Providence school staff member accused of biting student

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A staff member at Lillian Feinstein Elementary School was arrested earlier this month after allegedly biting and striking a student.

In a September 10 letter to families, the school’s principal said an educator had “engaged with a student under their supervision in a manner that violated our professional standards.”

The staff member, identified as the school’s behavior interventionist 44-year-old Yaritza Martinez.

The same letter noted a second educator had also been placed on leave for an unrelated case of “alleged unprofessional behavior” in a classroom.

Four days later, on September 14, acting superintendent Dr. Paula Dillon informed families that the principal had also been placed on leave. Dillon did not share details citing privacy reasons.

According to a police report, the incident occurred after the student threw paint when denied permission to use it. Martinez allegedly restrained the student and was bitten while doing so. The report continues that in response Martinez allegedly bit the student on the back on their neck, leaving visible marks.

The student’s family was not contacted until the end of the school day. The police were only called after the child’s father called the school.

Police said they were only able to speak with the principal that afternoon, as others involved had already left.

The child’s father later brought the student to the police station, where they gave a statement and photographs were taken.

Martinez turned herself in on September 9 and was arraigned the same day on one count of simple assault and battery.

She was released on $1,000 bail and ordered to have no contact with the student. A court date is scheduled for November.

School staff member accused of biting student