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{{short description|Defunct special education boys' school in Massachusetts}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{update|date=June 2018}}
{{update after|2025|11|15}}
{{refimprove|date=June 2018}}
{{Orphan|date=June 2018}}
}}

{{Infobox school
{{Infobox school
|logo = Linden Hill School Logo.gif
| logo = Linden Hill School Logo.gif
|name = Linden Hill School
| name = Linden Hill School
|city =
| city = [[Northfield, Massachusetts|Northfield]]
|state = [[Massachusetts|MA]]
| state = [[Massachusetts|MA]]
|country = [[United States|USA]]|
| country = [[United States|USA]]
|established = 1961
| established = 1961
|founder = [[George & Penny Hayes]]
| founder = George & Penny Hayes
|headmaster =
| headmaster = James McDaniel
⚫
| status = closed
⚫
|colors = Green & Dark Blue {{Color box|green|border=darkgray}}{{Color box|darkblue|border=darkgray}}|
| closed = 2012
⚫
|schooltype = [[private school|Private]], [[boarding school|Boarding]]
⚫
| colors = Green & Dark Blue {{Color box|green|border=darkgray}}{{Color box|darkblue|border=darkgray}}|
|houses = formerly - Hayes Dorm, Bennett House, Haskell Hall
⚫
| schooltype = [[private school|Private]], [[boarding school|Boarding]]
|enrolment = 25 as of 2012
|song = [[Simple Gifts]]
| gender = Boys
|motto = Community, Loyalty, Responsibility, Integrity, Respect
| religion = [[Christianity]]
|campus = Rural
| enrollment = 25 (2012)
|mascot = Lynx
| song = [[Simple Gifts]]
| motto = Community, Loyalty, Responsibility, Integrity, Respect
⚫
|newspaper = Linden Hill Times
|homepage = http://www.lindenhs.org
| campus = Rural
| mascot = Lynx
⚫
| newspaper = Linden Hill Times
| homepage = [https://web.archive.org/web/20120424144742/http://www.lindenhs.org/ Website archive]
}}
}}


The '''Linden Hill School''' was a boys' middle school in [[Northfield, Massachusetts]] that served students with dyslexia or other language-related learning disabilities. It ceased operations on June 8, 2012. <ref>{{Cite web|last=MassLive|first=The Associated Press {{!}}|date=2012-05-09|title=Linden Hill School in Northfield closing its doors|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2012/05/linden_hill_school_in_northfie.html|access-date=2020-12-10|website=masslive|language=en}}</ref>
The '''Linden Hill School''' was a boys' middle school in [[Northfield, Massachusetts]] that served students with dyslexia and other language-related learning disabilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dyslexiclikeme.org/schools-2/idaho-montana/massachusetts-dyslexic-schools/|title=Massachusetts dyslexic schools|date=n.d.|publisher=Dyslexic Like Me|access-date=2021-11-15|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726215856/http://www.dyslexiclikeme.org/schools-2/idaho-montana/massachusetts-dyslexic-schools/|archive-date=2012-07-26}}</ref> It ceased operations on June 8, 2012 due to financial problems.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-05-09|title=Linden Hill School in Northfield closing its doors|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2012/05/linden_hill_school_in_northfie.html|access-date=2020-12-10|website=masslive|language=en}}</ref>

== Program ==
From 1961 to 2012 ''Linden Hill School''' served boys ages 9&ndash;16 of average to above average intelligence who had [[learning disability|learning difficulties]].<ref name=mission>{{cite web|title=Massachusetts Dyslexic Schools|url=http://www.dyslexiclikeme.org/schools-2/idaho-montana/massachusetts-dyslexic-schools/|accessdate=20 April 2012}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
In 1961, George Hayes and his wife Penny established a boarding school that emphasized on reading and language acquisition. They wanted a lot that was comfortable inside with plenty of space outdoors to learn and play. They bought a dairy farm from Grace Bennett, whose grandson was taught by Hayes at [[Northfield Mount Hermon School|Mount Hermon]]. The school accommodated 30 boys with language-based disabilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lindenhs.org/about|title=Our Story|access-date=2021-11-15|publisher=Linden Hill School|date=n.d.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212205409/http://www.lindenhs.org/about|archive-date=2012-02-12}}</ref>
In 1961 George and his wife Penny Hayes built a boarding school with an emphasis on reading and language acquisition. Hayes, a Kent school graduate and former teacher, was teaching at the [[Mount Hermon School]] for boys as the Director of Reading Development. (Mount Hermon would later merge with the Northfield School for girls to create [[Northfield Mount Hermon School]]). There was much discussion as to where this new school should be and worry that a suitable site might not be found. Their vision needed a comfortable living and learning space while being able to engage the boys in the outdoors. The Hayes’ prayers were answered when they received word from Mrs. Grace Bennett that she would part with her beautiful old dairy farm for a meager amount to support the cause. She respected the success that George Hayes had with her grandson, a student at Mount Hermon School.
The early days of the school were a family affair with wife Penny keeping the books, and cooking meals, daughter Carolyn giving riding lessons and caring for the animals in the small farm, son George working the grounds after school and later on breaks from college all while George instructed students and fundraised. This tiny school with 30 boys set trends in education language based learning disabilities that many schools have modeled. George and Penny Hayes have since died, but their daughter, Carolyn, served as chair of the board of trustees from 2004-2007.


