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Feature Article

Class Warfare

By Jessica Pressler

Page 5 of 11

“Amanda, you know I love you,” she said. “I am sorry if you feel that I yell at you or I don’t like you. That’s not the case. You know, I’ve had a hard time. Sometimes I just don’t feel good.”

She followed up with a class-wide Caring Circle, where she shared with her students her feelings of sadness about her husband, in order to “rebuild trust.” She kept up her daily phone calls to Michael Pouls. For a short while, there was peace.

But two weeks later, Tollin stopped calling. Amanda seemed to be faring well in class, and Baiba Vasys, Tollin claims, told her the calls were no longer necessary. But only a few days passed before Michael Pouls says things started to unravel at home. “My daughter has begun expressing concerns about Patsy’s teaching methods again, and yelling has returned to the classroom,” he wrote in an e-mail to Sally Powell and Baiba Vasys, copied to Patricia Tollin.

“This letter is a formal notice that you must either correct the situation as promised or I will withdraw my child from Baldwin,” it continued. “The rules set up four weeks ago were set in place by me, and only I have the right to change them. No one consulted me before the daily status calls were discontinued, and certainly, no one gave the teacher the right to begin negative teaching practices again. … I am done being Mr. Nice Guy and politically correct.”

The Poulses were called in to meet with the heads of school, and after much discussion, it was decided it would be best to move Amanda to another classroom — a highly unusual step for Baldwin. “It should have ended there,” says one board member who wishes to remain anonymous.

It didn’t.

“How is school?” Michael Pouls asked Amanda one night about a week after she had been moved to her new classroom.

“Oh, I love my new teacher,” Amanda said, according to her father. “She gives us candy. But I think Mrs. Tollin is mad.”

“Why is that?” Pouls asked.

“I think it’s because I’m not in her class anymore. She misses me.”

Her father asked why she thought that. “Because when I saw her in the hallway,” Amanda told him, “I waved at her and she didn’t wave back.”

“And I knew,” says Michael Pouls. “That the teacher was staring my daughter down.”

It was then, Sheryl Pouls says, that she grew tired of being politically correct. Deciding she needed to confront the teacher in person, she arrived early at the school one morning, intending to speak quietly to Tollin. When the teacher, who was meeting with another teacher and a parent, declined to speak to her right then, “I lost my composure,” Sheryl says.

“My daughter waved at you and you didn’t wave back!” she screamed, as Tollin turned back to her classroom. “It has to stop!”
 

