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Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Students complained about Bloom Trail teacher years before sexual assault charges brought, records show
Years before a former Bloom Trail High School teacher was charged with sexual assault of a student, District 206 fielded complaints of his inappropriate conduct, according to records obtained by the Daily Southtown. Ronald Giglio, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, was charged last year with felonies in both Indiana and Illinois after being accused of starting a long sexual relationship with a former student when she was 17. Records obtained from District 206 show Giglio was placed on paid administrative leave for an investigation on the same day the district was served with a lawsuit, May 14, 2024. The school board voted to terminate his employment July 8, 2024. In February 2021, a person stating they were a parent of a Bloom Trail student sent the district an anonymous email listing concerns with Giglio's behavior. The parent claimed to have contacted Bloom Trail Principal Glynis Keene with concerns in December 2020 and wanted to know why Giglio was still teaching. 'This teacher, in my opinion, is unprofessional in the way he relates to the students,' the parent wrote, adding she got 'bad vibes from him' when she was in the room while her daughter participated in his class remotely. The parent said Giglio repeatedly referred to his students with pet names including 'Babe,' 'Honey' and 'Sweetheart' and told students when they did not have school the following day that he would be available to 'hang out' with them on Google Classroom. 'I heard him ask a female student for her phone number,' the parent also wrote. 'I felt that was very inappropriate and encouraged the student to tell her parents. The parent is non-English speaking or I would have notified her myself.' The parent claimed to have also asked District 206 parents and former students about their experiences with Giglio, hearing 'many stories' that included Giglio sending students inappropriate text messages and calling them after they graduated to try and date them. An attorney for District 206 declined to comment on their investigatory efforts into potential misconduct, citing pending litigation. In a letter addressed to Giglio May 15, 2023, the district summarized a conversation officials had with Giglio the week before 'to discuss allegations brought to me by several female students regarding your treatment of girls in your classes.' The letter, signed by Keene, District 206 Superintendent Lenell Navarre and Assistant Principals Stephen Had and Timel Moore, said Giglio used his back office as a 'cool down space' for students who are upset and offered them snacks. He agreed to no longer bring students into the office, the letter said. 'You should not be alone with students, unless in an open, public area,' the letter stated. 'For staff safety and that of the students we must be mindful of the situations we put ourselves and them in. Staff should not put themselves in a position that is open to interpretation.' About a year later, Giglio's former student who met him in 2001, sued the school district. The lawsuit alleges staff and administrators at the school knew or should have known about the inappropriate sexual relationship and said the woman was a victim of a known preventable hazard that school and district officials 'created and allowed to continue,' alleging breach of duty by the district. The lawsuit and subsequent criminal cases brought against Giglio are pending. More complaints about Giglio's behavior resurfaced in the weeks following. Math teacher Brian Stipp emailed Keene May 20, 2024, about reports 'some of my students shared with me today.' One student reported Giglio telling her she was beautiful and sexy Stipp said the student told him she had told two other adults but didn't believe 'anything was done with that information.' 'The student shared that she felt scared to come forward with the information because 'they could do something to me,'' Stipp said. On the same day, an anonymous group of 'community members of school District 206' sent a letter to board members explaining concerns about the lawsuit and requested the board take specific steps to handle concerns brought about Giglio. The group attached the parent letter sent to district officials in 2021 and said Giglio was placed on administrative leave in 2017 after the 'teammate and friend' of a member of the group came forward with a complaint about him. He later returned, the letter said. The parents asked the district to provide documentation of every misconduct report involving Giglio since he began work for the district, or a statement there were no such complaints. The group also requested Giglio not be paid during his administrative leave for the investigation into the lawsuit and that an investigation be launched regarding Keene's knowledge of sexual harassment by Giglio. 'We go to school, send our kids to school and keep them in a district under the assumption that those in power at these schools have their kids' best interest at heart and that they are safe,' the letter said. 