling a range of emotions.  We want you to know that our counseling staff is aware of your concerns and is prepared to meet with students and parents to help support them.  We also understand that many students have concerns about how their final grades are to be calculated in your theater classes, and some of you are having difficulty preparing for exams in other classes.

 

This letter will explain the academic adjustments we are making to support all students currently enrolled in Mr. Schraufnagel’s classes.

 

All of Mr. Schraufnagel’s class finals have been canceled.  Students’ final grades in these classes will be calculated by averaging the existing quarter grades in Infinite Campus.

 

For all other final exams scheduled (for students currently enrolled in classes taught by Mr. Schraufnagel):

 

• Students have the option to be exempt from finals, including exams taken this past Monday and Tuesday.
• If you wish to be exempt from an exam you have already taken on Monday and/or Tuesday,  you will need to see your counselor by no later than Friday, 6/19 to let him or her know your decision to be exempt.  Note: if you have taken the US History or Living Environment Regents exam and wish to be exempt, we can only prevent it from counting toward your course grade. The Regents score must be reported to New York State and recorded on your transcript.
• For all exams yet to be taken, including Regents exams, if you wish to be exempt, please do not report to the exam.  Our attendance office will call home about your absence and your parent  will report your wish to be exempt.  Note: for all remaining exams, if you take the exam, the grade will be recorded and factored into your final average.
• Students who decide not to take any upcoming Regents exam(s) he or she must notify his or her counselor in order to determine whether or not the exam will need to be taken at a later date.

 

 

Finally, we want you to know that Mr. Schraufnagel continues to be on administrative leave and it will not be possible for you to contact him for the remainder of the year, since he will not be on campus.

 

If you should have any questions about this plan, please contact your counselor.

 

Sincerely,

 

Robert Rhodes

Principal

Horace Greeley High School

    

First email from the School

Here is the first email that was jointly sent by the Superintendent and the Principal of Horace Greeley.

Dear Greeley Families,

As you may or may not know, a Greeley theater production was unexpectedly cancelled this past Friday night.

We are writing to assure you that the school district is aware of the rumors and discussions that have been circulating in the community over the weekend regarding our high school's theater program. Please know that we are responding appropriately, respectfully, and fairly.

Any person with specific concerns regarding this matter is encouraged to contact Principal Robert Rhodes at rorhodes@ccsd.ws or (914) 238-7201.

Sincerely,

Lyn McKay
Superintendent

Robert Rhodes
Principal

Counseling is Available

Dear Students,

 

We understand a number of you are concerned about the conversations in the community about the Greeley theater program.  We want you to know that our counseling department is prepared to support you.  Some of your concerns are likely to do with final grades for your courses.  We are committed to working though these details in a fair and supportive manner.  It is important for you to know that meetings scheduled this week for your theater courses are now cancelled.  We will be sharing more information about your courses as it becomes available.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Robert Rhodes

Principal

Horace Greeley High School