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User comments

Michael and Sheryl Pouls
Posted by Jennifer | Sep. 27, 2007 at 8:41 PM
COMMENT:
Note to my most important self: Read last month's Philadephia Magazine's cover story.
More Bad Parents
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 6:01 AM
COMMENT:
The Pouls should have been included in the previous issue of your magazine. I worked for them for several months, and all I saw was spoiled childeren, an absentee father who spent a lot of money to keep everyone happy, rude behavior from the entire family, with the exception of their older daughter. The young daughter used to tell me I was fired on a daily basis, she was maybe 4 at the time. There were never any friends over, except for that once a year end of school party, and it was all about showing off, not make kids happy. When they did fire me, which they made the house manager do when we were at the vacation home in Marylane, 4 hours from my home, we had a signed one year contract. They owed me for five months, and never made good on it. Like the lawsuit againt Mrs. Tollin, they would have spent years and many more dollars than I could ever spend to prove themselves right. Cartier diamonds, fancy cars, full staff, expensive homes and all of the other luxuries money can buy can't
More Bad Parents
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 7:02 AM
COMMENT:
class, empathy or kindness. Maybe it's time to realize that a seven year old isn't as wise, or as honest as an adult with a 22 year career.
At last the truth comes out!
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 10:48 AM
COMMENT:
Finally someone has had the guts to respond to the allegations levied against this fine family. The author had it right ... the TEACHER is the person who had the Malice. AND it was toward a seven year old! Why didn't anyone else report that the school had a history of bad behavior from this teacher? And 10 incidents ... including four this year ... What a joke ... She should have been fired three years ago.
SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIRED EARLIER
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 10:54 AM
COMMENT:
SO, IF I UNDERSTAND THIS CORRECTLY .. THIS TEACHER HAD A HISTORY OF INPROPER BEHAVIOR AND WHEN SHE DOESN'T HAVE HER CONTACT RENEWED SHE SUES? WHAT A JOKE. EVEN THE WRITER SAYS SHE HAD A LARGE AMOUNT OF MALICE TOWARD A SEVEN YEAR OLD. AND, SHE THOUGHT SHE SH0ULD INSTILL DISIPLINE IN OTHER PEOPLES CHILDREN? THAT'S NOT HER JOB! SEVEN YEAR OLDS SHOULD NOT HAVE A TEACHER RUNNING A SECOND GRADE BOOT CAMP! I AGREE WITH THE FAMILY ... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
IF IT WAS MY KID ... I'D WANT HER FIRED TOO!
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 10:57 AM
COMMENT:
IF I UNDERSTAND THIS ARTICLE CORRECTLY, THE TEACHER MADE KIDS CRY AND RAN HER CLASS LIKE SHE WAS A MEAN AND MISERABLE DRILL SARGENT. THE SCHOOL THEN LOOKS AT HER FILE AND SEES A MULTITIUDE OF COMPLAINTS BY MANY FAMILIES. THEY DON'T RENEW HER CONTRACT AND SHE SUES? WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM. SHE SHOULD BE SUED! I KNOW A FAMILY WHO HAD A DAUGHTER IN THE SCHOOL AND THEY SAID THEIR DAUGHTER COULD HEAR THE TEACHER SCREAMING THROUGHT THE WALLS! FROM ANOTHER CLASSROOM. JUST THE TYPE OF PERSON I WANT TO TEACH MY 7 YEAR OLD. NOT!
You just don't get it
Posted by Brittany | Sep. 28, 2007 at 11:26 AM
COMMENT:
For those of you who think that having a strict teacher is not in the best interest of your children, you clearly do not want hard working, intelligent, independent kids. Baldwin is NOT for everyone. It is for those who persevere in the face of adversity. Yes, some people need to be coddled, but they should not attend a school like Baldwin, which often has the highest SAT scores of any school in the area (boys, girls, or co-ed) as well as some of the most successful graduates around. As a product of this school, I'm sad that money has become such a huge leverage point, but unfortunately, I am not surprised. An event like this has been a long time coming, but that still doesn't make it right.
Insult to Working Mom's
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 11:50 AM
COMMENT:
Is this teacher putting down working mom's. She claims that these children are coming to school having not been taught simple devices such as using utensils because their mothers work. Does she forget that she HAD been employed as a teacher for 22 years which caused her to leave her children and work outside the home. Her comments were insensitive, insulting and thoughtless throughout the interview. This causes pause for one to believe that this is her disposition and was entirely her pattern of behavior directed to 7 year old little girls.
Main Line Money
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 1:05 PM
COMMENT:
I can only assume that most of these letters are from people that live on the Main Line. First of all, if this teacher was such a menace, she would have been fired. Second, the point that Mrs. Tollin made about not knowing how to use utensils is not a cut on working mothers, simply a statement that these children are raised by nannies and other hired help. Did Sheryl Pouls ever have a job??? No, but she has a full staff, including 2 people just to play with her children! (Someone should check their working papers during this investigation) There is nothing "fine" about a self-serving, better than thou family. They should be reminded that they are from Cherry Hill, not Beverly Hills.
TO What if it was my kid
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 1:17 PM
COMMENT:
Your comment, "I know a family..." sounds an awful lot like Mr. Pouls comment, “I know a woman who will tell you she witnessed Patsy Tollin throwing a blind child into a locker.” And if you read, that was false as well.
Main Line Cool
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 2:46 PM
COMMENT:
In reading some of these blogs, I am surprised by the person who wrote that Baldwin isn't for everyone, and that strict teachers are necessary because only they can get Baldwin girls to reach their potential. This person missed the point. In the article the teacher's boss says that Ms. Tollin was not nuturing enough and that she created a boot camp like environment. This is coming from her own boss, so it would seem that Baldwin doesn't agree that abusive behavior is warranted to help girls reach their potential. Another person said their child heard Ms. Tollin screaming through the walls. In a time when we are all concerned about school violence, how can this behavior be good? Any parent who had a child in a classroom like this would object, and not care about being "main line cool."
Mainline Mouth, Jersey Style
Posted by Laura | Sep. 28, 2007 at 3:51 PM
COMMENT:
I have read this article in it's entirety and have come to the conclusion that parents need to allow the teachers and administrators to do their jobs. Yelling is not abuse, teachers have a tough job to do each day and I cannot imagine what it must be like to have to deal with over indulged kids day-in and day-out, not to mention have to take on the verbal abuse of a guilt-ridden, social-climbing & caluculating society whore. Where I come from, one never uses four letter words in front of children or adults for that matter. What kind of example is the mother setting here? My heart goes out to the children involved.
Rehired for 22 Years = An Outstanding Teacher!
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 5:02 PM
COMMENT:
The above who say Tollin should be fired need to look deeper and think. If Tollin was rehired for 22 years, then how bad could she have been? If she received tons of support upon news of her dismissal - letters sent to school – then obviously she was a loved and respected teacher. She could not have run a “boot camp” or else she would never have received such support. So what if there are some complaints, they obviously were not bad enough to get her fired before. And as anyone should know, it is impossible to please 100% of the people, but obviously, the overwhelming majority did like her - you cannot last in a place of employment for 22 years if you were “abusive”. And so along then comes this new head of school who decides to get rid of this highly respected teacher a week after a threat was made by Mrs. Pouls. It just smells. And Tollin loses her job months after her husband died. That in itself is disgraceful. Where is the compassion Baldwin says it exhibits...and for a teacher w
Rehired for 22 Years = An Outstanding Teacher! (continued)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 5:11 PM
COMMENT:
and for a teacher who gave Baldwin 22 years of dedicated service? She deserved much better
Your article stinks
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 6:20 PM
COMMENT:
You tried to write a balanced story where the actual situation is quite black and white; its good (Tollin) vs Evil (the Pouls and Sally Powell). Sentiment at Baldwin is overwhelmingly anti Pouls and pro Tollin. Tollin was a strict but fair and highly capable teacher well respected by a generation of parents and students. She was regarded as one of the finest teachers in the Lower School. There can be no doubt that it was the Pouls threat to withdraw their donation for the badly needed gymnasium that caused Tollin's dismissal. This would never happened under Powell's predecessor, Blair Stambaugh. Baldwin has always stood for two things: 1) unrivalled academics, and 2) integrity. Now Powell and the Pouls have made a mockery out of the latter. Can you imagine what would happen in the unlikely event Amanda manages to make it to Upper School. What if she couldnt do quadratic equations in Algebra/Trigderivatives in calculus and her teacher wanted to give her a C. Would the teacher fear re
Your article stinks (cont)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 6:46 PM
COMMENT:
I was cut off by the 200 word limit, and so I continue. If Amanda couldn't do quadratic equations, would her algebraII/trig teacher feel compelled to give her an A, not a C, for fear of reprisal from the Pouls/Powell? What if she wanted to be on Varsity Lacrosse but were only good enough for JV? Would the coach be fired if she stuck to her guns? My question is where was the Board of Trustees in this whole mess? How could they possibly have allowed Baldwin's reputation to be sullied for the sake of a gymanasium. How could they have tolerated the humiliating arrangement embodied in Michael Pouls email. Kids, especially Baldwin girls, are very smart. They know the truth, and now in common with the rest of the Baldwin community, they will laugh, some to themselves, some out loud, the next time they hear Powell talk of the importance of integrity and values. Shame on the Trustees for not intervening, shame on Powell for having such horrible judgment, and most of all shame on the Pou
Shun and Boycott Mr. Pouls
Posted by David | Sep. 28, 2007 at 6:57 PM
COMMENT:
Three daughters went to Baldwin, paid with with hard earned, after tax dollars. One attended Tollin's second grade class. She had the highest academic achievement in my family's history, now in college, because of the work ethic instilled at Baldwin. She recalls the second grade with gratitude. All service and product providers, shun and boycott this bully, Pouls, peddler of political correctness. Pouls, leave. Move to North California, where your kind feels at home.
Your article stinks (part 3)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 7:09 PM
COMMENT:
Unforutately, your Post a Comment website is even worse than the "reporting" in this article. I keep getting cut off - Here is what I wanted to conclude with: Shame on the Trustees for not intervening, shame on Powell for having such horrible judgment, and most of all shame on the Pouls for having the worst combination of hubris and poor judgment I have seen in my lifetime. And to the Behars, I loved your comments and always liked you guys!
A School Teaching Immoral Lessons
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 6:54 PM
COMMENT:
The lesson to learn at Baldwin is that money is the most important thing in the world. I went to Westtown & this battle would never happen there. It is unfortunate that Baldwin doesn't have the clout or integrity to return the donation (at whatever cost, even if they lose a building) & tell the family to send their children elsewhere if the education offered is not a good fit. At Westtown I was taught morals and values above all else. Westtown has no problem keeping Malignant Narcissists like this awful Cherry Hill family from attending. See, if Baldwin continues to placate and reward Malignant Narcissists with their wielding of power and sadistic sense of superiority, by allowing anyone with cash to ruin a person’s life, then they’ll start turning out power-crazy misfits who have no decent education. The lesson Baldwin has taught us is that money matters more than human decency. There are so many wonderful schools in this area with world-class educations. Even with a boarding school b
(contd.) A School Teaching Immoral Lessons
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 7:31 PM
COMMENT:
Even with a boarding school background myself, I’d prefer to send my children to public school rather than endorse the immoral act of choosing money over morals to which Baldwin has succumbed. I guess money means more to Baldwin than integrity, morals, or anything else. Ironically, the current and potential future students (I’m not sending my kids there) Baldwin will lose as a result of this poor decision will cost the school a lot more money in potential future endowment padding. Kids who will do great things someday are raised by parents with better judgment than to condone such immoral practice. Those kids will head elsewhere and give their money to those schools (and guess what? They won’t make the GIFT contingent on whether people kiss their kids’ a** or not either!)
This is not representative of 120 years of Baldwin
Posted by sally | Sep. 28, 2007 at 7:35 PM
COMMENT:
It is one terrible family and an inexperienced Head Mistress with poor judgment. The good thing about the school is that kids/families like the one portrayed in the article are usually long gone by 10th grade. The parents see there is no pot of gold (Ivy League or other elite college admission) on the horizon, and take the kid out to attend Harriton (where she is so much happier!), then on to Syracuse, Penn State, etc. You get the picture.
Advice to MIKE POULS
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 8:44 PM
COMMENT:
After this media show the Poulses will be shamed out of Philly and can go play with the NY Narcissists. Their daughters will be more hated than the Bush twins! This sounds like what a Del. County woman did a few years back. She sued her local public school when a teacher was “mean” to her son. She sued the school for money to send this son to private school. (The teacher was never fired for it though.) The school district had to cough up the money to send this selfish woman’s child to private school. Many wondered why she just didn’t have the kid change classes? Gossip has it that she ran out of extra cash after sending the first son to a local prestigious private military school, and the lawsuit was less about what happened between teacher and student and more about how this awful woman bilked her community out of private school tuition to feed this woman’s ego. (contd.)
Advice to MIKE POULS (contd.)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 8:52 PM
COMMENT:
(from above) Rather than give up her flashy vacations, designer clothes, or brand new cars to send the kid to private on her own dime, this woman cheated a whole district of other kids out of tax-payer dollars for her rotten EGO. Her son was sent to private school for 7-12th grade at the expense of this Del. County school district. Anyone in this Del. County school district who was privy to the news when this happened 7 or so years ago, has thorough disgust for this woman, her son, her current husband, etc. The teacher luckily kept his job (as compared to Tullin), and received lots of support from parents and former students who thought he was a GREAT teacher. (contd.)
Advice to MIKE POULS (contd.)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 8:58 PM
COMMENT:
(from above) All that came of her selfish lawsuit was a sad loss for the community, and an unfortunate lesson for her son, who either suppressed the guilt & decided to grow up to be an equally awful ego-driven narcissist himself, or will some day come to terms with his mother’s problems and grow into a decent human being. He’s in college now (she didn’t manage to find another lawsuit to pay for that) but maybe he can give back to the community after all the money tax payers spent on his private school education? The point in relation to the article is that what happened with this less-monied, equally EGOTISTICAL family is that people (kids and adults alike) know what’s right and fair, and what’s wrong. The egoist may win the battle but they then have the community to live with. If I were Mike Pouls, I’d publicly apologize to the Baldwin community, request that they give Tollin’s job back, and then quietly withdraw my girls and send them to a school where no one has ever heard of th
Advice to MIKE POULS (contd.)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 28, 2007 at 8:58 PM
COMMENT:
Getting your kids out of a community who has a million judgments about them before they've even met them as a result of your ego scandal is what is best for them. Are you Poulses looking to do what's best for your kids, or what's best for your power-hungry egos? Why don't you take the gentleman's way out? Is that in the Nouveau Riche Handbook? Try Emily Post. Bet you never heard of her.
Sounds like Tollin
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 1:26 AM
COMMENT:
I am a Baldwin parent. Those pretending to be in the community are obviously not. 90% of the parents and nearly all of the faculty support the school and the Pouls family. The most common phrase heard is "it is about time." This teacher didn't just yell. There is a series of documents circulating from parents who complained of child abuse. Other families who have seen the document say the number of complaints is over 35. This is an abuser. Sounds monster-like to me. All of you attacking the family are ignoring the teachers record. If it eventually comes out that there are 35 legitimate complaints and that the teacher deserved what she got, I wonder if you will have enough courage to blog your apology. I doubt it because you all sound so jealous of someone who has more than you and chooses to be philanthropic. Shame on you. I wonder what you would be writng if yours was one of the many children abused.
To the self-important woman whose comment is just above...
Posted by NON-Baldwin | Sep. 29, 2007 at 2:26 AM
COMMENT:
I'm not in the Baldwin community, but I didn't realize this was a debate reserved for Baldwin parents? It seems to me that this debate has encompassed the opinions of a greater metropolitan area, along with the American judicial system. Hey lady, no one here is jealous of these awful trashy Pouls people. It's about MORALS, not ego. Why don't you check your ego. No one here wants to hear it. If there was abuse, it's funny you have nothing to say about the specific abuse. Maybe the "35 cases" you refer to are 35 paid chronies of the Pouls family, or 35 people who want to be "main line cool" like them?
One Simple Question
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 2:33 AM
COMMENT:
If it's really JUST about the teacher abusing, then why doesn't the school return the donation based on making sure no one confuses the issue?
Rah rah for the Pouls Family
Posted by PRO | Sep. 29, 2007 at 3:05 AM
COMMENT:
I too am a Baldwin parent. I too support the Pouls Family. Like that other Baldwin parent, I send my children to the school so everyone knows we have money. I also like it that the Pouls family goes there so I can tell the friends I compete with that my children go to school with people who spend $27M on their vacation home. It's just fabulous. What else is fabulous is my idea of a great 2nd grade education--all lollipops and play time. I think they should bring naptime back too. My children have a nanny and spend 19 hours a day with her in the summer. They know how to use utensils, but I don't remember where they picked that one up, I was at tennis that day. Anyway, my point is, children will pick things up when you are at the country club. It's just magic! They don't need strict teachers abusing them. That's not magic. Rah rah for the Pouls Family! Can I be your friend?
Go Pouls
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 5:37 AM
COMMENT:
I saw the 35 or so complaints. These complaints span a period of at least 13 years. They are definitely not paid for. This women is a monster.
SINCE WHEN IS SCREAMING AT A SEVEN YEAR OLD OK?
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 5:58 AM
COMMENT:
IT IS INCREDIBLE TO ME THAT SOMEONE CAN SUPPORT THE TEACHER AT THIS SCHOOL. I HAVE A SEVEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND I WOULDN'T WANT THE TEACHER SCREAMING AT HER EITHER. SO IF YOUR DAUGTER WAS ABUSED ... YES, THERE IS SUCH A THING AS EMOTIONAL ABUSE, AT SCHOOL WE SHOULD LOOK THE OTHER WAY BECAUSE SHE'S GOTTEN AWAY WITH IT FOR YEARS. MAYBE THE PERSON TO BLAME IS THE LAWYER, IF THERE WERE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS WHY NOT SUE THEM ... WHY JUST THE GUY WITH THE MONEY? SHE EVEN MOCKS THE LITTLE GIRL TO THE WRITER WHEN SHE ASSUMES A "MOCKING BRATTY VOICE" TELLING A STORY. I MAY HAVE TAKEN MATTERS INTO MY OWN HANDS HAD IT BEEN MY DAUGHTER. WHAT SHOULD A PARENT DO? WATCH? DOES EVERYONE REALIZE THAT THESE ARE 7 YR. OLDS? AND THE FUNNY THING, THE TEACHER LIKES YELLING AND YOU DOPES THINK IT'S ALRIGHT. MAYBE A LITTLE RULER ACCROSS THE HANDS AND A SMACK HERE AND THERE WOULD BE OK, TOO?
Look Inside
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 5:58 AM
COMMENT:
All the blogs I just read that are angry at the Pouls for their alleged wealth need to look at their own motives behind who they support. I read in the article that the Pouls made their money the hard way-they earned it. I read in the article that their neighbors thought they were "strange" in that they had loud possessions like a big house, but that they were quiet people. So we have a self-made, wealthy family who keeps to themselves. In fact, I never heard of them prior to reading the article. So they should be punished because they are rich. What is fair about that? And they are not selfish as part of their money was given to a school for a building that won't even bear their name. Seems like selfless people to me. When a teacher hurts their (or yours and mine) child, shouldn't they object. And if she has 35 priors, doesn't that prove the teacher is capable of harm. Seems to me the teacher has an axe to grind, as in the article the reporter says she has contempt for the way c
MAYBE SHE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SMACK THE KIDS AROUND A LITTLE BIT
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 6:08 AM
COMMENT:
YOU KNOW WHAT, I'M THINKING OF FINDING MRS. TOLLIN AND HIRING HER TO TUTOR MY SON. IF HE GETS A MATH QUESTION WRONG A LITTLE BACKHAND TO THE HEAD ... SOME DISCIPLINE - HE'LL NEVER GET THAT PROBLEM WRONG AGAIN, NOW WILL HE. WHEN HE'S NOT SPELLING CORRECTLY, SCREAM UNTIL HE BEGINS TO CRY, THAT WORD WILL BE BURNED INTO HIS MEMORY. LATE FOR CLASS, IN THE CLOSET WITH HIM - WE WANT HIM TO BE ON TIME. GIVE ME HER NUMBER, SHE SOUNDS PERFECT FOR SMALL CHILDREN >>> YOUR CHILDREN MAYBE, NOT MINE!
To: Sounds like Tollin
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 7:58 AM
COMMENT:
To the person above and some of the other people, think about it, 35 complaints, an abuser? Then how did Mrs. Tollin last for 22 years and why is she so loved in the community? Child abuse? Not even close. There was no child abuse. This was an outstanding, devoted, deidctaed teacher who would do anything to help her students. She loved her students and they loved her.
Baldwin Best Here, Middlin' in Japan and Everywhere Else Productive
