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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|publisher=MassLive|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>


== History ==
== History ==
Line 31: Line 31:


==Campus==
==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 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.{{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}}
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==
==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/>
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 the 1990s, while a teacher and headmaster at [[Gow School]], Holland allegedly sexually assaulted and raped 14-year-old Tarek L. Adam, who lived in the dormitory he oversaw.<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> This abuse may have gone on for more than four years (1992—1996+).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wivb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/97/2020/07/804836_2020_Tarek_L_Adam_v_The_Gow_School_SUMMONS___COMPLAINT_1.pdf|title=Adam v Gow School|date=2020|publisher=WIVB 4|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref> Holland denied this claim.<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><ref name=buffalo/>
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>


⚫
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>
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/>


⚫
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/>
⚫
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 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>
⚫
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/> Another teacher at the school, Thomas Simmeth, who taught at both [[Gow School]] and Linden Hill, was accused of sex abuse in 2003.<ref name=russ/><ref name=buffalo/>


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>
⚫
In 2006, Linden Hill filed a lawsuit against former headmaster Michael 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>


==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>
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==
==Notable alumni==
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[[Category:Defunct boys' schools in the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct boys' schools in the United States]]
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[[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 the United States]]
[[Category:Special schools in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1961]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1961]]
[[Category:Christian schools in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Christian schools in Massachusetts]]
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[[Category:School sexual abuse scandals]]
[[Category:School sexual abuse scandals]]
[[Category:Sex scandals in the United States]]
[[Category:Sex scandals in the United States]]
[[Category:Special education in the United States]]
[[Category:Boys' schools in Massachusetts]]
[[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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