'We have not seen any evidence to support this assumption thus far in regards to Ronald Giglio.' The district received another email May 24 from a former student who graduated the year before and said Giglio was her civics teacher when she was a freshman. She said he called her and other students 'babe,' 'honey' or 'sweetheart' and would touch her as she was walking in or out of the classroom. 'He would touch or run my back, my shoulders, and once he even grabbed me by the hips to move me out of the way,' the former student reported. She said on a day when she was feeling ill, rather than sending her to the nurse, Giglio told her to go sit in his closet and shut the door on her in the dark, suggesting she play with a set of 'meditation balls.' The former student added, 'myself and other students would complain to other teachers at how he made us feel uncomfortable, and they would respond with 'oh he's just being friendly.'' She said she heard rumors of Giglio asking students for their phone numbers and trying to contact them after they had graduated. 'I wanted to share these experiences as I know how awful I felt and dreaded going to his class,' the former student said. 'I hope that justice is served for those who are speaking out as they had all tried to tell the principal and staff at Bloom Trail at one time or another.' According to court records in the criminal case brought against Giglio in Illinois, a student who met Giglio in 2001, during her sophomore year of high school, began using Giglio's classroom to store her belongings and then the two started communicating online 'on a daily and nightly basis.' The following school year, Giglio began practicing soccer with the student after school. Prosecutors said while they played soccer, Giglio began touching the student, including rubbing against her and touching her butt over her clothes. He then allegedly kissed her after someone scored a goal, and the two continued to engage in sexual contact multiple times in Giglio's classroom. On May 3, 2002, when the girl was 17, Giglio drove her home to Schererville, Indiana, because he wanted to see her in her prom dress, prosecutors said. The girl said her parents weren't home and the pair went inside and he pushed her onto a bed and got on top of her, according to prosecutors. The former student, who filed a lawsuit earlier this year, told police she and Giglio engaged in sexual activity on numerous occasions in Illinois and Indiana. The relationship continued for years until the she disclosed it to a therapist and realized what Giglio did was wrong, prosecutors said.. She recorded a conversation with Giglio in April, played for the judge during a court hearing July 2024, because she said she was scared Giglio and his sister were threatening her after she went to the high school with her allegations. Giglio denied on the recording threatening her and pleaded with her that he had not been 'grooming' her and that she was just as much in this as he was. She told him she was a virgin and had never slept with anyone before they had sex ahead of her prom, and he responded, 'you are right, but don't act like for a second that you didn't know what you were doing the entire time,' the recording showed. He then admitted on the recording that what he did was wrong and said he regretted beginning a relationship with her. The woman told Giglio that his sexual abuse of her has continued to cause her severe emotional distress. 'You don't understand how much this has ruined my life,' she said on the recording. If found guilty in Illinois, Giglio could face between four and 15 years in prison. In Indiana, he would face a maximum of six years in prison.
Time Business News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Best LMS Platforms for K-12 Schools and Districts in 2025
In today's digital learning landscape, LMS for schools has become an essential tool for delivering engaging, interactive, and personalized education. With the rapid evolution of edtech, K-12 institutions need a robust Learning Management System (LMS) that supports blended learning, student engagement, and administrative efficiency. Whether you're a school administrator, teacher, or district leader, choosing the right LMS for schools can significantly impact student success and institutional growth. This article explores the best LMS platforms for K-12 schools and districts in 2025, helping you make an informed decision. We'll evaluate key features, pricing, scalability, and user experience to ensure you select the perfect solution for your educational needs. An LMS for schools is no longer optional—it's a necessity. Here's why: Personalized Learning : Adapts to individual student needs. : Adapts to individual student needs. Remote & Hybrid Learning : Supports online and in-person education. : Supports online and in-person education. Automated Grading & Reporting : Saves teachers time. : Saves teachers time. Parent & Student Portals : Enhances communication. : Enhances communication. Data Security & Compliance: Ensures student privacy. With these benefits in mind, let's dive into the top LMS platforms for K-12 education in 2025. 