Posted by David | Sep. 29, 2007 at 7:58 AM
COMMENT:
Parents supporting crippling school discipline and achievement for out of control brats and lazy, future sybarites, newsflash: Baldwin towers here. In Japan, and in all other places with decent educations, Baldwin student academic achievement lags two years. And, yes, in those superior places, they crush the brat, with even corporal punishment, and the brat enabling parent is shunned and humiliated. The disloyal, anti-education, politically correct parent, the education killing lawyer, these bullies must be stopped if our nation is to keep its tenuous first world status.
Anyone listening
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:50 AM
COMMENT:
I spent a lot of time with the Pouls, and there is nothing redeeming about them. They are spoiled rotten, and Mr Pouls got very lucky when he made hi money. They dated in high school, and Mrs Pouls is as dumb as a rock. She used to say she wanted to have "breffes wit her children", which I interpreted to be "breakfast with". Lazy, spoiled, self serving, and the young daughter was awful! That is why they had paid nannies to play with her, never a friend over to play, at least not more than once. Money can buy a lot, but not friends or class or the ability to know when to do the right thing. And when to know that your children may be your blessing, but not everyone else things they are perfect. THEY ARE NOT, and no amount of money will make them be perfect.
You should be ashamed
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 11:55 AM
COMMENT:
To the writer of "anyone listening," you should be ashamed of yourself. Call the Pouls what you want, but to attack their child makes you sound like what you are-cruel. I happen to know the Pouls. Mrs. Pouls sounds much smarter than you. She wouldn't stoop to your level and fabricate details. Learn the truth before you comment next. Unless it isn't the truth you want- but rather someone to take your frustrations out on. Perhaps you are unhappy with yourself and try to bring others down to your level.
If Tollin is an Abuser, why did Pouls request her for Amanda
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 1:04 PM
COMMENT:
Sounds like the Pouls paid PR team is hard at work. Tollin an abuser? This is comical. The older Pouls child had Tollin in 2nd grade, several years earlier. The family specifically requested that Amanda be assigned to Tollin's class. Use some common sense. Does the child abuse charge sound credible? Of course not, and the above comments are malicious lies spread by the Pouls and their PR machine. What can you say about Cheryl Pouls when she walks into a Lower School and to a respected teacher and in front of others, yells: You fucking bitch! I want you fired or I’m taking my money and my girls out of this school!”
Tollin the abuser
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 1:28 PM
COMMENT:
As a parent at Baldwin, I can tell the above blogger that teacher's records are not known. Only now has the record been divulged in the papers filed. I have seen them. Monster would be a kind word to describe this teacher. She purposely picked one or two girls each year and humiliated them in front of their peers. And for Christ sake, they are only 7. When her own boss says she is not fit to be in 2nd grade, that is telling. You seem to ignore the facts and focus on how great the teacher was because a few say so. And since when does a teacher have the right to call a parent a drug addict and a drunk. If a teacher did this to me, you can bet I would respond worst than Mrs. Pouls. Maybe one day, someone will hurt your child. I hope not but more importantly, I hope you will respond to protect an innocent child.
The Pouls Requested Tollin
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 1:34 PM
COMMENT:
As a follow up to the comment above, the Pouls specifically requested Tollin to teach their younger daughter. Tollin had taught their older daughter a few years ago. So obviously, the Pouls liked Tollin enough to have her again for their younger daughter. And if that is the case, then why all of a sudden is Tollin being portrayed as an abuser by the Pouls - someone who has a long history of terrorizing children? If Tollin was such an abuser and bad teacher, you’d think that the Pouls would not want their younger daughter in Tollin’s class and you’d think the school would have fired Tollin by now. But the fact is, Tollin is not an abuser and is a terrific teacher, but now all of a sudden is being portrayed as an abusive teacher by the Pouls only b/c the younger Pouls daughter did not like her this year. Ridiculous. For all the hard work Tollin has done for the school, this is just so unfair to her. It is sad for her career to have ended this way.
To: Tollin the Abuser: You are crazy! Tollin has a right to defend herself
Posted by A. | Sep. 29, 2007 at 1:56 PM
COMMENT:
If Tollin was abusive or a monster, then why did Blair Stambaugh renew her contract for 22 years? And, a "few" do not think Tollin was good - the majority obviously did judging by the letters and support sent to the school on her behalf and the amount of parents who support her. How would you as a parent know Tollin’s personnel records? That seems shady. The paper did not reveal them all. And, you know what, a teacher does have the right to ask a parent if she is drunk or on drugs if she is attacked like that. This incident took place on school property, in a classroom, in front of children, parents and teachers!! What kind of mother comes in and screams profanities and threatens a teacher's job in a classroom? How do you support that. Tollin has every right to defend herself and her comment about Pouls being drunk or on drugs is not farfetched – If a parent came into a 2nd grade class and attacked her like that, one might think she was drunk or on drugs – I mean, what reasonable
To Tollin the abuser: You are crazy! Tollin has a right to defend herself
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 2:08 PM
COMMENT:
If Tollin was abusive or a monster, then why did Blair Stambaugh renew her contract for 22 years? And, a "few" do not think Tollin was good - the majority obviously did judging by the letters and support sent to the school on her behalf and the amount of parents who support her. How would you as a parent know Tollin’s personnel records? That seems shady. And, you know what, a teacher does have the right to ask a parent if she is drunk or on drugs if she is attacked like that. Remember, This incident took place on school property, in a classroom, in front of children, parents and teachers!! What kind of mother comes in and screams profanities and threatens a teacher's job in a classroom? How do you support that? Tollin has every right to defend herself and her comment to Pouls about being drunk or on drugs is not farfetched – If a parent came into a 2nd grade class and said that, one might think she was drunk or on drugs – I mean, what reasonable person would do something lik
To Tollin the abuser: You are crazy! Tollin has a right to defend herself (contd..)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 2:16 PM
COMMENT:
(continued)....I mean, what reasonable person would do something like what Mrs. Pouls did? If you support that type of behavior, then you are crazy yourself!
I am a baldwin parent and know tollin well
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 2:24 PM
COMMENT:
My daughter had her and loved her. So did the overwhelming majority of kids and parents in the class. Ironically, so did Mrs. Pouls when her older and apparently more Baldwinesque daugther was in the class. Rembember Pouls specifically requested Tollin for Amanda. Pouls is over the top. Amanda doesn't sound like the typical Baldwin kid, and the Pouls thankfully are not the typical baldwin parents. The handful of pro-poul comments here are probably either from the Pouls or from their paid PR advisors referred to in the article. Sentiment at Baldwin is overwheminlgy anti-Poul. Do you think a school whose parents are primariliy highly educated professionals would tolerate a woman who was admittedly uncouth enough to call a teacher a "fucking bitch," in front of students, no less. Give me a break. It is hard to imagine a more clear case of right vs. wrong. Baldwin should expel the Pouls, give them a partial rebate on their gift, and send them on their merry way to Harriton. No other In
I am a Baldwin Parent and know tollin well (cont)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 2:38 PM
COMMENT:
to conclude, Baldwin should expel the Pouls, give them a partial rebate on their gift, and send them on their merry way to Harriton. No other InterAC school would even look at the kid following the partents disgusting and vulgar conduct.
Pouls not all wrong.......
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 3:40 PM
COMMENT:
Seems to me that the parents that have reacted without knowledge of all facts should be ashamed of themselves. Patsy Tollin's file is in fact a plethora of complaints totaling approximately 35 serious infractions. It is a litany of abuse spanning her entire career. This harsh treatment of children was obviously overlooked or “swept under” by the previous headmaster. The current administration is obviously not tolerating such behavior. Other parents, who have complained over the years, in writing, have no stake in the Pouls matter, only concern for their children. Why not reserve judgment until all of the facts are presented (possibly in court) at which time one may conclude that Mr. and Mrs. Pouls are in fact brave for standing up for themselves and their 7 year old child.
Clearly Tollin Blogging for herself
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 3:49 PM
COMMENT:
I just came from a school party for fourth graders. The person who wrote that the school is anti-Pouls must be Tollin. Everyone was pro-Pouls. We were all treated to the complaints against the teacher. I think the number of complaints was closer to 40. one complaint included assaulting another 7 year old. I have no vested interest in this debate except to say good riddens to this teacher. She doesn't even deserve the title. In conversation at the party it was explained that she promised to retire each year and the school knew she would be a trouble maker. When she didn't retire and as the complaints mounted, she was not offerred a contract. Monster!!
At a 4th grade party?
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 4:04 PM
COMMENT:
I have to laugh at this last comment about Tollin blogging for herself as this person said that at a 4th grade party, “we were all treated to the complaints against the teacher”. First, Are parents getting access to a confidential personnel file/records? Secondly, I find it hard to believe that such complaints were discussed at a kids party. This last post is just too crazy to believe…
Pouls not all wrong.......
Posted by No | Sep. 29, 2007 at 4:24 PM
COMMENT:
Seems to me that the parents that have reacted without knowledge of all facts should be ashamed of themselves. Patsy Tollin's file is in fact a plethora of complaints totaling approximately 35 serious infractions. It is a litany of abuse spanning her entire career. This harsh treatment of children was obviously overlooked or “swept under” by the previous headmaster. The current administration is obviously not tolerating such behavior. Other parents, who have complained over the years, in writing, have no stake in the Pouls matter, only concern for their children. Why not reserve judgment until all of the facts are presented (possibly in court) at which time one may conclude that Mr. and Mrs. Pouls are in fact brave for standing up for themselves and their 7 year old child.
Tollin, Tollin she's our teacher, if she can't do it Paris can!
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 4:35 PM
COMMENT:
I find it absolutely amazing that there is a smidgen of support for the Pouls family. A woman who curses in front of both kids and parents because Tollin did not acknowledge a 7 year old is ludicrous! My husband and I have raised our children to greet adults first and with the utmost respect; what is going on here?! I cannot imagine a 7 year old going home to relay that Mrs. Tollin, a 22 year old veteran and a respectable teacher/adult, didn't say hi to me mommy & daddy?! What the heck is wrong with the picture here?? R-E-S-P-E-C-T is not alive in America........thanks Paris, thanks Britney. Go Baldwin! Give me a break.......
it is not that simple......
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 5:09 PM
COMMENT:
it is much more than "not saying hello" .. it is a person in power taking advantage of a very small person's weakness... when in fact that person should be nurturing
Not saying hello
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 5:34 PM
COMMENT:
You miss the point. If the teacher had punched the child, there would be no question. The fact that she emotionally abused her and then stared her down is horrific behavior. And we are talking about doing all this to a 7 year old who thinks teachers are God-like. Imagine what this little girl suffered at the hands of this bully-always questioning why her God was humiliating her and berating her. And to excuse it by saying "well she couldn't be all that bad to have lasted 20 years," misses the point. Even if she was an angel for 20 years and did this to one child-your child, she should be fired. And the sarcastic comments by those saying the child is spoiled and should get lollipops instead of attending a good school, are laying this at the feet of money. You ought to consider, rich or poor, how you would react if your child was abused. And if you don't have money and think no one would listen to your complaint, then push harder. this is your child we are talking about.
Get Real
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 6:03 PM
COMMENT:
you are going to take the word of a 7 year old girl, that tollin "emotionally abused her and then stared her down" and did not say hello and did not wave to her? c'mon, get real. How do we know the child is not lying? The fact that Tollin was rehired for 22 years is the point - it shows that there were not major problems and that instead, perhaps there are problems with this 7 year old child.
4th Grade Party
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 6:11 PM
COMMENT:
We were at the same 4th grade party. We saw the written complaints too. This women assaulted a child and did so much more to 40 other young girls. How do we know the child isn't lying. I suppose at 7 kids understand how to get someone fired-you must believe that to ask such an absurd question. But the real proof as is that her own boss said she wasn't cut out to be a second grade teacher and said her class was like boot camp. So the child must be lying and her two bosses and the 40 other girls. Tollin should pack her bags and get her miserable butt out of town. I understand the complaints will be published soon. What will you say then-the little girl, her bosses and the 40 other families must all be lying too! I believe like the otherr bloggers that only Tollin herself must be blogging back. She has no support from anyone I know.
Get out of town
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 6:28 PM
COMMENT:
I agree. This poor excuse for a person should move.Leave this poor family and community alone.
Good Bye Teacher
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 6:39 PM
COMMENT:
I say stay in town teacher and face the embarassment you will eventually face when the facts are known.
Funny how the article says only 4 complaints in her first 21 years
Posted by bill | Sep. 29, 2007 at 8:04 PM
COMMENT:
of Tollins career. Thats probably a far cleaner record than any other teacher in the Lower School, especially at a place like Baldwin with supercharged egotistical parents who cant tolerate that little Amanda just might not be on the track for Harvard or didnt get the lead role in the play. I wonder how the 4 has now snowballed into 40. Tollin will be vindicated and the vulgar, mean spirited Pouls will eventually leave Baldwin in disgrace, having already (along with Powell and the foolish lower school head) disgraced Baldwin.
Tollin Supporters are jealous insane mongrals
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 8:48 PM
COMMENT:
The Pouls family has been a highly respected pilar of our community for several years. How were they to know before sending either one of there children to this school that this teacher had a history of abuse. It is assumed with such a great reputation that this school has, that this would be a no brainer. It is the schools responsibility to check and back check the history of there teachers. Obviously this was either dis-regarded our not realized. Abuse is abuse. Plain and simple and if you Tolin supporters really took the time to read the documents, you will clearly see thsi teachers history. Hats off to The Pouls family who choose to use there ways and means to expose this corrupt individual.
Only a moron would call failing to wave back Abuse
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 9:52 PM
COMMENT:
Oh and how would the Pouls know about Tollin and her so called record of abuse. The older sister had her for a year, jerk, and the family specifically requested that Amanda be assigned to Tollin's class. The obvious expalanation is there was no abuse, and the allegations are being carefully orchestrated by the Pouls.
Tollin must go
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:02 PM
COMMENT:
To the above name caller, you must be Tollin's child or her so caleed attorny (corgi). You say the Pouls made up 40 complaints. Not plausible. Did they make up what her two immediate bosses said too? Seems to me that the school's old boss made a mistake and kept renewing her contract. Maybe that's why she is the OLD boss. The Pouls family complained and when the new boss looked at the records and combined this with all the complaints, the teacher's fate was set. Also, the article states that half the complaints were from this year's class. Ship the monster out of town.
4 complaints or even 8 complaints in a period of 22 years is
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:15 PM
COMMENT:
exemplary at a place like baldwin. Clearly she was known as being tough but fair, and her strictiness was long condoned. It was only after Pouls called her a fucking bitch and told her she would get her fired that suddenly this became an issue. Clearly, the strictness issue is a pretext and she was fired because Powell succumbed to the financial pressure exerted by the Pouls. Use your head - Tollins strictness tolerated for 22 years, suddendly becomes a dischargeable offense within weeks after the Pouls threaten to get her fired. Even the village idiot could understand what happened here.
Who is the real moron
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:19 PM
COMMENT:
Seems to me that the teacher could have taken the approach that she was a victim. Instead she comes off as someone judgemental and upset at the way all parents raise their kids today. If not raised to her standards, then shame on you. Seems like a jealous women who for years grew envious of the families she taught. Anyone ever realize it was her job to teach, not to judge. And she took her contempt out on this little girl. I disagree with the articles conclusion that everyone has forgotten about the little girl. Truth is, only the Pouls started talking about their child. The ex-teacher and her lawyer have tried to sensationalize this so as to divert attention from their obvious problem-her record. Let's face it, the school made a mistake by keeping her on so long. But they corrected it and the teacher is so ashamed(and she should be) that she is trying to change the topic. Pack your bags lady.
A Real Mess At Baldwin That Could Have Been Avoided
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 9:48 PM
COMMENT:
All the Baldwin parents I know whose kids had Tollin believe her to be a terrific teacher. The administration of Baldwin has acted shamefully and without integrity. Last Spring, a large number of 2nd grade parents wanted to place a ad page expressing appreciation for Mrs. Tollin in the tribute book for the annual Baldwin fundraising dinner/silent auction. The ad was refused by the school administration. The Pouls are not particularly bad people. They are obviously in a bad situation with their younger daughter. They sincerly believe that Mrs. Tollin belittled their daughter. One can understand (but not excuse)how a parent believing they are protecting their child might act out in the uncouth manner that Mrs. Pouls exhibited. The Pouls had every right to request that their daughter be transfered to another class. It really should have ended there. Where the Pouls have made their mistake is in forcing their view of who is a good teacher on the rest of the Baldwin community.
Baldwin Mess Continued
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:41 PM
COMMENT:
It really should have ended there. Where the Pouls have made their mistake is in forcing their view of who is a good teacher on the rest of the Baldwin community. For that, they will be hated and ridiculed. Eventually, they will leave. Chances are that their younger daughter will not be able to keep up at Baldwin in any event. Baldwin is a tremendously competitive school and many girls find it too difficult and transfer out. It is a shame that Michael pouls did not apply his abundant business judgement to this situation. He started this battle and he and his family (among others) will suffer as a result. However, the lack of backbone and integrity on the part of new Head Of School Sally Powell and the school's Board is the main reason for the mess in which Baldwin finds itself. We had hoped for better from Ms. Powell. Of particular concern is the lack of plain old business judgement on the part of Powell and the Board. They could have made Tollin go away quietly with a send
Baldwin Mess Continued
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:41 PM
COMMENT:
It really should have ended there. Where the Pouls have made their mistake is in forcing their view of who is a good teacher on the rest of the Baldwin community. For that, they will be hated and ridiculed. Eventually, they will leave. Chances are that their younger daughter will not be able to keep up at Baldwin in any event. Baldwin is a tremendously competitive school and many girls find it too difficult and transfer out. It is a shame that Michael pouls did not apply his abundant business judgement to this situation. He started this battle and he and his family (among others) will suffer as a result. However, the lack of backbone and integrity on the part of new Head Of School Sally Powell and the school's Board is the main reason for the mess in which Baldwin finds itself. We had hoped for better from Ms. Powell. Of particular concern is the lack of plain old business judgement on the part of Powell and the Board. They could have made Tollin go away quietly with a send
Baldwin Mess Continued
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:41 PM
COMMENT:
It really should have ended there. Where the Pouls have made their mistake is in forcing their view of who is a good teacher on the rest of the Baldwin community. For that, they will be hated and ridiculed. Eventually, they will leave. Chances are that their younger daughter will not be able to keep up at Baldwin in any event. Baldwin is a tremendously competitive school and many girls find it too difficult and transfer out. It is a shame that Michael pouls did not apply his abundant business judgement to this situation. He started this battle and he and his family (among others) will suffer as a result. However, the lack of backbone and integrity on the part of new Head Of School Sally Powell and the school's Board is the main reason for the mess in which Baldwin finds itself. We had hoped for better from Ms. Powell. Of particular concern is the lack of plain old business judgement on the part of Powell and the Board. They could have made Tollin go away quietly with a send
Baldwin Mess Continued