==Sexual Abuse==
==Campus==
Linden Hill School's 15-acre{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} campus was located about four miles south of [[Northfield, Massachusetts|Northfield]] town center.<ref name=issuu>{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/conwaydesign/docs/linden|title=Linden Hill School Campus Master Plan|date=2008-06-27|publisher=The Conway School|website=Issuu|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref> In addition to many purpose-built classrooms, the school building housed classrooms, an indoor basketball court with a climbing wall, a game room, a first aid room and, of course, a large kitchen and cafeteria.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} There were five buildings on campus, including three dorms.<ref name=issuu/> The dormitories had 50 single-occupancy rooms and spacious common rooms with kitchenettes.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}


==Sexual abuse==


In 2003, Michael P. Holland, the longtime headmaster of Linden Hill, stepped down after multiple allegations of [[sexual abuse]].{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} As of 2021, he has been accused of sexual abuse at both Linden Hill and [[Gow School]] in [[South Wales, New York]].<ref name=buffalo>{{cite web|url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/as-state-courts-reopen-new-child-victims-act-cases-filed/article_5a05a498-afdd-5ceb-a063-6af348765bbb.html|title=As state courts reopen, new Child Victims Act cases filed|date=2020-05-28|last=Tokasz|first=Jay|publisher=Buffalo News|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref>
In 2003 the principal of Linden Hill School, Michael P. Holland, was forced to step down after multiple allegations of sexual abuse.


The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services (OCCS) cited Linden Hill School for unlicensed rooms that students were staying in, in the headmaster’s quarters in 1999.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} Holland had come to Linden Hill in 1998.<ref name=russ>{{cite web|url=https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1585315370/gow/nnt2bpovpaxtxtgbrekf/reports.pdf|title=The Gow School: Report of an independent investigation of historical reported incidents of abuse and inappropriate behavior|date=n.d.|publisher=Hodgson Russ LLP|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref>
===Michael Holland===


While on a school trip to a conference in New York City in March 2003, Holland inappropriately touched a 15-year-old student in a hotel room.<ref name=justia>{{cite web|url=https://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/other-courts/2003/2003-51550.html|title=People v Holland|date=2003|publisher=Justia|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref><ref name=buffalo/> Another student on the trip called Linden Hill to report the misconduct.<ref name=justia/> Holland was charged with [[forcible touching]] in the third degree, endangering the welfare of a child, and sexual abuse in the third degree.<ref name=russ/> He was placed on leave.<ref name=leave>{{cite news |last=DeMarco |first=Peter |date=2003-05-23 |title=2 at private school accused: Headmaster faces groping allegations|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/443515818/?|work=The Boston Globe|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref>


In 2003, an unnamed Linden Hill student also accused Holland of inappropriate touching while on campus.<ref name=russ/><ref name=justia/> Either this student or another accused Holland of assault after the student stayed over in the headmaster's quarters, as students often did if they were sick or stressed.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} Shortly after, in early 2004, one of Holland's students at Gow, reached out to the school "to state that he had been involved in an inappropriate relationship with Holland many years prior."<ref name=russ/> While he was convicted in New York, Massachusetts acquitted Holland in 2005 of felony charges on grounds of failure to provide incriminating evidence.<ref name=russ/>
{{Infobox criminal