1. Google Classroom Best for: Schools already using Google Workspace. Key Features: Seamless integration with Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive Easy assignment distribution & grading Real-time collaboration tools Free for schools Pricing: Free (Paid versions available for additional features) Why Choose It? Google Classroom is user-friendly and ideal for schools leveraging Google's ecosystem. 2. Canvas LMS Best for: Districts needing scalability & advanced analytics. Key Features: Customizable course creation Mobile app for on-the-go learning Third-party app integrations (Zoom, Microsoft Teams) Strong parental engagement tools Pricing: Contact for quote (Free for teachers) Why Choose It? Canvas offers a powerful, flexible platform suitable for large districts. 3. Schoology (by PowerSchool) Best for: Collaborative learning & assessment. Key Features: Standards-aligned grading Social learning features Professional development tools Integrates with PowerSchool SIS Pricing: Starts at $10/student/year Why Choose It? Schoology excels in fostering collaboration between students and teachers. 4. Blackboard Learn Best for: Schools requiring a comprehensive, enterprise-level LMS. Key Features: AI-driven personalized learning Advanced analytics & reporting Virtual classroom capabilities Strong security protocols Pricing: Custom pricing (Enterprise plans) Why Choose It? Blackboard is a trusted name with deep customization options. 5. Moodle Best for: Budget-conscious schools with tech-savvy staff. Key Features: Open-source (highly customizable) Strong community support SCORM compliance Multi-language support Pricing: Free (Hosting costs apply) Why Choose It? Moodle is ideal for schools that want full control over their LMS. 6. D2L Brightspace Best for: Competency-based education. Key Features: Adaptive learning paths Video feedback tools Accessibility-focused design Strong data insights Pricing: Contact for quote Why Choose It? Brightspace is excellent for personalized and mastery-based learning. 7. Edmodo Best for: Small schools & teacher-driven classrooms. Key Features: Social media-like interface Parent communication tools Free basic plan Library of shared resources Pricing: Free (Premium at $2.50/user/month) Why Choose It? Edmodo is simple and great for fostering student engagement. LMS Platform Best For Pricing Model Key Strength Google Classroom Google-integrated schools Free (Paid upgrades) Simplicity & Collaboration Canvas LMS Large districts Custom quote Scalability & Analytics Schoology Collaborative learning $10/student/year Social Learning Blackboard Learn Enterprise needs Custom pricing AI & Security Moodle Customizable solutions Free (Hosting fees) Open-source flexibility D2L Brightspace Competency-based ed Custom quote Adaptive Learning Edmodo Small schools Freemium Engagement & Ease How to Choose the Right LMS for Your School When selecting an LMS for schools, consider: ✅ Ease of Use – Teachers & students should find it intuitive. ✅ Integration – Works with existing SIS (Student Information Systems). ✅ Mobile Accessibility – Supports learning on smartphones & tablets. ✅ Cost & Scalability – Fits your budget & grows with your needs. ✅ Support & Training – Offers reliable customer service. The right LMS for schools can transform teaching and learning experiences. Whether you need a free, simple solution like Google Classroom or a robust platform like Canvas or Blackboard, each option has unique strengths. Evaluate your school's needs, budget, and long-term goals to make the best choice for 2025 and beyond. For more details on implementing an LMS for schools, visit LMS for Schools to explore tailored solutions TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Indian Express
11-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Schools in Mohali and Chandigarh brace for online classes — if peace doesn't return
(Written by PRISHA ARORA) UNCERTAINTY LOOMS over schools in Mohali and Chandigarh after shelling rocked the Kashmir Valley and the International Border in Jammu Saturday night, hours after a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Educational institutions are preparing for a possible transition to online classes should the situation remain unresolved. Yadavindra Public School (YPS), Mohali, in a notice to parents, stated that if closures continued, online classes would begin on Monday. The school has advised students to keep laptops, textbooks, notebooks and other resources ready to ensure a smooth shift to remote learning. Further updates are expected by Sunday afternoon through Skolaro and Google Classroom. Karandeep Singh Brar, chairman of St. Soldier International Convent School, Phase 7, Mohali, said online classes for students up to Grade 12 began on May 1. 'If the situation improves, we will return to offline classes. If further closure orders are issued, we will continue online,' he said. Brar added that mock drill guidelines were communicated during the morning assembly by the school principal, and drills will be conducted once the school reopens. Rajnish Kumar, manager of Shastri Model School, said a mock drill was held on Thursday as a precautionary step. 'We are ensuring safety at all levels. If the situation escalates, we may have to consider online classes from Monday as it's safe for both staff and students,' he said. Strawberry Fields High School in Chandigarh, affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), has also stepped up preparedness. 