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:41 PM
COMMENT:
It really should have ended there. Where the Pouls have made their mistake is in forcing their view of who is a good teacher on the rest of the Baldwin community. For that, they will be hated and ridiculed. Eventually, they will leave. Chances are that their younger daughter will not be able to keep up at Baldwin in any event. Baldwin is a tremendously competitive school and many girls find it too difficult and transfer out. It is a shame that Michael pouls did not apply his abundant business judgement to this situation. He started this battle and he and his family (among others) will suffer as a result. However, the lack of backbone and integrity on the part of new Head Of School Sally Powell and the school's Board is the main reason for the mess in which Baldwin finds itself. We had hoped for better from Ms. Powell. Of particular concern is the lack of plain old business judgement on the part of Powell and the Board. They could have made Tollin go away quietly with a send o
Badwin Mess Continued
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:48 PM
COMMENT:
They could have made Tollin go away quietly with a send off appropriate for a well-loved teacher with 22 year's tenure. Happens all the time. Instead they decided to try to crush her. So now she is fighting back to the detriment of the school. Powell should resign, if for no other reason, than her poor judgement in handling this matter
I'm Jewish
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:40 PM
COMMENT:
I am proud to say I am a main line jew. The corgi for a lawyer wants to teach all jews a lesson. He is an insult to my religion. And how credible is he? He raised the ransom because he heard a "rumor" about what the Pouls spend their money on. Good lawyers don't react to rumors. I rather think he unintenionally gave the family a compliment-they are self made. And they weren't loud. Their neighbors said they were strange because they had loud possessions but were quiet. Tollin should get a new lawyer. Better yet she should throw in the towel before she is humiliated like she humiliated so many other poor little girls. To think that someone like her is aloud in our schools is troubling. I agree with above-pack your bags lady and bring your Jewish lawyer with you.
Baldwin mess Continued
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 10:53 PM
COMMENT:
Powell should resign, if for no other reason, than her poor judgement in handling this matter
Response to Baldwin Mess
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 29, 2007 at 11:01 PM
COMMENT:
I don't know what circles you travel in, but no one I know supports the teacher. And your views that the Pouls made a mistake by trying to force their views about Tollin on Baldwin is not correct. They complained privately about the teacher. The teacher made this public. The Pouls did not create the perception that the teacher was a monster. That is all over the main line. And now her file has been exposed proving that she is what she is. Certainly she must have had some good situations over the years and that is where her support comes from. But if someone is a murderer their a murdere even if they have 50 people who say they were nice. The few supporters she has doesn't erase the pain she has caused these little girls.
Contempt
Posted by sandy | Sep. 30, 2007 at 12:09 AM
COMMENT:
It shows me the true colors of this educator when she says she wants to "hurt" everyone including that poor little girl. This is not what educators say. She is a vindictive women who will be humiliated. I also hardly think a fine family likes the Pouls family will embarrassed out of town. I imagine that with all the support they have in the community, they will let their actions speak for themselves. They are brave to expose this child bully.
See Baldwin 2006-2007 Yearbook Dedication Page to Mrs. Tollin
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 1:58 AM
COMMENT:
An entire page dedicated to her - the above comments about her assaulting a child and worse to other girls are vicious and just not true. Mrs. Tollin is adored, as is evidenced on this dedication page. Someone who is a bad teacher would not get this type of honor and dedication. It states: We love Mrs. Tollin. Throughout your 23 years at Baldwin, you have been not only a teacher, but a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration. Your devotion to your students and to the community have impacted us all. You will be greatly missed!
A few can't change the truth
Posted by scott | Sep. 30, 2007 at 5:03 AM
COMMENT:
As someone wrote earlier, just because you have a few friends doesn't mean you are adored. You should read these blogs. The few that love her are obviously writing kind blogs. The many she hurt are revealing the truth about her. Don't confuse a few nice comments for the truth. What did the article say? Tollin initiated a "public relations campaign" on her own behalf to obtain letters of positive feedback. If you are such a great teacher, you don't initiate your own PR. The letters would come in automatically without any help. I bet it will come out that all the positive letters were written after she was not rehired whereas all the written complaints, over 35 I heard, were before she was not renewed. That right there speaks volumes to her poor character.
Teach the teacher
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 5:23 AM
COMMENT:
The teacher needs to be taught that she can not pick on 7 year olds. That is what is wrong with our world. To use humiliation and berating and contempt toward some to teach them math,would create anger and bewilderment for any of us-especially a young child. If you had a good experience with her, then you are blessed. But it doesn't change the hurt and pain she caused for others. Stop trying to force feed the concept that she was a good teacher. Let's just admit that she was good to some but bad to some too. If your child was in the bad category you would dislike her and if in the good, you might like her. Being good to some (those that would take out an adv) for her doesn't change that she was a bad teacher. A good teacher is not known for using humiliation and torment to teach. In fact, teachers are needed more for those that are just learning math and struggling with reading. Her own boss said she was not nurturing enough for second grade and it was like boot camp. What mo
Teach the Teacher(continued)
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 5:32 AM
COMMENT:
what more do we need to realize she was no good. The school administrators are truly the only ones that know her record and her direct boss plus the lower school assistant have very negative things to say about her. And if you read the article, it says these comments were derived from documents obtained by the magazine which will eventually be filed. Some of these documents are circulating now and they are riveting. They clearly show the problems the school and parents had with this women. Why she wasn't fired years ago is not known. Rumor has it that she kept promising to retire and the school thought it best to allow her to do that rather than face a potential ugly situation. The new head mistress cleaned house like any new CEO does when they take over a company. She deserved what she got. She has made a spectacle of herself.
Teacher is no good
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 8:03 AM
COMMENT:
This teacher is no good and is hurting the fine school's reputation. I am glad I have boys.
Touchy Feely Parents
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 8:03 AM
COMMENT:
I thought, our sorry national education performance came from unshaven feminist indoctrinated teachers, Democrat Party pandering, cowardly administrators, and vicious, rent seeking, weasel lawyers mercilessly attacking our schools. These comments show another cause, a loud, pushy core of deluded entitled parents. They see education as a customer service experience at Nordstrom's. It is the toughest challenge to transform oneself, but with the highest payoff imaginable to the person and to the nation. Baldwin has always been the place where girls learn, it's far harder, but they are far more capable. The outcome of this sick, entitled, catering, school-as-customer-service trend is on display elsewhere. See the performance of the Philly schools.
what kind of teacher is this?
Posted by Jennifer | Sep. 30, 2007 at 10:30 AM
COMMENT:
I have been a teacher for 10 years and am now an administrator at a school. I remember being humiliated by my first grade teacher. All the other students loved her-she was nice to them and mean to me, so no one believed me when I spoke of her meanness towards me. She would put me down quietly.The last day of school she gave a kiss and hug to everyone, but when I went up to her, I gave her a kiss, and she turned away and I got the side of her ear.I will never forget this.Teachers can affect people for the rest of their lives.Affecting and humiliating one innocent child is enough to demonstrate that this person should not be allowed in the classroom.It is simply the most important job to teach young children and humiliation and anger do not belong in a classroom.It is awful that this woman is using the fact that the Poulses have money as an excuse.I commend the Poulses for standing up for their daughter, as they are teaching her the most valuable lesson-to love yourself enough to say
con't from above
Posted by Jennifer | Sep. 30, 2007 at 10:45 AM
COMMENT:
(con't from above)as they are teaching her the most valuable lesson-to love yourself enough to say stop.I commend Michael Pouls for being active in his child's life.So many men are absent fathers,and his involvement shows the beauty of true care.This teacher should never be allowed in a classroom again to affect another child.In addition,if this woman cares about children,she never would have tried to create a press issue out of this,as she can continue to hurt these children,and all the children of this school by doing so.Mrs. Tollin-take a look in the mirror and face yourself.
again-cont
Posted by Jennifer | Sep. 30, 2007 at 10:50 AM
COMMENT:
...if this woman really cares about children,she would never speak of this to the media-knowing that she is continuing to hurt all the children of that school by doing so.She needs to take a hard look in the mirrow and face herself.
lawyer and attorney........ perfect together
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 11:02 AM
COMMENT:
It's always about money and in this case an attorney trying to make a name for himself. Patricia, what about the children?
Finally the truth comes out
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 11:21 AM
COMMENT:
It is about time the truth was told about this teacher. The Doctor who keeps writing emails in support of her, needs a doctor. Wasn't it the pedophiles who pretended to be priests that were finally exposed after 30 years. This doctor wants to lay the teachers issues at the feet of this family or spoiled kids. Wealthy families and spoiled children are separate topics from an abusive teacher. Just because you are wealthy or if you are spoiled does not give a teacher the right ti humiliate and embarrass children-Doc. Maybe you should go give a lecture in front of a room of your peers and at the end while you are still up on stage, the keynote speaker should embarrass you in front of everyone for your ideas. And then when you ask the keynote speaker why he/she embarrassed you, you will hear, "because I want you to learn to do better." Then Doc we you will understand how this little girl felt.
Curb your enthusiasm
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 11:09 AM
COMMENT:
To the teacher above, I spent almost a year with the Pouls, and Mr Pouls was never there. His way of parenting was to spoil his children with gifts. They themselves were obsessed with diet and exercise and the children were taught the same bad habits; don't eat or you will be fat. For Mrs. pouls to have the teacher moniter her childs weight, just another way of teaching her that it's not good to be anything but thin. This 7 year old used to tell me that I was fired! Mr Pouls, when he was there, was always insulting, making unkind comments. Not nice, not nice at all. The money isn't even the issue, the issue is knowing right from wrong and to know that your own chiold may be wrong and when to just be quiet!!!
That Has Happened to Me Many Times
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 11:41 AM
COMMENT:
From pre-school to large audience professional lectures, I have been praised and attacked for my points. One guess. Which experience taught me more? One guess. Also start posting names. No one is going to retaliate here. We may then address each other. This is not Baldwin where one has to watch one's words for fear of losing one's job.
Curb your enthusiasm
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 11:53 AM
COMMENT:
From the sounds of you, it sounds like Mr Pouls was right to get rid of you. You want to turn this into whether or not the Pouls were good people. That is not the issue. You must be Tollin as you are trying to divert attention from the real issue-the teacher, not the Pouls. I happen to know them. They are kind people who donated millions to a school. The teacher on the other hand abused children. Focus on that and not your jealousy for the Pouls. Stop diverting from the issue Tollin.
who is Really Watching? All the Other Teachers in our Region
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 12:12 PM
COMMENT:
They await the answer to this question. Is school a pleasant Nordstrom customer service experience? Is it a hard work, challenging, sometimes painful pilgrimmage of personal transformation into productive citizenship? Most of the ditwads here are getting the answer completely wrong. Why? Their clueless hippie parents have a delusion about the nature of the world and infected them with it.
who is Really Watching? All the Other Teachers in our Region
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 12:12 PM
COMMENT:
They await the answer to this question. Is school a pleasant Nordstrom customer service experience? Is it a hard work, challenging, sometimes painful pilgrimmage of personal transformation into productive citizenship? Most of the ditwads here are getting the answer completely wrong. Why? Their clueless hippie parents have a delusion about the nature of the world and infected them with it.
who is Really Watching? All the Other Teachers in our Region
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 12:12 PM
COMMENT:
They await the answer to this question. Is school a pleasant Nordstrom customer service experience? Is it a hard work, challenging, sometimes painful pilgrimmage of personal transformation into productive citizenship? Most of the ditwads here are getting the answer completely wrong. Why? Their clueless hippie parents have a delusion about the nature of the world and infected them with it.
What kind of Doctor are you?
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 2:44 PM
COMMENT:
Doctor? How can you take one issue at one school and extrapolate it to all schools. If you were supporting priests and the churches, you would be eating your words. Pedophiles harmed our kids in these churches for more than 30 years. And they got away with it for a while-but not forever. How come you don't answer the question an earlier blogger asked you. At your ripe age, would you like it if you had given a speech and the keynote speaker embarrassed you and laughed at you in front of your audience of peers? Would you call this treatment "transforming" or "humiliating. This poor child, 1/10th your age had to face that embarrassment in her "pilgrimmage." Is that right? If you keep blogging, readers might think you are a "quack."
Dr Behar
Posted by marla | Sep. 30, 2007 at 2:50 PM
COMMENT:
Ok now you know my name. It is strange that you think it is positive to humiliate a 7 year old, just so she can learn. As the teacher above wrote, school for all, but especially the very young, needs to be nurturing. In fact her own boss, according to the article, says she was not nurturing enough to be a second grade teacher. For your position to be valid, please tell me why 2nd grade humiliation is good for kids. And if it is, at what grade should humiliation begin. Should it start in 1st grade? kindergarten? preschool? when they are infants? Share with us why humiliation is good and when it should start. I know you think it is positive for you and your lectures. Tell us when you are giving a lecture so we can attend and try out your theories.
Tollin was a beloved, highly respected teacher
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 3:01 PM
COMMENT:
All of these blogs comparing Tollin to a child abuser, pedophile, assaulting kids? Are you serious? That is ridiculous. People are making this stuff up. Tollin would not have lasted this long at Baldwin if she were any of those things. Baldwin does teacher evaluations and the teacher also has to report to a lower school head, a head of school, and a board --- all of whom monitor her performance closely. Do you think all of these people just outright missed signals for 22 years and would just rehire Tollin for the hell of it? She was a beloved, highly respected teacher, that is why she was rehired.
20 years does not mean you are good......
Posted by xxx | Sep. 30, 2007 at 3:49 PM
COMMENT:
The priest analogy is right on point in response to the above post... just because an employee / teacher / priest / rabbi etc.. is able to "keep their job" for a protracted amount of time does not automaticly mean that they are doing the right thing.....again the catholic priest system proved that people cover for their own time and time again...... Baldwin protected and hid this angry tyrant !
PLEASE
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 3:20 PM
COMMENT:
If Stambaugh and Vasys had done their jobs over the past decade the school would not be faced with this horrible press and ebarrassment.For many years Tollins was told to stop yelling and treating her girls unkindly and harshly. Amanda was not placed in Tollin's class originally, tollin found out and made certain she was one of her students. Tollin always played up to the wealthy parents wanting to be part of their group. She talked way too much to them about all of her students.
Tollin was beloved????
Posted by scott | Sep. 30, 2007 at 4:00 PM
COMMENT:
Not according to her two direct bosses. The ones you refer to state in the article that she was not fit to be a second grade teacher and that 2nd grade was like boot camp. this is no endorsement. She hung on just like the pedophiles who posed as priests.
Customer Service Demanding, Feel Only Good, Entitled Parents Cause the Appalling Performance of American Students
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 4:35 PM
COMMENT:
How is priest child abuse relevant to the subject of quality of education and this case? These comments ramble. I do not believe Korean kids are biologically superior to our American children, nor Japanese, nor any of the children in the other two dozen nations. They clean our clocks on school performance at a quarter of the outrageous education cost extorted by our government at the point of a gun. What about top of the line Baldwin? Quite mediocre and average in performance compared to slum schools in those nations. Our best students stink compared to their average students. Why? The appalling beliefs of the education crippling parents around here. It is not the kids that stink. It is this ilk of parent, now in the majority in our town. Here is the Korean way. The neighbors deal with sickening, anti-learning, anti-discipline parents. With rocks. click here
Dr Behar rambling
Posted by marla | Sep. 30, 2007 at 5:34 PM
COMMENT:
Talk about rambling. Chinese, Korean, Japanese, who cares? Is it worth a child growing up with emotional problems so our economy can financially beat these other countries. Just because they choose to humiliate their kids is no reason to do it. How come you won't answer my question. At what age should humiliation start? 1st, 2nd, infancy? You tell us we are eager. And if I understand you, this humiliation will lead to a higher GDP. Just what we want. We all want successful kids and most of us get them via the 1,000's of wonderful teachers in this country. This teacher is not one of the 1,000's of great teachers. If she gets kids to learn through humiliation I don't want to be a part of that. And We all hope you will finish this debate by answering the questions you avoid.
World Standard Performance, Low Esteem. Appalling Failure, High Self-Esteem.
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 7:01 PM
COMMENT:
Marla: Playtime? Gone in first grade, around the world. Not here, thanks to entitled, bullying parents. Slum schools around the world have their kids two years ahead of ours. Why any parent wants their child intentionally deprived of a decent elementary education, and at four times the cost, you have to explain. Worst of all, our kids get the misleading impression, things are easy, misled by teachers bullied by Nordstrom customer service parents. Top performing, Korean kids feel their math ability is poor. Horribly performing American kids have every confidence in their math ability, when they have the worst ability in the developed world. Most kids want to please parents and teachers. A small minority need firmness. Teachers should have the widest latitude to reach the high goals we should be setting, and then have our support. In the case of the Pouls, a controlled experiment took place. Their older daughter did well. They requested Tollin by name for their younger daughter. Toll
To Dr Behar
Posted by Marla | Sep. 30, 2007 at 7:34 PM
COMMENT:
Why don't you answer the simple question-when should humiliation as a teaching method begin-1st grade,2nd,kindergarten infancy. You are coming up small by avoiding this. The whole area awaits your answer. As for your experiment between the two Pouls children, it is well know that if a child is ahead of the academic curve, Tollin is kind to them. But those poor "bastard" children who really need their help get to be tormented and humiliated until they learn their math facts. It is obvious you are an uncaring parent and would make a terrible educator. I bet you think we should return to the days of slapping kids in class as they used to do in the catholic schools, as you probably do today when your kids mis-behave.
Dr Behar: Are you Tollin's Therapist?
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 7:41 PM
COMMENT:
I second the opinion. You are such a quack. Answer the question if you have any dignity.
Emotional Problems Around the World
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 7:27 PM
COMMENT:
These better performing kids around the world, are also better emotionally adjusted than ours. They have far fewer serious, crippling, emotional problems than the Nordstrom customer service crippled children we are raising.
Dr Behar
Posted by Marla | Sep. 30, 2007 at 7:57 PM
COMMENT:
Now you sound anti-American. Are you blogging from your beloved Korea? And how are you such an expert on the emotional problems, or lack there of, of the people of Korea? Many people are so beaten down that they are afraid to speak. You call that healthy. Go check out the many articles written about the positive effect on children of parent involvement. Also, still avoiding the question??? You have totally embarrassed yourself by skipping the question posed to you a dozen times. You have no answer because your assersion may work for an older kid ( although I would disagree too), but it doesn't work for a 7 year old. And you know it and so do all of us.
Marla, You Really Hurt My Self-Esteem with Your Harsh Language
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 7:57 PM
COMMENT:
A few undisputed facts of international education frustrate you, and you take a Tollin-style approach with me, after a couple of minutes. I am so upset and discouraged from learning from you. If you want to enlighten someone like me, show us what you would do in second grade class. Teach by example.
Asked and Answered, Several Times
