Milwaukee child abuse probe; paraprofessional accused of hitting child

Paraprofessional accused of hitting child at Milwaukee school

Milwaukee police are investigating an alleged case of child abuse that occurred at Grantosa Drive School on the city's northwest side on Thursday, Sept. 18.

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee police are investigating an alleged case of child abuse that occurred at Grantosa Drive School on the city's northwest side on Thursday, Sept. 18.

Child abuse investigation

What we know:

Officials said a paraprofessional battered an 11-year-old student, causing pain and redness.

A 63-year-old man was arrested on Monday, Sept. 22. School leaders said he is no longer working at Grantosa.

Grantosa School, Milwaukee

It happened around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, during bus pickup.

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Full letter to Grantosa parents

What they're saying:

Dear Grantosa Drive School Community, 

The safety of our students and staff is our most important priority. We value you as a member of the Grantosa Drive School community, and we want to keep you informed.  

At the end of the day Friday, we received a report of a paraprofessional allegedly hurting a student during bus pickup on Thursday. We contacted the Milwaukee Police Department, which arrived on campus today and is conducting a criminal investigation. The school district is also conducting its own investigation. At this point in time, the individual is not working in the school. 

We take any report like this one seriously and will take all appropriate disciplinary action. We understand that this situation might have been upsetting to students or staff who were in the area. If your child needs assistance after this event, please contact the school office to be connected to the school counselor, nurse, psychologist, or social worker. School staff may access the Employee Assistance Program to learn about available options.  

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. If you have any questions, please contact the school office at (414) 393-4400. 

We look forward to seeing everyone in school tomorrow.  

Sincerely,  

Thaddeaus Hilliard 
Principal  
Grantosa Drive School 

Local perspective:

FOX6 News spoke with parents during student pickup on Monday. 

Grantosa School, Milwaukee

"Disheartening to know that a person allegedly or potentially whatever the situation – may do harm to someone in a vulnerable situation when you've chosen to work in a position that is meant to do no harm," said Shalonda Yankaway, a Grantosa parent. "This family, whoever they are, I am really sorry they had to experience this and that their baby had to go through this."

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Yankaway's daughter is a student at the school.

Grantosa School, Milwaukee

"I'm hoping that a lot of emotional damage has not happened or endured to them. Really hope and pray for the family that they get the support they need and deserve during this time," she said.

What's next:

Criminal charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.