In 2006, Linden Hill filed a lawsuit against former headmaster Holland, stating in the complaint, “As a direct and proximate of Holland’s breaches Linden Hill School has incurred substantial damages” in an attempt to recover lost revenue and costs resulting mainly from Holland’s sexual abuse publicity which resulted in a drastic drop in enrollment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.plainsite.org/dockets/u1njkk6y/massachusetts-district-court/linden-hill-school-v-holland/|title=Linden Hill School v. Holland|date=2016-09-12|publisher=PlainSite|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref>
⚫
| name = Michael Holland


Another staff member at Linden Hill, Thomas Simmeth, who had taught at both [[Gow School]] and Linden Hill was arrested for indecent assault and battery in 2003 though never convicted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2003/05/23/state-investigating-allegations-sexual-assault/51276217007/ |title=State investigating allegations of sexual assault at private school |website=seacoastonline.com |date=2003-05-23}}</ref> Simmeth reported to work drunk and tried to force a student to perform oral sex on him.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/443515818/ |title=Article |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=May 23, 2003 |page=26}}</ref> Simmeth has also been accused of sexual abuse at The [[Gow School]] in [[South Wales, New York]] which resulted in a lawsuit involving Simmeth.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2020/12/16/alumnus-of-the-gow-school-sues-for-negligence | title=Survivor of Alleged Sexual Abuse Accuses Gow School of Negligence }}</ref>
| known_for = PEDOPHELIA

| alma_mater = [[Niagara University]]

| criminal_charge = {{plainlist|

* forcible touching in the third degree
* endangering the welfare of a child
* sexual abuse in the third degree
}}

| occupation = Educator, Head Master

| successor = James McDaniel

| beginyear = 1985
| endyear = 2003

| states = New York, Massachusetts
| locations = Multiple, including hotel rooms

}}

Michael Holland was convicted in 2004 in the State of New York of forcible touching in the third degree, endangering the welfare of a child, and sexual abuse in the third degree, based on the allegation that while on a school field trip to New York City he engaged in inappropriate physical contact with a student. Another student accused Holland of inappropriate touching while on the [[Northfield, Massachusetts]] school campus. The State of Massachusetts investigated and brought Holland up on felony criminal charges for sexual abuse, however they were unable to secure a conviction. <ref>{{cite web|title= The Gow School | author= Julia M. Hilliker, Esq. |url= https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1585315370/gow/nnt2bpovpaxtxtgbrekf/reports.pdf |access-date=2021-09-02}}</ref>

Michael P. Holland came to Linden Hill School from [[Gow School]] in 1998. The media coverage brought out further accusations inappropriate contact and relationships with students during his 1985-1998 tenure at the [[Gow School]]. However, due to the passed time from the incidents prosecution did not take place. While at [[Gow School]] Holland held numerous positions. Some of these roles would entail allowing students into Holland’s personal living quarters. This was common practice at [[Gow School]] for dorm masters.

===Thomas Simmeth===
Another Staff member identified as Thomas Simmeth was charged in that same year with indecent assault and battery on a student at the school.<ref>https://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20030523/NEWS/305239977</ref> He too had come to Linden Hill School in 2001 from [[Gow School]]. At [[Gow School]], in the early 90s he was also accused of inappropriate relations including giving [[Fellatio]] to a student, Aaron J. Worby <ref>{{cite web|title= Former Gow School student recounts being raped by teacher in the 1990s | author= Tom Dinki |url= https://www.wbfo.org/education/2020-12-17/former-gow-school-student-recounts-being-raped-by-teacher-in-the-1990s |access-date=2021-09-02}}</ref>, against his will leaving marks on his genitalia. <ref>{{cite web|title= The Gow School | author= Julia M. Hilliker, Esq. |url= https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1585315370/gow/nnt2bpovpaxtxtgbrekf/reports.pdf |access-date=2021-09-02}}</ref>