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 8:06 PM
COMMENT:
Marla: The answer is by individual need. Some kids need more support to succeed. Some kids need caning in front of school assembly. Some kids need medication. None needs Nordstrom customer service, crippling, misleading indulgence of poor performance for money for a school building. Our teachers need to have the widest latitude restored, and overly entitled parents stifled by education quality restoration statutes.
Dr Behar-The truth Finally comes out
Posted by Marla | Sep. 30, 2007 at 9:06 PM
COMMENT:
You finally answered part of the question-sort of. Nowhere in your answer did I hear you use the term humiliation. Good for you. You obviously realize that there is no place for humiliation in the class-especially to a 7 year old. Since this child was humiliated and made fun of by her teacher, than the parents had every right to complain. Just because they have money or donated money doesn't handi-cap them and prevent them from making a complaint. Your failure to recognize this leads you to blame the teachers non contract renewal on their money. Her own boss said she was not fit to be a second grade teacher. She called it boot camp. In this situation the family was correct. And what educator takes her case public and harms kids(the ones she loves). Also, when should humiliation start-1st grade, infancy? We still wait.
Dr Behar go back to Korea
Posted by Anonymous | Sep. 30, 2007 at 9:18 PM
COMMENT:
To the Doctor,I wonder what kind of doctor you are. It is well known that Tollin tormented children. Maybe she was a good teacher years ago or maybe her sick husband caused her to have a few bad years. But it doesn't matter. All of us want our kids to grow and advance...but not at the expense of their security in themselves. At age 7, kids are still forming. Some are more mature than others. As these kids form, they need to be nurtured not abused. The abuse scars for life as a teacher wrote much earlier. In fact the reporter of the article wrote that Tollin had an oversized contempt for this little girl and her parents money. She took it out on her. Why? Why? Why? And why are you defending her. You are the only supporter as far as I can tell.
Humiliation
Posted by David | Sep. 30, 2007 at 11:05 PM
COMMENT:
Marla and Anonymous: You show no hesitation in trying to humiliate anyone who disagrees. I do not expect you to see that hypocrisy, nor your self-rebuttal by personal remarks. Shaming is a tool to raise children, among many, ranging from support, to corporal punishment, to changes in brain chemistry by medications. Your exclusion of shaming, first understood at age 3, leads to brattiness. I defend the freedom of teachers to do their jobs, including the application of corporal punishment, from the attacks by the lawyers, and brat enabling parents. The state of our schools, and the poor achievement of even our best students is the wage of the Nordstrom customer service doctrine now in force. I would like to find the legal tools, to file intervening countersuits, with class declarations, against the vicious adversaries of our schools: the selfish, entitled parents, seeking to destroy the effectiveness of our schools; the pro-lawyer biased judges as individuals, seeking compensatio
Manipulation
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:29 AM
COMMENT:
If I were a 7 year old girl and had been traumatized by an abusive teacher, I would not wave to her, I would avoid her as much as possible. If, however, two weeks after being placed in a new classroom, I realized I was no longer getting the attention I craved from my parents, I would start making up stories again. Mrs. Tollin is a fine teacher and sadly has been used by a little girl desperate for her parents attention (not gifts, money, etc.)
Prospective
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:43 AM
COMMENT:
Who is bad? I have no idea. However, the school had control here and they did a very poor job. If the teacher needed to go, it should have been done quietly and with dignity. Ruining her reputation and dragging a 7 year old into the fray to do it....Shame
Dr Behar Believes Shame and Corporal punishment
Posted by Marla | Oct. 1, 2007 at 6:13 AM
COMMENT:
So now we know the truth Doctor. Thank you. It took 24 hours for you to be honest and I am gkad you finally were. You support the teacher because, as per you, no matter what device she needs to use, you want her to have the full range-incloding corporal punishment, shame, humiliation. The debate can finally end. We now know where you stand and why you support a teacher who used such techniques to teach her class and this poor young girl. Incredible, antiquated views that I disagree with.
The poor Child...Not poor teacher
Posted by john | Oct. 1, 2007 at 6:19 AM
COMMENT:
Let\'s remember that the teacher had a press release and brought this matter to the public, harming her reputation and hurting all the girls at this school. Shame on an educator to hurt the ones she supposedly loves. She brought this on herself. She could have sued privately but according to the article, she told people,\" my son knows someone at Philly Mag. and he will get me publicity.\" Sounds like the type of teacher i want teaching my kids. Not!
A Therapists perspective
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 6:24 AM
COMMENT:
It is not uncommon for an abused child or anyone for that matter to seek the love and acceptance of those abusive to them. The fact that this little girl waved to the teacher proves she wanted the teacher to like her, like all chilgren do of a teacher. It must have been traumatic for her to not understand why this women was picking on her. Tollin\'s own boss says she was not fit to be a 2nd grade teacher. that is all I know to tell me it was the teachers fault. We can discount everything everyone else says. Some had good experiences and some bad. But when her on supervisor refers to her class as 2nd grade boot camp, tell me know more. I support the family and think they did the school a world of good.
Bad Teacher
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 7:28 AM
COMMENT:
This story reminds me of the priests and the churches. These priests were really hurting kids and their bosses did nothing about it. It is a shame this poor little girl and this poor family have to go through this just to protect their child. I think they deserve a huge apology.
Funny
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 7:23 AM
COMMENT:
It is funny that in his effort to support Tollin, this David Behar fellow is coming across as so odd and extreme that he makes a better argument for why the teacher is wrong than the Pouls do! Korea and feminists? I wish he would stop, it is embarassing. He hasn\'t mentioned if his own children still talk to him. I wouldn\'t. The Pouls family can sleep at night knowing that years from now, their daughter will know that they didn\'t care about the consequences of putting put her first.
To the mad doctor
Posted by Angus | Oct. 1, 2007 at 7:30 AM
COMMENT:
It is the Democratic Party...or if you like a party of Democrats...not the democrat party. Your rush limbaugh is showing
The Big Picture
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 8:01 AM
COMMENT:
The big picture is the new administration of Baldwin is clueless of the excellent traditions at Baldwin in creating empowered women. They have abandoned the tradition of academic excellence to become a wannabe athletic school. The head of the school has no clarity of direction, and the head of the upper school can only treat the girls like delinquent idiots, without the respect that they deserve as some of the smartest, and most self motivated girls in the tri-state area. My daughter has gone there her entire career, and loved every minute of it, until Blair left. Now she can\'t wait to get out. And that sentiment is shared by everyone she knows. This current situation is just a symptom of the bigger picture. And the board of directors, who knows what they are up to?
Board of Directors
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 9:07 AM
COMMENT:
Mr. Pouls is on the Board of Directors.
The Big Picture
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 9:14 AM
COMMENT:
As the writer of the listing ‘The Big Picture’, it should have read ‘couldn’t wait’, as my daughter graduated last year, and is now in her first year at an excellent school, which Baldwin allowed her to get into. The traditions of academic excellence that allowed her to get into the university she is in should continue, without a refocus or change in those traditions. This is what has made Baldwin great, and will continue to make it great.
Sally Powell is what the school needed
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 10:43 AM
COMMENT:
Sally Powell is allowing Baldwin to enter the 21st Century. Cleaning house and getting rid of tyrants is exactly what this school needed. There are so many other wonderful things she is planning. Great job-Baldwin. Thanks to the new head of school for showing the courage to do what those before her wouldn't do-improve the school by doing away with monster teachers.
Not an Educator
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 10:46 AM
COMMENT:
This teacher has shown her true colors by taking this matter public. This tells me she could care less about her kids. She only cares about herself. And her boss called it "boot camp." Seems like Tollin and her lawyer are upset this family has money. Wkae up people. They donated a fair amount of it to help build a building that your kids will enjoy. When your kids laugh and have fun in this new building, remember that someone else may have paid for it. Don't be envious of that, relish in it. The teacher got what she deserved.
Get Rid of Tollin
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 12:26 PM
COMMENT:
Hurray for the school. They did the right thing. That poor little girl.
Scuttle-butt
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 2:33 PM
COMMENT:
Mood on the Baldwin campus is great. the school realizes what type of tyrant they had. Everyone in the community is pulling together to help this brave family. The courage of the school is fabulous. Have you seen the written complaints. Someone obviously swept all this under the rug. She should have been fired long ago.
If you can't take the heat....
Posted by Ashley | Oct. 1, 2007 at 2:56 PM
COMMENT:
If you want your child's hand held through every step of their education, send them to a different school. Baldwin prepared me for the real world, thanks to many teachers like Mrs. Tollin. Strong, intelligent women are not born of love and naptime - even in second grade.
The 35 complaints being circulated, if they exist, were doubtless
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 3:09 PM
COMMENT:
created after the fact by the Pouls, either directly or at the behest of their PR machine or lawyer. This is such a joke. Poor Amanda is abused because her former teacher supposedly failed to reciprocate when Amanda waved at her in the Hall? Would you have reciprocated if you were tollin, whose life was made miserable by her and her malignant parents? Of course not - like her parents, amanda is out of control and self absorbed. I would strongly suspect she is not Baldwin caliber academically. The truth will come out at the trial. The Pouls blog writing and complaint writing PR firm will not be able to fool 12 sensible jurors, who will see how disgusting the family is and will stick it to them for Mrs Pouls calling a respected teacher a fucking bitch in front of others and for Mr. Pouls incredibly dumb email which memorialized the abusive, humiliating arrangement he had negotiated with Powell regarding Tollin. There is no way out of that one, Pouls. Have your fun today. on the blogs
Tollin At It Again
Posted by Maria | Oct. 1, 2007 at 3:37 PM
COMMENT:
The above blog sounds like Tollin is at it again. So much anger. That kind of anger can only be from Tollin herself. She has shown us the kind of anger she has. Here are the facts as reported by Philly Mag. 1. Teacher has history of major complaints swept under carpet. 2. Complaints number 40 or so and include assault, humiliation, berating and general abuse. 3. Tollin commits same acts on last years class and is confronted by new head of school. 4. Tollin tells all parents she has a dumb class-just what a teacher ought to do. 5. Pouls family asks for it to stop. 6. Tollin continues abuse. 7. Pouls comes in to talk to teacher and is called a drug addict-exactly what teachers should do. 8. Tollin's contract not renewed. 9. Tollin loves kids so much that she takes her cas to press. 10. Tollin says in article she wants to hurt everyone. 11. Tollin's boss calls her class Boot camp and claims she is unfit. 12. Sounds to me that Tollin should get out of town before her 40 complaints are
Bad Teacher
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 3:46 PM
COMMENT:
To the child who had a good experience with Tollin, you are a lucky one. No doubt you were one of her favorites who by second grade did not tax her patience. There are many just as good teachers who leave the humiliation for those not as fortunate as you out of the classroom. If she punched this little girl in the mouth and gave her a black eye, you would be able to see the results of her methods. But humiliation to a seven year old is not acceptable-even if she was a good teacher to some. She should be banned from teaching anywhere. I bet the catholic priests that were pedophiles had students that loved them too. That doesn't change what they did to some unfortunate kids.
I want Tollin shamed in public
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 3:56 PM
COMMENT:
Tollin is exactly the kind of teacher I want to teach my kid. Her and Dr Behar-the doctor who started out supporting her and then revealed to us all that shame, humiliation and corporal punishment should be used by teachers. Whatever it takes. This is exactly what I don't want for my child. This type of abuse creates angry adults who do to their spouses and kids what they learned. If you are brow beaten, you become a brow beater. Send the teacher packing.
I support the family
Posted by jay | Oct. 1, 2007 at 4:03 PM
COMMENT:
I give the family my vote. This type of teacher, no, human being does not belong in our society. Thank goodness she is gone.
Education Performance Is a Leading Indicator of Economic Performance
Posted by David | Oct. 1, 2007 at 4:22 PM
COMMENT:
The ungrammatical, blithering messages prove the point of educational deprivation. Females here, definitely not out of Baldwin, cannot formulate and express a coherent argument. They fall back on the personal remark in frustration. The doctrine of "Education is a Nordstrom Shopping Customer Service Experience" causes this failure of basic English composition. Unfortunately, it also reliably predicts the future of our economy. The quality of the Baldwin education is openly on display. See it clearly in the supportive postings by students and alumnae.
To Ms. Marla Sinclair
Posted by C | Oct. 1, 2007 at 4:39 PM
COMMENT:
Marla, is that your real name? Where, may I ask, are you from? I do not live on the Mainline, just over the 'boarder' in Delaware County. I am assuming you live on the Mainline by your attitude—the fights more for ego than to consider or even listen to what someone else has to say. I can appreciate you are very upset about this matter. I can appreciate you have much invested (seemingly) in this matter. I feel sorry for anyone involved in this 'debate' (if you can call it that more like mud-slinging) who is actually using their brain and heart in the matter, rather than their ego. Marla, you say you advocate being kinder to children but yet you spent your whole day on the computer ignoring yours. At least Dr. Behar's kids are grown and he has the time to spend. Where are your children? At the supposed "4th grade party" that is totally made up? Marla, I know it is hard for you to think about the idea of what you call abuse. I can see you have strong opinions. Why don't you focus on quali
To Ms. Marla Sinclair (continued)
Posted by C | Oct. 1, 2007 at 4:52 PM
COMMENT:
Why don't you focus on quality time with your children? I am not understanding why you are so invested in this issue if you have little ones running around to take care of? Maybe you're neglecting them. Some would call that abuse.
Who Is Using MY NAME???
Posted by Maria | Oct. 1, 2007 at 4:03 PM
COMMENT:
I'd like to know who is logging on here using MY name? I was alerted to this article by a co-worker who saw my name used. I am from Cherry Hill and had not heard of this until now. I took the liberty of reading the article, and though I don't like my town's name badly used, I have to say these Pouls people put Cherry Hill to shame. And whoever is out there using my name for their PR cover-up better stop.
To the FAKE "Maria Lambert"
Posted by Maria | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:01 PM
COMMENT:
I would like to officially state my opinion as the REAL Maria Lambert. 1. The teacher was rehired for 22 years. 2. The Pouls 1st daughter loved her. 3. Suddenly the Pouls 2nd daughter has an issue. 4. Amanda is put in another class. 5. Mr. Pouls says "fucking bitch" in front of the lower school. 6. Baldwin takes money from the Pouls family and suddenly claims they were mistaken about re-hiring 22 years from Tollin. Baldwin, what is your problem?
I am the real Marla Lambert
Posted by Marla | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:10 PM
COMMENT:
To the fake Marla Lambert, you obviously have a problem. My name is who I am. I guess it is coincidence that we have the same name. You must examine your motives. Tollin abused children. Everyone except you has seen the list of complaints-including me. She assaulted a kid. A seven year old. Share with us your fax or email so one of the people who has the complaints can get it to you. You sound like Tollin. Are you?
Doctor Doctor Doctor
Posted by Marla | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:18 PM
COMMENT:
Your opinion on this blog is not even worth another reply. You believe in shame and corporal punishment. No wonder you support the tyrant teacher.
Building Character
Posted by Lindsay | Oct. 1, 2007 at 4:52 PM
COMMENT:
I was “abused” by my 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Melius. Every year her class did the Maypole dance. This teacher liked to advocate the kids who were picked on in class. I admit, I used to pick on them. I was one of the prettiest and my parents were on Parent-Advisory. I had a big EGO. My dad was a CEO. I had a lot of power for a 7-year-old. Time came for the Maypole dance and Mrs. Melius chose the ugliest, dumbest girl to be the “queen” of the dance. She chose the cutest boy to be the “king.” Of course the cutest boy was “cool” and he was grossed out by the “queen.” Mrs. Melius thought she was making things fair and right by what she did, but what she didn’t see was when we all made fun of that girl more because of how ironic it was that she was “queen.” And the “king” made faces at her when he had to dance with her. (contd. below)
(contd.) Building Character
Posted by Lindsay | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:33 PM
COMMENT:
(contd.) My point is, this teacher tried to play God by advocating the picked on kids. But the kids were picked on in the first place because they needed to develop more. It’s natural selection. And when I was assigned the part of the whining loser who was left out in this stupid Maypole dance I was humiliated. But it wasn’t really abuse. I’d have called it that at 7 years old, and now I see it gave me character. I needed to get over myself and my ego. If Mrs. Melius had made me the “queen” I’d have had a much worse ego problem. I needed to learn to take a back seat. I needed to learn life is not all lollipops and naptime. Learning character is usually painful. It’s not “fun” that’s why it gives us CHARACTER. Who are these morons who seem to forget that? Yes Mrs. Melius was “mean” in the words of a 7-year-old, but it didn’t make her a bad teacher. I learned a lot more from her than I would from lollipos and naptime.
Wait, "MARLA" Lambert? You first put "Maria" ????
Posted by Maria (not "Marla") | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:10 PM
COMMENT:
Ha ha ha! Marla or Maria? Sinclair or Lambert? Where are you getting these names? Hello REAL PEOPLE have these names! It's not funny to impersonate real people, what next digging up dead voters? It's the Pouls PR at work. Geeze you're going to get fired, by Amanda! Ha ha! You can't even get the fake name straight. You used MY NAME, "Maria Lambert" and then your other alias must be "Marla Sinclair" because you then mixed both up and said you were "Marla Lambert" ha ha ha! What a moron! Go back to work in advertising. Geico needs a new ad campaign now that the cavemen are on TV. Just keep your names straight this time. Ha ha ha! You gave me a good laugh. -- You don't have any issue to root for with the Pouls so you try to mudsling and divert people instead. If there were any real complaints they would not be broadcast as a ready fax like it's a take-out menu to fax all over town.
My teacher abused me
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:43 PM
COMMENT:
My teacher made fun of me when I didn't get my math facts straight. She not only made fun of me, she did it in front of the whole class. This never helped me to learn facts. In fact, I have hated math ever since. Teachers like this should not be allowed to teach our kids.
Second Grade Boot Camp
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:48 PM
COMMENT:
When the head of the school refers to Tollin's class as second grade boot camp, I must admit, I am convinced. This highly respected school is taking a stand against this tyrant.
40 FAKE Complaints
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:33 PM
COMMENT:
Why don't they publish the 40 complaints? If they have them to fax out to people, why don't they publish them? Why don't they post them here? Use REAL names too.
Why doesn't Baldwin give the money back?
Posted by Concerned | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:53 PM
COMMENT:
I simplified this article and asked my second grader what she thought. She asks "Why doesn't Baldwin give the money back?"
Self Conducted PR Campaign
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:53 PM
COMMENT:
Just reading through these blogs and trying to sort fact from fiction. In the article the reporter writes that Tollin engineered a PR campaign to get letters of support. Furthermore, she was quoted as saying she wanted PR and her son would get a story in Philly Mag. Clearlt, it is Tollin who is spinning the PR. In fact, I heard she held a press conference aftre filing her suit. What more needs to be said????
We all had "mean" teachers. Did we get them fired?
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:53 PM
COMMENT:
We all had mean teachers. We survive. It's not the end of the world. You're not going to get along with everyone in life. That's a good lesson to learn young. You make do, you adapt. You GROW UP and get over it. Well most of us get over it. Some people hold grudges. To the person who hates math because he didn't get his math facts straight. Maybe it's time to forgive yourself for your mistakes? It's okay that math was hard for you. If you're patient with yourself you can do better. Stop holding a grudge because a teacher pointed out you're not the smartest in the class. It sounds like the Pouls have grudges too. I bet they were not the smartest in their classes either and they don't like that.
Don't Return the Money
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:59 PM
COMMENT:
Why should the school deprive all of it's students of a new building? They will all enjoy it. Since the teacher had a history of complaints that were covered up, the school doesn't have to feel bad about those few that don't get the real point. That being that the teacher is trying to lay her poor record at the feet of this family. How convenient for her. The school is doing the right thing. Don't back down because someone thinks it is safer to give back the money.
