Here's that blog entry, for posterity's sake!
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Jillie's TakeSunday, July 17, 2011NEWS FLASH - RIDGE CREEK SCHOOL IS CLOSING!According to the the document before us, Ridge Creek School at 830 Hidden Lake Road is closing. Plans are to close Friday July 22, 2011 if the GAO, ORCC, DFCS, CPS, GBI, FBI or the Sheriff's department do not shut them down Monday. Ridge Creek School has not notified authoritative regulatory agencies like CPS, DFCS, and the ORCC that they intend to close. Nor has it informed the approriate agencies that the food service ended Friday and the serivce has removed all food. Food is being brought in from the town.
Staff has not been paid. According to a sources, there is no re-financing as per Mr. Buccellato's letter dated Thursday the 14th of July. As you can deduce from the email (see below) Director of Counseling Anne Edens PhD, does not hold to Georgia's state law of mandatory reporting, or ,apparently her psychology oath. A few parents have been informed, one child has been picked up at the time of this writing, due to a chain of parent calls. Parents are reporting they cannot reach the school, nor can they reach the school through email.
There are 'allegations' of egregious violations, broken laws, and cover-ups by those complicit and complacent. Law enforcement will receive all documents regarding all parties that were complicit in this 10 year debacle, not excluding allegations of negligence against the ORCC, DFCS, and the DJJ.
Commissioner Clyde Reese has never responded, and the Governor's Chief of Staff does not return phone calls.
Educational Consultants will be held accountable. Names will be released to authorities of Educational consultants that placed inappropriate children without required documentation per ICPC, IEP's and 504's. and no follow-up. Failing to disclose to parents of Special Needs children that this facility admitted violent, adjudicated, probationary youths with felonious charges and conduct disorder is unethical, especially since the children were commingled.
It appears all parents who have paid pre-paid tuition or deposits have lost it all - again. DFCS and CPS need to pick up any children currently at the school as soon as possible, unless of course, "their hands are tied."
"For the Children Left Behind"
I am, Jill Ryan
And that's my take.
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From: Anne Edens <aedens@ridgecreek.org>
Date: Sun, Jul 17, 2011 at 1:49 PM
Subject: Just an update
To: Management < >
So far, things have been quiet. The student body saw ----- off. Her father was supportive and understanding, doing what he needed to do. I have spoken with Chris about the school closing, and while disappointed, not surprised. He has received one email from ------ dad (last night) demanding he call. I told Chris to go ahead and call, letting the father know what our plan at this point is in when and how we will be dismissing the students on Friday and that Scott is working on a referral list for the parents.
I have not gotten any calls or emails other than from Judith Wishin. She has been told and is supportive of our plan. I do not know if Cheryl has gotten any emails a she does not have email at home and I have not called her due to her having family visiting this weekend. She has been informed of the school closing, however. Jamie is still locked out of her email and this may be creating some panic for parents. I have talked with Jamie about closing and she is going to do whatever is needed to help her caseload through the process. We need to get her email unlocked asap if anyone has the sys admin info and can do that.
The kids are being fed and having a fun weekend and seem to be somewhat clueless, although they are asking questions about the lunch ladies and such. I think we will be fielding more questions as the week unfolds.
We need to be prepared if DHR or DFACS or any other agency comes on Monday…I would not be surprised if ----- and/or Jill Ryan have agitated them. Worse case scenario is if they come and force us to close (send kids home) before Friday.
What time is management meeting Monday morning (if we are meeting)?
Anne W. Edens, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Director of Counseling
Ridge Creek School
830 Hidden Lake Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
706-864-4730 ex 2210