==Closure==
==Closure==
Hit hard by recession and sexual abuse cases, Linden Hill School sold its campus in 2012 to pay off its mortgage and pay off significant debt.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2012/05/linden_hill_school_in_northfie.html|title=Linden Hill School in Northfield closing its doors|date=2019-03-24|publisher=MassLive|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref> In 2013, the Redemption Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith purchased the schools campus for $2.56 million with the intent to erect an agriculture school modeled on [[Tuskegee University]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Former Linden Hill School campus in Northfield, purchased by Redemption Church of Christ, to be used for agricultural school | author= Fred Contrada| date= 5 January 2013|url= https://www.masslive.com/news/2013/01/agriculture_school_to_open_at.html |access-date=2021-09-02}}</ref> In May 2019, the Church turned the campus over to their lien holder in lieu of foreclosure. As of June 2019, the campus was owned by MWD Asset Servicing Inc, the lien holder.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 126-Acre Redemption Christian Academy In Northfield Now In Hands Of California Mortgage Holder |url=https://www.westernmassedc.com/the-126-acre-redemption-christian-academy-in-northfield-now-in-hands-of-california-mortgage-holder/ |website=Western Mass Economic Development Council |date=11 June 2019 |access-date=4 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kinney |first1=Jim |title=The 126-acre Redemption Christian Academy in Northfield now in hands of California mortgage holder |url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/06/the-126-acre-redemption-christian-academy-in-northfield-now-in-hands-of-california-mortgage-holder.html |website=Mass Live |date=11 June 2019 |access-date=4 September 2021}}</ref>


==Notable alumni==
Hit hard by recession, Linden Hill School sold its campus in 2012 to pay off its mortgage and pay off significant debt. The Redemption Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith purchased the schools campus for $2.56 million. <ref> {{cite web|title= Former Linden Hill School campus in Northfield, purchased by Redemption Church of Christ, to be used for agricultural school | author= Fred Contrada|url= https://www.masslive.com/news/2013/01/agriculture_school_to_open_at.html |access-date=2021-09-02}}</ref>
* [[Trevor Ferrell]]<ref>{{cite news |last=DeVoss |first=David |date=1998-01-28 |title=About those heroes: Reagan's nods pay off for some, play out for others|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/532249957/|work=The Berkshire Eagle|location=Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref>

==Campus==
Linden Hill School was located on a 15-acre forested campus just 12 miles from the original campus in Northfield.
In addition to many purpose-built classrooms, the school building houses classrooms, an indoor basketball court with a climbing wall, a game room, a first aid room and, of course, a large kitchen and cafeteria. The dormitories have 50 single-occupancy rooms and spacious common rooms with kitchenettes.


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Defunct boys' schools in the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct boys' schools in the United States]]
[[Category:Boarding schools in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Schools in Franklin County, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Schools in Franklin County, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:1961 establishments in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:1961 establishments in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Special schools in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1961]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1961]]
[[Category:Christian schools in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Educational institutions disestablished in 2012]]
[[Category:School sexual abuse scandals]]
[[Category:Sex scandals in the United States]]
[[Category:Boys' schools in Massachusetts]]

Latest revision as of 20:55, 6 December 2024

Linden Hill School
Location
Map
Northfield
,
MA

USA
Information
School typePrivate, Boarding
MottoCommunity, Loyalty, Responsibility, Integrity, Respect
Religious affiliation(s)Christianity
Established1961
FounderGeorge & Penny Hayes
Statusclosed
Closed2012
HeadmasterJames McDaniel
GenderBoys
Enrollment25 (2012)
CampusRural
Color(s)Green & Dark Blue   
SongSimple Gifts
MascotLynx
NewspaperLinden Hill Times
WebsiteWebsite archive

The Linden Hill School was a boys' middle school in Northfield, Massachusetts that served students with dyslexia and other language-related learning disabilities.[1] It ceased operations on June 8, 2012 due to financial problems.[2]

History

[edit]

In 1961, George Hayes and his wife Penny established a boarding school that emphasized on reading and language acquisition. They wanted a lot that was comfortable inside with plenty of space outdoors to learn and play. They bought a dairy farm from Grace Bennett, whose grandson was taught by Hayes at Mount Hermon. The school accommodated 30 boys with language-based disabilities.[3]

Campus

[edit]

Linden Hill School's 15-acre[citation needed] campus was located about four miles south of Northfield town center.[4] In addition to many purpose-built classrooms, the school building housed classrooms, an indoor basketball court with a climbing wall, a game room, a first aid room and, of course, a large kitchen and cafeteria.[citation needed] There were five buildings on campus, including three dorms.[4] The dormitories had 50 single-occupancy rooms and spacious common rooms with kitchenettes.[citation needed]

Sexual abuse

[edit]

In 2003, Michael P. Holland, the longtime headmaster of Linden Hill, stepped down after multiple allegations of sexual abuse.[citation needed] As of 2021, he has been accused of sexual abuse at both Linden Hill and Gow School in South Wales, New York.[5]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services (OCCS) cited Linden Hill School for unlicensed rooms that students were staying in, in the headmaster’s quarters in 1999.[citation needed] Holland had come to Linden Hill in 1998.[6]