The Real Audience of this Case Are the Teachers
Posted by David | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:48 PM
COMMENT:
Some people understand, teachers are beset from all sides. Lawyers, entitled parents, incompetent, spineless administrators, out of control children. Some believe education matters to the future of our nation. They want obstacles to world class education swept away. They want to turn education back to teacher judgment about what works for the individual student's educational attainment. This needlessly contentious case reflects that greater conflict. No matter its outcome (likely an inconclusive secret settlement), the conflict persists. Only impact on the daily living standard of the average person will resolve it. The fall of the dollar to record lows is a straw in the wind.
Go to AIS now
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 5:33 PM
COMMENT:
This entire episode at Baldwin makes me sad. As an Irwin's girl of Agnes Irwin School, I say to my "sisters," "Hang in there girls." It will get better; we all have our trials in this mean world.
Tollin Creates Insecure Girls
Posted by john | Oct. 1, 2007 at 6:04 PM
COMMENT:
To Tollin who keeps blogging, any teacher who picks on the weak (7 year olds) so as to feel important is a bad human being. Someone to be trusted more than you is your boss who said you were not fit to teach 2nd grade. Just like the priests who got away with being pedophiles for 30 years, you were finally caught. How dare you ahrm our youth. Seems the Pouls family was much smarter and braver than you.
It's Over
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 6:10 PM
COMMENT:
As a school official, I can say that if anyone teaches with humiliation, they will be out of a job. This type of teaching is not tolerated in the classroom.
It's a Shame
Posted by H. | Oct. 1, 2007 at 6:53 PM
COMMENT:
It's a shame Baldwin's name is down the toilet. It was a good school until this. Teacher quality will go down, and any jerk with money will think that's where to send his kids. Why not chance the name to "Playtime R Us" or, "Nordstrom's Daycare"???
Michael + Sheryl = Teacher Haters?
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 6:53 PM
COMMENT:
Maybe Michael and Sheryl are trying to re-live their school days and get back at all the teachers who were mean to them? I think they are the ones picking on the weak. They are the bullies. Just look at how they treat their "hired help." It's sickening.
We Have Mercy For Your Soul
Posted by Catholic | Oct. 1, 2007 at 6:59 PM
COMMENT:
I am writing for a convent, where we have studied this article. We feel that no matter what Jesus forgave. We implore Mr. Pouls to forgive this poor widow of any sin she may have committed in the eyes of your child or the eyes of God. We still have no idea what this "sin" supposedly was, but we trust God is watching over all, including you Mr. and Mrs. Pouls. He knows what you do. He knows you, a grown man, are fighting with an unemployed widow. Please take a moment to pray for guidance. Mrs. Tollin is not a "bad priest" and we are not sure how that got dragged in here. From our sisterhood to the sisterhood of Baldwin, we ask that everyone look into their hearts to see what is true and good. We ask that everyone understand what Jesus would do. Jesus would not judge. He would not name call. Jesus would not fight a widow in court. Right or wrong, Mr. Pouls you will look like a real anti-christ for what you are doing if you don't stop. God bless.
Catholic Sisters
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 7:09 PM
COMMENT:
I just read the touching comments by the catholic sisters. I would like to point out that it was Tollin who brought this suit and it was her who made it public. Only she can put an end to this spectacle. What kind of educator brings to light her issues and threatens to depose kids? I don't regard that as an educator at all.
True Colors
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 7:16 PM
COMMENT:
Tollin has shown her true colors by the lawyer she has chosen. He degrades all Jews. He and Tollin belong together. I have no doubt she committed the sins alleged against her. Her conduct proves it. She is a menace.
to ----Catholic Sisters
Posted by mikey | Oct. 1, 2007 at 7:16 PM
COMMENT:
You CatholicS are stupid. The Pouls don't need you. They have more money than GOD and that makes them right!
Tollin will be famous
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 7:16 PM
COMMENT:
It is a shame that this teacher just can't let go. It seems like she will be brought to her knees in this lawsuit. She will go down as one of the worst educators at Baldwin. She will not be remembered for anything good she has done. She will be remembered for humiliation, as that is the word I keep reading about her. Anyone know how I can get the list of complaints circulating about her?
Shalom Hebrews Shalom
Posted by Shalom | Oct. 1, 2007 at 7:21 PM
COMMENT:
To the man saying my Hebrew brother degrades all Jews, I say Shalom. You do not sound like you are Jewish so I will explain what that means: Shalom (é¸ÁÜÕ¹Ý) is a Hebrew word meaning peace, hello, goodbye and wellbeing. As it does in English, it can refer to either peace between two entities (especially between man and God or between two countries), or to the well-being, welfare or safety of an individual or a group of individuals. I would like to take this opportunity to remind us all of the word Shalom. A teacher is a sacred thing. A lesson is a sacred thing. Education is sacred, not something to be argued by meddling parents.
I love Baldwin
Posted by Amy | Oct. 1, 2007 at 7:09 PM
COMMENT:
As a Baldwin alumna and the school's former Director of Alumnae, I stand behind the school 100 percent. I am saddened to see how people, especially some members of the Baldwin community, jump to conclusions based on gossip. I hope the truth will come out and the school will be vindicated, although I know countless alumnae trust, as I do, that the school acted ethically at all times.
teaching techniques
Posted by sherry | Oct. 1, 2007 at 8:10 PM
COMMENT:
There is no reason to yell at children when you are trying to teach them. Be firm, and they will be responsive,especially at that age. Yelling at a child infront of their peers is very humiliating and abusive and can scar them for years to come. The Pouls are Good People and I stand behind them 100%. I think this is horrible how they are being attacked when they are only trying to defend their 7 year old.
Boot Camp
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 10:43 PM
COMMENT:
The article tells us all we need to know. Second grade boot camp existed in Tollin's class. I support the family. It takes good parents to defend their child. That is exactly what we have here-Good Parents. On the other hand, Tollin looks like a monster.
Tollin like a priest
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 10:49 PM
COMMENT:
This matter reminds me of the catholic priests. They remained at the helm for so long. Some even loved them...until they learned the truth. That is what we have here. Tollin flew under the radar just like the priests. It took one person to expose the priests and it has taken one family to expose the tyrant.
Good Riddens Tollin
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 10:49 PM
COMMENT:
Tollin will be shamed from this community. She won't even be able to hold her head up in the supermarket. That's what happens and what should happen when one hurts someone so young.
Just questions
Posted by Lynn | Oct. 1, 2007 at 10:03 PM
COMMENT:
Hmmm, dad sitting in the parking lot with Amanda before school spending over "20 minutes on the impossible task of creating 2 rhyming words for each of 10 words!" Where was everyone the night before that could have helped her? Then mom tells teacher to monitor her diet? How come mom didn't find out the names of the parents of the kids who were teasing her daughter? Regarding how the teacher teaches, why didn't Vasys and Powell, or someone they designate, monitor or shadow one of Tollin's classes? Then they would have first hand knowledge of previous complaints. The comments above are pretty much hearsay and the only ones with first hand knowledge are Mrs. Tollin and Amanda. Oh to comment on someone else above, the story stated that Mrs. Tollin knew the editors of Phila. Mag., but it was the Pouls who hired "a PR man to sell their side of the story".
Glad to see another blogger
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 11:01 PM
COMMENT:
Glad someone else is up at this hour. Tollin had a boot camp, her boss said she was unfit to be a second grade teacher, she initiated a suit, she took it public, she went on a PR campaign to get positive letters, she had her son contact Philly Mag to do a story, she has a barrel of complaints, she wants to "hurt" everyone involved,she blames everyone else. She could have resolved all this privately but then again she would not have been able to pressure the family as much. I can only guess that this family will give her nothing and allow her to waste the next 7 years of her life defending her reputation. Just how I want to spend my golden years.
Insincere
Posted by Caryl | Oct. 1, 2007 at 11:12 PM
COMMENT:
It is very clear who is at fault. I would not refer to Tollin as a teacher. Perhaps she was beaten as a child. Verbal abuse is often worse than physical abuse. I applaud the school. They did the right thing-just wish it could have been done sooner.
Contempt
Posted by Nan | Oct. 1, 2007 at 11:25 PM
COMMENT:
What I found most interesting was how Tollin complained about how parents today don't rear their children to her standards. Who the hell is she to judge any of us on how we raise our kids. Parents work today and are under constant pressure to make ends meet. Her disgust at kids not being able to hold a fork is none of her business. When the objective reporter says she had an outsized contempt for the 7 year old, I am just shocked. Tollin took her anger out on that child. Tollin sounds like a wannabe-wannabe a main liner.
Terrible Shame
Posted by mia | Oct. 1, 2007 at 11:32 PM
COMMENT:
I just completed that long, too long, article. What a shame. The teacher sounds like a real monster. Why did they keep her around so long? If anyone did to my child what she did, I would go off the deep end. I am glad the school released her. I am only too sorry Tollin is embarrassing herself by going public.
I agree with Dr Behar
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 1, 2007 at 11:44 PM
COMMENT:
America is a terrible place today. We need to get better as a country. If that means returning to corporal punishment or shaming kids, I am all for it. Tollin shamed this girl. Good for her. We need more teachers like this to make our country strong again. Way to go Tollin!
What a shame
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 3:14 AM
COMMENT:
What a shame that this has gone this far. Mrs. Tollin suffered a great loss with the death of her husband. She may have had trouble dealing with her loss, children can be trying. Also maybe she was beginning to be burned out and not able to objectively teach. Maybe it was time for her to retire. The Poules did not ask for this to go this far and I wonder if they were not so well to do if any lawyer would have even handled the complaint. I am sure Mrs. Tollins lawyer sees $$ signs for himself as well as Tollin. What Tollin has started is not good for the school or the children. I don't believe a good caring teacher would have ever let this get to where it is now. I only know the Poules from doing work for them. I truthfully can not believe half of what is being said about them and I wonder if some people just are not jealous. They have things most people just dream of but they worked for it nobody gave it to them. Why shouldn't they give their daughters whatever they can. I
Miserable Teacher
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 4:36 AM
COMMENT:
What Tollin has done can never be forgiven. She turned a complaint into a fiasco. When the initial complaint was levied against her, it was done quietly. Tollin was probably on medication due to her most recent loss. Instead of accepting the complaint and not having an "I can do no wrong" attitude, she objected. The nerve of anyone to complain about her-particularly at this time in her life. Once she objected, she was "cooked." Any parent would do exactly what the Pouls did. And now it comes out she had 40 priors. Every parent I have spoken to says the same thing. "If a teacher used shame and humiliation to teach my child, I would complain too. And if the teacher didn't stop, I would explode." Tollin didn't stop. In fact she increased the attention and went public. Her direct boss caleed her class "BOOT CAMP."
Tollin Looks Mean
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 4:52 AM
COMMENT:
Just looking at her picture, I get scared. She is mean looking. I expected a hurt looking grandmother. I can't get past two quotes from the article. First, she had an oversized contempt for the main line wealthy and took it out on an 8 year old. Second, her boss said she is not fit to be in second grade. When you combine this with going public, there is no choice but to realize she must have been a tyrant.
Fiasco
Posted by jane | Oct. 2, 2007 at 5:09 AM
COMMENT:
This teacher has caused a fiasco by her attempt to blame this little girl and her family. And to call the little girl names in these blogs shows what types of people support Tollin. One doctor supporter even believes in corporal punishment and shame as way to teach. That is the type of people that support her. The other supporters resort to name calling. There clearly is an element in our society that believes in Harshness and it is these people who support the monster that used to be a teacher.
Duke Lacrosse
Posted by Concerned | Oct. 2, 2007 at 6:02 AM
COMMENT:
I read the article and scanned many of these posts… This whole matter is strikingly similar to the “Duke Lacrosse” player’s media lynching. It appears to me that the Baldwin parents and some others have jumped to conclusions (rush to judgment) and charged, tried, convicted and sentenced the Pouls WITHOUT all of the facts. Seems that there is much more to this teacher’s record than initially meets the eye. Perhaps, as in the Duke student case, there will be many apologies due the Pouls family at the end.
Duke comparison
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 6:15 AM
COMMENT:
While the Duke Lacrosse players may not have committed a crime, they certainly behaved badly. Hiring strippers for a booze fuelled party is hardly gentlemanly behavior, nor is calling someone a "fucking bitch" ladylike behavior.
Duke comparison
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 6:22 AM
COMMENT:
While the Duke Lacrosse players may not have committed a crime, they certainly behaved badly. Hiring strippers for a booze fuelled party is hardly gentlemanly behavior, nor is calling someone a "fucking bitch" ladylike behavior.
Name Caller
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 9:38 AM
COMMENT:
As I read the article, it was the teacher who called Mrs. Pouls both a drug addict and an alcoholic. It was in response to that that Mrs. Pouls lost her composure. Imagine walking into a school to have a civil conversation with your daughter's teacher, and instead of the teacher welcoming your concerns, responds by calling you names. I don't know about the previous blogger, but I would find it hard to stay composed too. Any parent who would avoid the teacher while the child was suffering at the hands of the teacher is a bad parent. Mrs. Pouls should be commended for sticking up for her child and Tollin should be shamed from the community. When I look at her picture, I see the meanness all over her face.
Jealousy or Justice
Posted by Deborah | Oct. 2, 2007 at 12:03 PM
COMMENT:
I don't know the Pouls or the teacher, but one underlying sentiment throughout this article is the green eyed monster raising his head. The Pouls were not given their money - they earned it and if they spoil their children - so what - who wouldn't. If I could afford to spoil mine, I certainly would. Fact - you have a teacher working at a private school (different yardstick), who has yelled and generally made this child and/or other children feel inferior, and become physically ill. Her excuse - I lost my husband - and my sympathy for her loss - but life goes on and a 7 year old is certainly not the cause of her husbands demise or reponsible for her grief and healing. I could pick apart this entire article, but that would take too much time, that I could more wisely spend on the nurturing of my own grandchildren (public school). I trust that the fact will be dealt with judiciously and in the interim - leave the Pouls alone, let them enjoy their hard earned money however they choos
Wisdom
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 2:24 PM
COMMENT:
Reading all this, it seems like there will be no winners, only losers out of all this. Baldwin is a school for excellence, for those who want to maximize their potential. Just like a good coach pushes athletes, a good teacher pushes students. Baldwin is not a place to coddle kids; it is a place to produce excellence, period. A Baldwin girl is one who wants to excel, and this teacher did exactly that. Blair was not an idiot; there was a good reason why this teacher had a long career, because she did coach out the potential from her students, just like a good coach. Maybe all the girls who had this teacher should be contacted, and they can vote: good teacher or bad teacher. We all know how the vote would turn out: GOOD. If the school, the Pouls, and Tollin have even a bit of wisdom, they would all sit down, settle this thing quickly, and try to salvage whatever dignity they have left.
giving people
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 2:32 PM
COMMENT:
Anybody who donates their time or money gets an "A" in my book. No one is required to give a penny and to give a multi million dollar donation speaks volumnes for the type of giving people the Pouls are. The teacher, on the other hand, is the opposite of a giver. She is a taker. She has stolen from that poor child a little bit of her innocence. She is a tyrant. It is no wonder she is being constantly bashed in these blogs. It is clear that with the exception of her own family, or a doctor who believes in corporal punnishment, that no one is on her side. She should be banned from teaching at any school in the future, because what the world does not need is more children who feel shame and anger at the hands of angry adults like Mrs. Tollin.
gossip
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 2:37 PM
COMMENT:
Being a Baldwin parent myself, I can shed a little bit of light on Mrs. Tollin. I specifically asked the school not to have Mrs. Tollin as my daugher's teacher. She was known as the "school gossip," always complaining that there were too many students in the class that were academic underachievers. Imagine what a parent would think when they hear that too many of the girls in her class were "dumb" and the negative shadow it cast for students and parents. I didn't want to deal with that. It is well known that she is harsh to students, parents, and other teachers. It also is rumored that she is the cause of MaryBeth BonGiovanni loosing her position. MaryBeth was loved by all, and Patsy was jealous. So she made her life miserable until she quit. Patsy is jealous of other teachers, and of children. This year, the attitude is much better at the lower school - especially now that "the gossip" is not there to make trouble.
Interesting
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 2:43 PM
COMMENT:
It is curious, that when one does a linguistic profile of the entries against Tollin, and examination of the tone, the grammatical subtleties and the use of words, it appears that many of the entries against Tollin are in fact written by one or two people. Interesting.
The Michael Pouls Show
Posted by cheryl | Oct. 2, 2007 at 6:34 PM
COMMENT:
It is time to fold your tent and retire to your mini mansion in that Jersey shore community.I wish you well in your retirement
Interesting 2
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 8:19 PM
COMMENT:
Note to Interesting - of course you are exactly right. the great majority of the poul supporter comments are stylistically and gramatically the same, inidacating they are being wiritten by the PR group or by themselves. Even more striking notice how the first 50-75 comments were overwhelmingly pro-toullin and anti pouls; then the Poul PR machine clicked into high gear. It would be interesting to get copies of the pr firm billing records to see how much they billed the pouls for this period.
Interesting 3
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 8:48 PM
COMMENT:
It is interesting. And about that Marybeth BonGiovanni post, I know what happened and she did not lose her position b/c of Mrs. Tollin. In fact, she was offered a 4th grade position and turned it down and then was offered a 2nd grade position again and turned that down and she chose to leave the school. One should get the facts right before you post on here.
Baldwin Parent
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 10:51 PM
COMMENT:
I am so sorry to learn all of this has come to light. Tollin was a poor teacher. They tried to get rid of her for years. She kept promising to retire and the school tried to avoid a lawsuit. They were right to rid themselves of her. They didn't expect this vulgar treatment from someone who supposedly cared about children. I for one am glad she left the school. I wish her well in her lonely days ahead. She could have had so much more.
Crabby Voice
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 10:58 PM
COMMENT:
Jessica Pressler reported in the story that Tollin talked in a "crabby" voice when making up that the child had 7 cell phones. Why would a teacher stoop down this low to make fun of a small child? Then again why would she stoop so low and humiliate these kids? The reporter proved Tollin's lie when she revealed that the child had only one phone-a sidekick. Tollin hurt herself terribly in the story. Initially I was rooting for her. But now she seems aggressive, insincere, and generally speaking, a bully.
Comment
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 11:24 PM
COMMENT:
I disagree with an earlier comment. In reading these blogs, Tollin's supporters are doing one of two things-either calling that little girl names or telling us what they think of the Pouls. It is obvious they never met this loving family. Why don't the Tollin supporters answer the many charges against them? You have been cited for numerous complaints and you have disgraced yourself with this lawsuit. Your attorney didn't help either. I for one am curious as to how you could do what you did to these little girls? Did you think you were helping them by shaming them?
Tollin wants to Hurt Powell and Pouls Child
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 11:31 PM
COMMENT:
In Tollin's words, she wants to hurt Powell and the Pouls family. This presumably includes their 7 year old. What kind of a person says this about a child? This comment and her scary looking picture, tell me all I need to know.
Mrs. Tollin is an endearing person
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 2, 2007 at 11:24 PM
COMMENT:
Mrs. Tollin certainly does not make fun of children and does not have a crabby voice at all. She is a very nice, lovely, endearing woman and loves her students. Mrs. Tollin certainly does not humiliate kids. I have seen her teach and always have heard nothing but the best things about her. It is ashame what has happened to her. I think if anything, this article makes the Pouls look like horrible people.
Crabby Voice 2
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 12:14 AM
COMMENT:
To the previous comment, Tollin may not have a crabby voice. What the article said was that she used a crabby voice to mock her student. This is trashy. Furthermore it is Tollin who looks bad in this article. She created a boot camp in her class. This is devastating to her case. This was said by her own supervisor. What do you think she will say on the witness stand? Tollin may not be able to help herself with her bahavior. Anyone mistreating kids is rotten. But a teacher is even worse as the parents "trust" teachers when they drop them off to school. Tollin appears vindictive and the reporter says she has an oversized contempt for wealthy people and took har disgust out on the Pouls child. What a rotten person!
Blair Holds Tollin's Contract
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 12:22 AM
COMMENT:
The old head of school held Tollin's contract. This was reported in the article. If the old head master held her contract, you can bet there was a reason. Great teachers do not have a contract held so that a great teacher can "get her head on straight." This is proof there was trouble in paradise. I believe the article said this happened in 1989. Thus, during her 22 year career, her contract was held from the get go so she could work out her problems. Obviously a bad teacher.
Tollin taught me
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 5:14 AM
COMMENT:
I just finished reading the article. I am so grateful someone finally stood up to this women. She was my teacher and she intimidated me and several other girls in the class. She especially did not like African Americans. She use to raise her voice and stand one inch from my face and yell and point her finger if I did not do my work quick enough or ask a dumb question. The old school head did nothing when my parents complained. It seems like the new head is no nonsense and sweeps nothing under the rug. Why are people who discriminate against African Americans aloud to become teachers in the first place?
Terrible
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 5:46 AM
COMMENT:
Everything I read about this teacher is terrible. I am disappointed that she has been aloud to teach young girls. I hope they recover. Being a women myself, I constantly deal with security/insecurity issues. Abusing a little girl can damage her for life. Seems like she has loving parents though that can help turn around what this teacher did.
baldwin and the new main line
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 5:46 AM
COMMENT:
The new, so sorry "noveau" main line is full of a-holes like the pouls - money doesn't know who owns it. if they don't like something, they buy something new - goes for teachers too. baldwin sucks up to checkbooks for sure. this story should have been on your COVER it is so good. and this isn't the only private school with questionable employment tactics....check out their private school neighbors we call the fab five. baldwin is also stinky to their neighbors - to live near them is a challenge. you should do a story on EVERY private school and all these parents with their mispaced sense of entitlement, of whom you have to wonder: is all the money all on paper ONLY? Keep up the good work! Continue to expose the new Main Line. Twenty years ago, they never would have been allowed in the area. And don't forget Radnor. Over in Radnor the female commissioner up for reelection is helping Radnor residents on one street that have a Broomall Zip Code get their post office changed.
baldwin and the new main line part 2
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 7:05 AM
COMMENT:
Too bad y'all never covered the story of the beloved history teacher at a neighboring school who got similar shafting. But he is dead and the story is years old. Being from the Main Line used to mean something, but then again the people used to mean something too. Now the Main Line is populated by a bunch of noveau riche crass wannabes like the Pouls and their compensated tribe of followers. They all couldn't grow up on the Main Line and are exacting their revenge. Their ilk are ruining what once was a classy area. Money doesn't know who owns it, and if Philadelphia Magazine continues to follow the money and have the courage to run these stories, we'll all be the better for it. Just sign me a 35 year resident of the Main Line who is entitled to judge - I was here before the wannabes would even have been invited to the Charity Ball or gotten into Merion Cricket Club (also a good story)....thx
nouveau retarded..err riche
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 7:05 AM
COMMENT:
Money doesn't know who owns it, and if Philadelphia Magazine continues to follow the money and have the courage to run these stories, we'll all be the better for it. Just sign me a 35 year resident of the Main Line who is entitled to judge - I was here before the wannabes would even have been invited to the Charity Ball or gotten into Merion Cricket Club (also a good story)....thx
Both Wrong?
Posted by Winnie | Oct. 3, 2007 at 8:46 AM
COMMENT:
Um, it's possible that Tollin and The Poulses are *all* assholes.
Disgraceful
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 10:15 AM
COMMENT:
As a alum of Baldwin, I find this entire situation to be disgraceful. I feel from reading this that everyone is in the wrong. I don't know the teacher, but I do know the former standards of Baldwin.I'm not so sure of the new direction under the new headmaster. She seems inept at diplomacy and handled this situation poorly. I am currently a teacher in extraordinarily affluent neighborhood, and this coddling mentality will ultimately harm the children. The real world is tough and magnifies playground behavior. It creates narcissitic children who never strive to improve upon themselves. Without the competitive edge, how will our country continue to be leaders and inventors when children think they are perfect and need no improvement? Even if the Pouls were in the right, their behavior is classless, distasteful and disgusting. They need to re-evaluate the models they are providing for their children.
so very very wrong good thing daddy has money
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 12:01 PM
COMMENT:
It's a good thing daddy has money and will be able to buy his daughters out of all of their problems. Good teacher or bad teacher, parents set an example for their children and this says nothing but we have money and therefore we are always right. I too am a jew from the main line who's daughter's attended private school and my now 7 year old and 8 year old both had teachers that were great and others not so great. I would never have behaved like these parents but maybe my pockets just aren't deep enough to always be right! Teach your children how to behave or maybe the parents never learned themselves. I hope they lose all their money and are humbled when they cannot buy what they want instead of learning to communicate like civilized adults.
Mrs. Tollin has a right to defend herself
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 12:22 PM
COMMENT:
It is ashame it has come to this, but Mrs. Tollin does have a right to defend herself. She did after all teach at Baldwin for 22 years and was on several committees, has a great reputation and is loved and supported by tons of families. Some people may be scratching their heads as to why she chose to pursue this lawsuit, while many in the community totally support her. Either way, most of us have never been in her type of situation, so it is not fair to judge her along those lines. All of us have a right to defend our names and reputations if we feel we are being unfairly attacked or mistreated.
misguided
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 1:43 PM
COMMENT:
Reading some of the recent entries about this news article, I am surprised that some people think that bullying and making a child fearful of their teacher is a good way to teach a child and help mold that child into a leader. A child can be a leader without being bullied by a teacher or someone in the position of authority. There is no place for bullying in the classroom, by other students or by teachers. Teachers can guide their students without resorting to this. It is well known in the community that Tollin was too aggressive while she taught at Balwin. This article really only scratches the surface of her true behavior. Why is it clear to everyone that a child can not bully another child, and we have a zero tolerance policy for that, and not the same when a teacher bullies a child?
tollin discriminates
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 2:00 PM
COMMENT:
Some people have writeen about Tollin picking on African American girls, and who knows who else? She discrimiated, and it is well know that she did not like having less bright students in her class, and as she got older, did not want to put in the effort to teach the girls who needed a little bit of help. In second grade, children's abilities are different, but it balances out in later grades. She became a prima donna who just wanted to coast, and demanded only the brighted girls who were the easiest to the teach. This, too, is discrimation. We are all lucky to be rid of her.
good parents
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 2:00 PM
COMMENT:
Many parents on the main line would not stick their neck out - even for their own child. This says a lot about the type of people who live on the main line. Maybe this is why Tollin lasted as long as she did. This family didn't care about what type of image they would project, and did what any parent should do - stand up to a horrible teacher who the reporter said had a contempt for their daughter becuase of her wealth. This shouldn't be about money. It should be about a teacher who abused her power and a little girl. This family came to their child's rescue - as they should have. Their response was justified, and the teacher got what she deserved. She should have been exposed 20 years ago.
children trive in positive environments
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 2:21 PM
COMMENT:
Children trive in an encouraging environment where positive reinforcement fosters their creativity and encourages academic achievement. Children do not thrive in environments where they are scared and made to feel inadequate. It sounds like the new Head of School removed a teacher who abused the authority she had over children. The result will be a more positive learning experience, and other parents should thank the new Head of School, the Pouls family, and every other family who complained about this teacher.
rich versus poor
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 2:32 PM
COMMENT:
It doesn't make any sense for Tollin's attorney to make this a "poor teacher" versus "rich family" issue. Doesn't she live on the main line? Surely her attorney has money. They are trying to side step the issue because they know the history of complaints against her speaks for itself.
aggression in the work place
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 2:32 PM
COMMENT:
In any other industry or workplace, the type of behavior Tollin exhibited would not be tolerated. She went to her place of employment and abused her authority on a daily basis, even when she was warned about it by her boss. If children learn by example, what example was Tollin showing? She had no business teaching in an elementary school. She is an embarassment to the teaching profession.
Quotes
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 1:33 PM
COMMENT:
1. True charity is the desire to be useful to others without thought of recompense [Emanuel Swedenborg] 2. Charity never humiliated him who profited from it, nor ever bound him by the chains of gratitude, since it was not to him but to God that the gift was made. [Antoine De Saint-Exupery] It is great that the Pouls were successful in business. It is great that they donated money to Baldwin for the athletic center. It is not great that their generosity did not extend to someone in a lesser position. Tollin gave her life teaching children, for better or for worse, at a salary much less then she could be earning in the public schools. And she does seem like a good, but tough teacher. It would be great if the Pouls, in an act of true charity, asked that Tollin be reinstated, and in an act of true statesmanship, Sally Powell agrees, and everyone grows and learns from the experience. It is a shame that the Baldwin admin let this go so far, and that the new head of the schoo
Quotes continued
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 2:56 PM
COMMENT:
It is a shame that the Baldwin admin let this go so far, and that the new head of the school does not have the character and wisdom to have prevented all this. A hundred and twenty years of Baldwin being the premier private school in the tri-state area, heads above all others, has been reversed by the poor management of this situation. It is time for all parties to take a deep breath, step back, and just clean this mess up, and move on to the task at hand - building strong, wise and successful women. This situation cheapens the whole Baldwin experience for current and future students, and the solution to end it is so easy, just everyone has to give up a little of their ego.
If you didn't go to Baldwin you have no idea what you are talking about
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 3:13 PM
COMMENT:
As a proud Alumna of Baldwin I am disgusted not only by this teachers actions but her desire to take it public. Baldwin has NEVER fired anyone lightly or without great reason or forethought and has not started now. And I know this because Baldwin, like other private schools, cannot afford to pay teachers very much and would never give up a good one easily. But really, how else is a small all girls private school, which provides an exemplary and unique educational opportunity for growing girls, supposed to stay open if it doesn't at least CONSIDER the concerns of large donors, as it does with all parents? All the parents of private school kids pay a fortune to send their kids their and expect to be heard and to have their concerns addressed. ANd even Harvard makes compromises and sacrifices for the children of large donors. But Baldwin would not fire a teacher without cause and to suggest otherwise is pure ignorance.
Baldwin had a great reason to fire tollin alright: it needed the gym
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 3:59 PM
COMMENT:
The village idiot would see that Tollin was fired at the behest of the Pouls so that they wouldnt withdraw the balance of their $5 million contribution, without which the gym could not be built. As to Tollin's record, it was excellent. Four complaints over a 22 year period is terrific. And as any employment lawyer would tell you, Baldwin condoned her strictness over a period of many years. 22 separate times they reviewed her contract, each time knowing that she was seen by some as strict. Blair stambaugh had more common sense in her thumb than Powell has in her whole body. She knew on balance tollin was a great asset and that is why she kept renewing her
The Halls of the Ivy League and Other Elite Schools are filled
Posted by jon | Oct. 3, 2007 at 4:12 PM
COMMENT:
with Tollin alumni. They benefited from her drilling into them multiplication and division tables and other math facts. I know this first hand and this is an indisputable fact. Its one of the many reasons why support for TOllin was overwhelming among her upper school students. Amanda will probably not make it to Upper School and will wind up at Harriton. I suspect the heart of the matter is that she didnt belong at Baldwin , and that it just was a bad fit for her, which her parents tried to smooth over with their money. Its a shame that her brief stay at Baldwin will prove so disastrous for the school. I wonder how recruiting is going this year for Baldwin. It is now the laughing stock of the InterAC. Look for Agnes Irwin and Shipley to catch and surpass Baldwin unless the Pouls and Powell are removed.
Pretty clear to me
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 7:24 PM
COMMENT:
This reeks of a cheap “money grab” by Tollin and her ambulance chasing attorney……
I have been around children this is not right
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 7:42 PM
COMMENT:
I have read this article with great interest. This dispute is about much more than money versus no money. In my opinion this is about a teacher who is on the down stroke of her career and can’t seem to come to grips with this fact. I am sure that at some point early on, she was a good teacher. Age, or her other life disappointments have severely altered her perspective and ability to cope in the classroom. This manifests itself in the form of anger and contempt toward the students that are not “her favorites”. Baldwin parents should take the time to talk to the other teachers that work with or have worked with PT and they will learn what her “behind the scenes” attitude was like. She expressed total distain for the children that she felt were not “cutting the mustard” (her mustard) Good teachers find ways to teach to ALL students at ALL levels.
New Sheriff in town
Posted by xxxx | Oct. 3, 2007 at 7:48 PM
COMMENT:
Looks like the teacher was chummy with the first head of school who “had her back”. When that woman left she lost her cover. The rest is history
You are either hopelessly naive or the pouls pr firm
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 7:51 PM
COMMENT:
the teachers contract was renewed 22 different times even though there were occasional complaints that she was too strict. Yet within days after Pouls famous threat "you fucking bitch Im going to get you fired or I will take my kid and money out of here" she is fired. A clearer case of what happened could not be imagined.
Prediction
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 7:56 PM
COMMENT:
One Year from now: Baldwin and Tollin settle prompted by Baldwin's need to put this PR fiasco behind it (which already hurt its admissions in all three schools, as well as, unexpectedly, its college applicants who become innocent victims of the school's scandal. Also, the Board realizes that Powell's only chance to survive is to keep a lid on how bad the facts really were for the school and to avoid the full disclosure that would be required by court processes. Tollin gets a nice war chest from Baldwin to help her through the next few years (which she deserves) and to fund litigation against the real target - the Pouls. The case comes to trial in 36 months, by which time the family has long since left Baldwin, having been shunned by the great majority of families who chose Baldwin to provide the best possible education for their children and who feel the school has been diminished. The case goes disastrously for the Pouls. The jury of sensible people finds a way to make the Pouls for
Predicition cont.
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 8:20 PM
COMMENT:
and who feel the school has been diminished. The case goes disastrously for the Pouls. The jury of sensible people finds a way to make the Pouls for their atrocious conduct. "I cant believe she called that teacher a fucking bitch and that he wrote that email about how he was in charge, the jury members repeat over and over again in their deliberations. All kinds of punitive damages are assessed against the family for the humiliation of a hard working, effective teacher with 22 years experience. Tollin donates 3 million to the Baldwin School (approximately 10% of her damages), and the contribution is accepted with great appreciation by Powell's successor as Head Mistress, who ironically had been taught by Tollin a generation earlier.
All Wrong
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 10:30 AM
COMMENT:
Has any one thought about how these girls may behave in class? Are they rude? Do they listen? Can the teacher get their attention? And if she can't, the last resort is using their loud voices. Think of who are the children's role model. Think of who they behave like. Don't you think that what they see at home gets duplicated in the playground, classroom and play dates? All teachers know that how the child behaves is directly related to how the parents behave. Parents are a child's role model. And you think it starts at 7? No, it starts at 3- 4 years of age.All you need to do is listen and see them play and talk with their friends and hear them talk to there teachers.
Baldwin is going DOWN
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 9:22 PM
COMMENT:
baldwin, pouls, and headmistress powell all look pathetic, and the poster who wrote about Tollin living on the Main Line needs to get a clue: believe it or not here in the PA Hamptons, a few of us poor folk do exist..bowing and scraping yes masser, yes indeedy do. Other private schools take heed. Baldwin is going down...and so are the Pouls and Sally Powell....that's why you shouldn't take big donation checks from parents with kids in the school...they're only BUYING something...Baldwin is obnoxious...always was
Baldwin Better Listen to the "Prediction"
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 9:06 PM
COMMENT:
Your legal prediction reveals that you are an experienced employment lawyer. This is exactly what will happen. Right or wrong Baldwin must wake up to the reality of the situation. I'm sure Michael Pouls will never settle and will have his "day in Court". For this decision Baldwin will continue to suffer. While, no doubt, both Baldwin and the Pouls have their supporters, there are just as many (if not more) who blame the school. Baldwin has already had substantial damage to its reputation in this unseemly "war". It will also lose many families, have difficulty recruiting new students, and will suffer greatly in the number of donations. Any competent business person in a dispute like this knows that right or wrong means little. There are no winners, only losers (other than the lawyers). Baldwin better wake up to this reality soon and reslove its dispute with Mrs. Tollin. Don't let Mr. Pouls' natural desire to defend his reputation in a brutal court battle bring the school down
Baldwin Board, Grow a Spine, Call on Donors
Posted by David | Oct. 3, 2007 at 11:35 PM
COMMENT:
Before New Year's Eve, 2008, after a face saving interval, the Headmistress will be gone. The Board has to move sooner rather than later to clean house of the Headmistress and of the Pouls. At worst, the Board is at fault for not cluing in this victim, $60K settles most disputes in Philly. Spare the school a $bil's worth of bad publicity. At this point, senior figures on the Board should still act to intervene, to end the case, as somewhat above it all, fair minded parties sharing Tollin's devotion to traditional education. No one may attack the integrity of the Baldwin education, not even with $millions. Pouls, have a tranquil day if you disagree with the standards of performance at Baldwin. Take your lucre and your lovely wife, sell them to the Whatever Finishing School for Future Nordstrom Shoppers. Then the Board sends a letter to all alums and parents. We stood up for integrity, and lost $mils. What do you intend to do? Let's collect double or triple what we lost, to send
Baldwin Board, Grow a Spine, Call on Donors
Posted by David | Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:04 AM
COMMENT:
a message of integrity to the world, most of all to our girls. If lawsuit discovery reveals, money grubbing was a factor in the non-renewal of the contract, the entire Board must resign.
Where was the Board of Trustees in all of this? Why didn't they just give Mrs. Tollin her job back?
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 3, 2007 at 11:57 PM
COMMENT:
In reading this article, one must ask where the board of trustees was in all of this? This entire situation probably could have been avoided if the board overturned Sally Powell's decision. They had enough justification to do so like the article says - tons of families wrote letters supporting Mrs. Tollin. She is obviously very loved in the community by so many and was rehired for 22 years for a reason - she was a great teacher. So before some people blame Mrs. Tollin for suing, why don't we ask why the board did not overturn this decision and just give her job back. And like the article says, the timing of Sally Powell's decision is lousy. Mrs. Tollin gets threatened by Sheryl Pouls and then 1 week later, loses her job? And is Mr. Pouls really going to put his family thru this ordeal, especially his kids? Mrs. Tollin does not deserve any blame at all. She has a right, like all of us, to defend her name and reputation.