'There's no way we can avoid mock drills or preparedness measures under the CISCE norms. We conducted one on Thursday and regularly carry out disaster management drills,' said Atul Khanna, the school's director. He added that the school is ready to switch to online mode if required and will assess the situation until Monday. Anil Sharma, public relations officer at Manav Mangal Smart School, Phase 7, Mohali, said the institution is still in discussions. 'To date, there has been no notice. We'll see on Monday what the condition is,' he said, adding that further decisions would depend on developments over the weekend.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Orange Beach Middle and High School to have virtual classes Friday because of illness
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WKRG) — Orange Beach Middle and High School will have virtual classes Friday after several students and teachers got sick Thursday. 3 Mobile County men arrested in FBI-led 'Operation Restore Justice' An Orange Beach City Schools Facebook post said a staffing shortage was caused by what was 'believed to be related to an illness.' Superintendent Randy Wilkes told News 5 that 30 students and staff were out on Thursday from a virus they believed came from food brought into the school. 'As the safety and well-being of students and staff remain the top priority, Orange Beach City Schools has contacted the appropriate health authorities, and the situation is currently under review,' the post said. According to the post, students scheduled to take Advanced Placement tests in Economics and U.S. History will report to campus as scheduled. All other OBMHS students are to check their Google Classroom tonight for their assignments, and staff will work from home unless told otherwise by their immediate supervisor. Wilkes said the school will be put through a deep clean before students return on Monday. No illnesses of this kind were reported at Orange Beach Elementary School, so those students and staff should report to school as usual. Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, overcame a taboo against a US pontiff The Fine Arts Night that was scheduled for Thursday night has been postponed, and a new date will be announced as soon as possible, the post said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
School Closures in the Acadiana
(KLFY) — The following list details school closures in the Acadiana due to the weather forecast predicting heavy rains and possible flash flooding this week: St. Landry Parish: All schools and administrative offices will be closed on Wednesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 8. Lesson content will be delivered remotely through Google Classroom or written assignments. Completed assignments will serve as attendance documentation. Lafayette Parish: All Lafayette Parish School System students will transition to remote learning on Wednesday, May 7, due to the threat of flooding rains. Students must complete and turn in all assigned work upon returning to school or be marked absent. A decision about school on Thursday, May 8, will be announced by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Iberia Parish: All schools will be closed Wednesday, May 7, for the safety of our students and staff. To ensure continued learning, teachers are preparing remote learning via Google classroom. Any additionally, any extra-curricular activities scheduled after 5:30 PM this evening, will be rescheduled. A determination on events scheduled for Wednesday evening will be made tomorrow afternoon. No decision regarding Thursday has been made. We will assess the storm's impacts on flooding and travel by Wednesday afternoon. Vermilion Charter Academy: Vermilion Charter Academy will be closed tomorrow due to weather. Students will need to contact teachers and staff in regards to their continued remote learning. No decision regarding Thursday has been made. Vermilion Parish Schools will implement a virtual day of learning and all schools and central office buildings will be closed on Wednesday May 7. No decision regarding Thursday has been made. Lafayette Christian Academy: The school will be closed tomorrow Wednesday May 7. Students will need to contact teachers and staff in regards to their continued remote learning. No decision regarding Thursday has been made. Acadia Parish: The school will be closed tomorrow Wednesday May 7. Schools will be sending learning packets home with students at dismissal today. Parents are asked students follow the recommendations on how to complete the packets during the closure. We will also continue monitoring weather forecasts and road conditions to make a decision about the safe return of students and staff for Thursday, May 8. St. Martin Parish: All schools will be closed Wednesday, May 7 due to weather. Students are expected to work remotely using Chromebooks or class packets. All assigned work must be completed to ensure proper documentation for both academic progress and attendance credit. Any updates regarding closures beyond Wednesday will be communicated as necessary. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Latest news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