While on a school trip to a conference in New York City in March 2003, Holland inappropriately touched a 15-year-old student in a hotel room.[7][5] Another student on the trip called Linden Hill to report the misconduct.[7] Holland was charged with forcible touching in the third degree, endangering the welfare of a child, and sexual abuse in the third degree.[6] He was placed on leave.[8]

In 2003, an unnamed Linden Hill student also accused Holland of inappropriate touching while on campus.[6][7] Either this student or another accused Holland of assault after the student stayed over in the headmaster's quarters, as students often did if they were sick or stressed.[citation needed] Shortly after, in early 2004, one of Holland's students at Gow, reached out to the school "to state that he had been involved in an inappropriate relationship with Holland many years prior."[6] While he was convicted in New York, Massachusetts acquitted Holland in 2005 of felony charges on grounds of failure to provide incriminating evidence.[6]

In 2006, Linden Hill filed a lawsuit against former headmaster Holland, stating in the complaint, “As a direct and proximate of Holland’s breaches Linden Hill School has incurred substantial damages” in an attempt to recover lost revenue and costs resulting mainly from Holland’s sexual abuse publicity which resulted in a drastic drop in enrollment.[9]

Another staff member at Linden Hill, Thomas Simmeth, who had taught at both Gow School and Linden Hill was arrested for indecent assault and battery in 2003 though never convicted.[10] Simmeth reported to work drunk and tried to force a student to perform oral sex on him.[11] Simmeth has also been accused of sexual abuse at The Gow School in South Wales, New York which resulted in a lawsuit involving Simmeth.[12]

Closure

[edit]

Hit hard by recession and sexual abuse cases, Linden Hill School sold its campus in 2012 to pay off its mortgage and pay off significant debt.[13] In 2013, the Redemption Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith purchased the schools campus for $2.56 million with the intent to erect an agriculture school modeled on Tuskegee University.[14] In May 2019, the Church turned the campus over to their lien holder in lieu of foreclosure. As of June 2019, the campus was owned by MWD Asset Servicing Inc, the lien holder.[15][16]

Notable alumni

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Massachusetts dyslexic schools". Dyslexic Like Me. n.d. Archived from the original on 2012-07-26. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  2. ^ "Linden Hill School in Northfield closing its doors". masslive. 2012-05-09. Retrieved 2020-12-10.
  3. ^ "Our Story". Linden Hill School. n.d. Archived from the original on 2012-02-12. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  4. ^ a b "Linden Hill School Campus Master Plan". Issuu. The Conway School. 2008-06-27. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  5. ^ a b Tokasz, Jay (2020-05-28). "As state courts reopen, new Child Victims Act cases filed". Buffalo News. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  6. ^ a b c d e "The Gow School: Report of an independent investigation of historical reported incidents of abuse and inappropriate behavior" (PDF). Hodgson Russ LLP. n.d. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  7. ^ a b c "People v Holland". Justia. 2003. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  8. ^ DeMarco, Peter (2003-05-23). "2 at private school accused: Headmaster faces groping allegations". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  9. ^ "Linden Hill School v. Holland". PlainSite. 2016-09-12. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  10. ^ "State investigating allegations of sexual assault at private school". seacoastonline.com. 2003-05-23.
  11. ^ "Article". The Boston Globe. May 23, 2003. p. 26.
  12. ^ "Survivor of Alleged Sexual Abuse Accuses Gow School of Negligence".
  13. ^ "Linden Hill School in Northfield closing its doors". MassLive. 2019-03-24. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  14. ^ Fred Contrada (5 January 2013). "Former Linden Hill School campus in Northfield, purchased by Redemption Church of Christ, to be used for agricultural school". Retrieved 2021-09-02.
  15. ^ "The 126-Acre Redemption Christian Academy In Northfield Now In Hands Of California Mortgage Holder". Western Mass Economic Development Council. 11 June 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  16. ^ Kinney, Jim (11 June 2019). "The 126-acre Redemption Christian Academy in Northfield now in hands of California mortgage holder". Mass Live. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  17. ^ DeVoss, David (1998-01-28). "About those heroes: Reagan's nods pay off for some, play out for others". The Berkshire Eagle. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
[edit]

42°39′03″N 72°27′18″W / 42.6508°N 72.4549°W / 42.6508; -72.4549

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