Comical
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:11 AM
COMMENT:
It is comical to read all Tollin remarks. Either all messages sound the same, or Tollin and her hot shot son are writing them. I wouldn,t be surprised if the hot shot son has an investigator figuring out what he is all about. Could be quite interesting what is revealed publicly. I hear he is no angel and he is driving the bus in this lawsuit so that he can collect a ransom and avoid having to pay his moms way now that she is out of a job. The Tollin's are sickos-both in how they took this matter public and second in how they write these blogs for themselves. They can't fool us though as the Tollin's have no support and must resort to their own blogging.
Who said this?
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:30 AM
COMMENT:
I want it to hurt. I resent all the main line families who don't raise their kids the "right" way. These kids can't even hold a fork. I am going to teach the main line jews a lesson....These are the comments of the poor teacher and her attorney. Any human being that speaks this way is not nice and I can see how they could harm a child without any care. It is probably why they took the case public and risked hurting so many innocent children.
Don't Mistake that Tollin went Public...not Pouls
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:39 AM
COMMENT:
I am in no way upset with the Pouls Family. m It was Tollin who held a press conference and contacted Main Line Times, Inquirer and now Philly Mag. THe article states a quote that Tollin told an administrator at Baldwin that she was going to take this public and her son knew someone at Philly Mag. Why would she have to do this if she is right? Her case would stand on its merits. Since it can't, Tollin must try to embarrass the Pouls and try to extort money. The Pouls only responded to defend themselves against this public escapade. Tollin is vindictive and a bad human being.
Tollin Filled with Hate
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:45 AM
COMMENT:
This old bag is quite scary looking. And worse, she sounds so hateful. She wants to hurt the Pouls and Powell. She obviously hasn't learned how to "let go." She eventually will let go when she receives the same humiliation in public that she forced on this child. How is Tollin going to overcome her own superior stating that she was not fit to teach 2nd grade and that her class was like 2nd grade boot camp. When you combine this testimony with the testimony of the assistant to the lower school, plus several teachers plus the school head plus the more than 40 written complaints, you get a teacher with zero credibility. She is dead wrong in this case.
Breaking News: Blair to testify
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:54 AM
COMMENT:
To the commentator above, I heard today that Blair will testify against the teacher and explain in a statement why she kept Tollin in place despite her poor record. This will put an end to all the absurd bloggers who wonder how she was renewed when she was an awful, hateful teacher.
Thank You
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:59 AM
COMMENT:
Thank you for sharing the news about Blair. It is about time she spoke up. This is her ex-school we are talking about. I myself never put any credence in the people who wondered how she was renewed despite her poor record. There are always people turning their head in every organization. It reminds me of the priests who raped those poor boys and got away with it for so long. You don't here them saying " how could I be so bad if my contract was renewed each year for 30 years." This is a weak argument so I didn't think the school needed Blair. Since they got her that is even better.
What a Witch
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 1:16 AM
COMMENT:
This women sounds like a beast. She makes fun uf the main line and how they raise their kids,she makes fun of jews and she makes fun of underperforming little girls. Cutting people up appears to be her style. The Pouls are excellent parents and a model for others. One thing is for sure, they have the love forever of their daughter who they rescued from this bad situation.
Last Ditch Effort
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 1:22 AM
COMMENT:
Tollin knew she was on thin ice. That is why she targeted the richest of the rich at Baldwin. She planned to blame her non-renewal of contract on this family who was doing nothing but defending their daughter. Who wouldn't defend their child agains such a monster. If a picture says a 1000 words, then the ugliness of her photo says it all.
Little Cubs
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 1:28 AM
COMMENT:
Parents are suppose to protect their little kids just like bears protect their cubs. Could you imagine how the Pouls must have felt like they got punched in the gut. They went in to speak to the teacher and instead of her being receptive, she shut the door in their face and called her a drug addict and a drunk. If that happened to me, I would have done more than just call her a "fucking bitch." Can anyone deny that the name fits?
Self-Esteem. Inverse Correlation With Achievement
Posted by David | Oct. 4, 2007 at 5:28 AM
COMMENT:
"Children trive in an encouraging environment where positive reinforcement fosters their creativity and encourages academic achievement. Children do not thrive in environments where they are scared and made to feel inadequate." The students that outperform ours have low self-confidence. Our failing American students have high confidence. At a personal level, feeling good about a test has always reliably predicted a horrible grade. Confidence meant I missed the challenges on the exam. Why? Because I had not studied, and didn't know anything. The peddlers of the self-esteem movement hoax our kids. It's the Nordstrom customer service run amok in our schools. Yes, you're the greatest. Now buy a pair of shoes.
Has anyone read all Dr Behar comments?
Posted by george | Oct. 4, 2007 at 6:00 AM
COMMENT:
Has anyone done what I have done? Go back through these comments and find this Dr Behar and read his comments. First, he eventually reveals that he supports Tollin because he supports corporal punishment, shame and any other tactic a teacher needs to use to get any child of any age to learn. This applies to 3 and 4 year olds in pre-k as well. Is it possible that anyone thinks like this? No wonder Tollin thought nothing of brow beating her students. Also, what kind of doctor has so much time to Blog a dozen times instead of work. Maybe he shames his patients when they are sick. The sick patients can't help that they are sick any more than 7 year olds can't help the speed at which they learn. Doctors and teachers using shame to force health and learning is inhumane.
Tollin =Priest
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 6:17 AM
COMMENT:
Tollin reminds me of the Priests. Sneaky,devious and behind the scenes doing what she please. The priests physically and mentally hurt those young boys just as Tollin for years has mentally abuse children. Thank goodness she was caught. She has caused so many young girls harm.
Baldwin Teacher
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 6:23 AM
COMMENT:
I am a current Lower School teacher. I have read the misinformation that has come from Patsy's side of the comments. It was well known by all of us that she mistreated her students. She could be heard far and wide screaming at the top of her lungs at her girls. Students would even commented that they could hear her screaming through the walls. Blair was too weak to do anything. That was a mistake. The worse thing for me as a teacher was the constant gossipping to parents and teachers. She complained openly if she didn't like someone. She complained about the "dumb" girls in her class. This was appalling to all of us. The Lower School is so much better this year. The drama is gone as is the gossip. Most importantly, our school is better for our girls.
1st grade
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 6:32 AM
COMMENT:
As a parent of a first grader, my husband and I had planned to request that we NOT get Tollin. She was known as "the screamer." I am glad she is no longer there and the threat of her is removed for my child.
Tolins already have a LARGE WARCHEST
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 6:44 AM
COMMENT:
Can we please dispense with the argument "how bad could she be, she was there 22 years" people covering for there own has been going on since Jesus walked the earth (see last supper) It is no surprise that that Balwin headwoman found a way to hide or avoid this angry teacher. Sometimes it is easier to avoid than confront. The headwoman may have also feared this very scenerio, which is, that after Mrs T gets fired she enlists her very wealthy movie producer son to "file suit". By the way if I am not mistaken Tolin was offered quite a bit of money by the school to just "go quietly" and said that it was not enough money that she must have more ! Baldwin was not admitting guilt but rather trying to avoid this media frenzy for the sake of the school and the girls. This ugly action is Tollins doing not Pools. It stems from a very angry person (Mrs T) and her very very very wealthy son.
Tollin's son made a mistake
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 7:39 AM
COMMENT:
Tollin's wealthy wealthy son made a mistake. The Pouls bought a $27mm shore house. They donated millions and millions to the school. This witch hurt their daughter and many many others. The wealthy son will be brought to his knees by someone who has as much money if not more than he. The Pools are the ultimate in generous. They throw school parties, donate to many charities and are unassuming people. But I bet they will not allow Tollin to harm their child and then drag their name through the mud without a fight. Tollin and her son picked on the wrong family. Justice and Innocence which is what the Pools represent will win over evil and greed.
Tollin and son are jerks.
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 8:24 AM
COMMENT:
Teacher Tollin, the greedy son and the ambulance chasing son belong together. These are terrible people. I hope they get what is coming to them.
Furious Baldwin Parent
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 9:44 AM
COMMENT:
I’m furious that the ham-handling of this petty little soap opera by the school’s newly installed headmistress has destroyed the integrity and reputation of 100+ year old school. I’m furious that the word of a spoiled 7-year old is dictating policy at what was once known as the top girls school on the east coast. I’m furious that I’ve spent the last several years sending fully one-quarter of my family’s gross income to this institution at great personal sacrifice based upon my belief in the quality of the education and the integrity of the school, only so a family that thinks nothing of spending upwards of $15K per year, per child for the lower school experience of “finger painting” and “sharing” can destroy all I believe in. Most of all, though, I’m enraged that for those of us parents whose daughters are applying to college now, we have the very real concern of worrying about what the Baldwin name on the transcript says to a college admissions counselor: Does it still stand for i
Strings were attached to that donation from the very beginning
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 10:00 AM
COMMENT:
Real Baldwin parents will remember that about four years ago, a rather large glossy full-color postcard was sent home. On the front of the postcard was the architect’s rendering of the proposed new gym. On the back was a thank you note to the Pouls family for their generous contribution to the project and a full color picture of the entire Pouls family, with their older girl listed in first or second grade and their younger girl, the one now at the center of the controversy, in pre-K. I wondered then why anyone would feel inclined to make such a huge (dare I say vulgar) contribution to a school with which they had almost no experience. Since Baldwin requires all girls to be tested at some level prior to admission, I also wondered how they could be sure that their youngest daughter would indeed meet the school’s rigorous standards for admission. It seems rather obvious that this donation was not given in the spirit of “giving back” to the school, but “paying it forward” with the fu
Furious Baldwin Parent
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 10:11 AM
COMMENT:
Most of all, though, I’m enraged that for those of us parents whose daughters are applying to college now, we have the very real concern of worrying about what the Baldwin name on the transcript says to a college admissions counselor: Does it still stand for integrity and academic excellence or does this lawsuit Baldwin invoke suspicions that good grades and high achievement are only available to those that can afford it?
Furious Baldwin Parent
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 10:11 AM
COMMENT:
Most of all, though, I’m enraged that for those of us parents whose daughters are applying to college now, we have the very real concern of worrying about what the Baldwin name on the transcript says to a college admissions counselor: Does it still stand for integrity and academic excellence or does this lawsuit Baldwin invoke suspicions that good grades and high achievement are only available to those that can afford it?
How did it ever get this far?!
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 10:07 AM
COMMENT:
This situation never needed to have happened if the head of this school was paying any sort of attention to her teachers. The woman found her husband dead in a tub and in an attempt to "normalize" her life went back into the classroom? Are you on crack? Bring her back to school, sure, but put her in an office or in the library every day, not right back into the classroom. Are you that ignorant of the mental stamina needed to be a teacher in a classroom of young children? I don't give a rat's behind about the Pouls or how much money they have. There are parents in the poorest of the public schools how have the same attitude about their kids. This is about a school doing a serious disservice to one of their teachers and then not backing her up. Had she be relieved of her classroom duties, encouraged to complete counseling for her grief, and THEN returned to the classroom, perhaps she would have missed Amanda entirely. Perhaps the yelling would have been less and th
Enough, Enough, Enough Part 1
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 11:28 AM
COMMENT:
Where is the Baldwin board, and why have they totally forsaken their responsibility to the school, to the students at Baldwin, to the community, and to the traditions of Baldwin. This did not need to happen. Everything could have been done to achieve the same means without the disaster. Any lawyer could have advised against the sequence of events that led to this. Are there no lawyers on the board? This poor headmaster, who is clearly out of her league running Baldwin, should be replaced, this mess cleared up, and then the Board should resign, and let wiser people get on the Board. A child could have seen this mess coming.
Enough Enough Enough Part 2
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 11:39 AM
COMMENT:
The Board is like the captain of a ship, whose responsibility it is to keep the ship in a smooth, calm course and protect the assets of the ship, which is in this case Baldwin’s students, reputation, and dignity. Instead, the captain saw a shinny dime on a reef, and steered the ship into a reef in order to pick up the dime. Heck, rip down the field house, replant the grass, and rebuild the log cabin. Who needs a new gym anyway? If teachers can get fired for money, then surely kids can get grades for lesser donations. It really does affect the girl’s ability to get into colleges, as everything will be viewed with suspicion now.
New Gym is a misguided effort at best
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 11:43 AM
COMMENT:
Perhaps most ironically is that this new gymnasium construction is a misguided venture at best. Baldwin’s strengths lie in its academics and its arts programs - not it's athletics. The theater building is currently indefinitely sealed due to health concerns about the building, and Baldwin is fooling itself if they believe that a new gym is going to be enough to lure athletes away from places like GA. Give me a break, please and use some of that endowment to clean the Theater building.
Oh baldwin could use a feildhouse alright; its just a shame
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:18 PM
COMMENT:
that it paid for it with blood money and sacrificed its reputation for integrity for it. New Fieldhouse - $15 million Reputation for Integrity - PRICELESS
Fieldhouse cont
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:25 PM
COMMENT:
New Field HOUSE - 415 MILLION Reputation for Integrity - Priceless
Baldwin Parents Unite
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:42 PM
COMMENT:
Hey, shouldn't the Baldwin parents be having a meeting about this. After all, collectively, we are the major stakeholder in this, more so than everyone else involved. Let us hear from the board and Sally what they are doing to quickly resolve this. I HOPE SOMETHING IS BEING DONE BEHIND THE SCENES TO QUICKLY FIX THIS MESS! Or are they like the deer caught in the headlights, just waiting for the ultimate crash (of Baldwin's dignity and reputation)?
re: Furious Baldwin Parent
Posted by Baldwin | Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:48 PM
COMMENT:
Oh please. Good grades and high achievment have always been more readily available to those that can afford it. It's often not a question of intelligence, or talent, so much as opportunity. Penn knows it, Brown knows it, and they will not cease to accept their yearly handful from your daughter's class because of one incident. When I was in high school, I was tutored, prepped, and massaged like a Kobe beef for the SATs. Had my parents been unable to afford separate tutors for math and verbal, I'd have ended up at a "tier three school" no doubt. Yet once they get out into the world, many of these kids will discover--as I did, with much delight--that there is more to life than the name of your university. -A Baldwin Alum and Tier One College Grad
To: Baldwin Parents Unite
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 1:01 PM
COMMENT:
I agree wholeheartedly. I’ve made a significant investment in my daughter’s education and now that she is a senior applying to colleges, the school collapses in on itself. I think the parents are afraid to speak up (I know I am ) for fear that their daughters’ futures will be compromised as far as college admissions. I for one am sick of the letters from Sally Powell admonishing us parents not to “jump to conclusions” when we “don’t have all the facts”. Yet Baldwin is doing absolutely nothing on this front to give us the facts. We are faced with the distasteful dilemma of defending a school against accusations of integrity for sale without any consideration of the fact that this is EXACTLY what it looks like.
re: Furious Baldwin Parent
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:48 PM
COMMENT:
Oh please. Good grades and high achievment have always been more readily available to those that can afford it. It's often not a question of intelligence, or talent, so much as opportunity. Penn knows it, Brown knows it, and they will not cease to accept their yearly handful from your daughter's class because of one incident. When I was in high school, I was tutored, prepped, and massaged like a Kobe beef for the SATs. Had my parents been unable to afford separate tutors for math and verbal, I'd have ended up at a "tier three school" no doubt. Yet once they get out into the world, many of these kids will discover--as I did, with much delight--that there is more to life than the name of your university. -A Baldwin Alum and Tier One College Grad
TO: Baldwin Alum and Tier One College Grad
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 1:51 PM
COMMENT:
“Oh please” yourself. My daughter has been at Baldwin long enough for me to have lost any illusions of what kinds of advantages money can buy there. It’s all well and good for you to speak to me from the heights of your “tier one” school diploma, bought and paid for by parents who wanted to give you every advantage and tell me it doesn’t matter in the long run what school you go to. I know that from my own experience. But to sit back and cavalierly state, oh well, money has always made the world go ‘round, why get so worked up? This woman lost her job of 22 years because of the word of a 7 year old. That is NOT ok. We cannot have the likes of Amanda Pouls dictating Baldwin School policy by proxy of her father’s checkbook. The school’s reputation and enrollment WILL suffer, and as an alum, I’m surprised that doesn’t bother you.
spoiled
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 1:46 PM
COMMENT:
How could anyone posting a comment call the little girl spoiled? It doesn't sound like she complained about not sitting in the front of the class, or about the lack of air conditioning, about not making a team, or anything like that. What she did, however, was react to the humiliation put upon her by a teacher. I can only assume that Mrs. Tollin is writing her own comments, becuase the magazine article makes it clear that Tollin considered the little girl spoiled. But Tollin thought the entire main line was spoiled. Tollin - stop blogging, as you are making yourself look even worse, just like you did by the comments you made in the article. You are insulting all of us on the main line, not just the Pouls family.
so what?
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 1:58 PM
COMMENT:
So what if the Pouls have money. So what if their children are spoiled. So what, so what, so what. None of the things that the Pouls have done gives anyone, including a teacher, the right to act the way she did. Anyone reading the story who concludes that because the Pouls are wealthy, the teacher had the right to "teach them a lesson," is as crazy as Tollin herself. Since when did earning a good living carry such negativity? Who out there doesn't give their children all they can? The teacher deserves to be humiliated for her actions.
Tolin file is around
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 1:29 PM
COMMENT:
I have seen some of the info in the Tolin file, there are 20 to 30 prior issues that the school tried to work through This Pouls matter was simply the straw that broke the camels back. She has been ON THE PLANK for sometime now and is now OVERBOARD. I am not a parent but know some. I urge them to gather more facts before forming a lynch mob.
A Quote from Socrates
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 1:56 PM
COMMENT:
‘Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannize their teachers’ ‘Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannize their teachers’ from Socrates
Winning Mommy's Love
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 1:58 PM
COMMENT:
Based upon Mrs. Tollin's behavior, I would guess that she was equally as demanding and harsh as a mother. Her children were probably humiliated and belittled, and may feel that she didn't love them unless they behaved properly. It is easy to see why Mrs. Tollin's son is backing her in this law suit. He is probably attempting to show his mother how much he loves her by supporting her in her attempt to blackmail the school and the Pouls family. It's well known that Tollin's husband treated her meanly and perhaps she took her agression out on the children she taught. She should be ashamed on her behavior and she should not be allowed to teach in any community ever again.
Baldwin will be ok
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:03 PM
COMMENT:
Balwin will withstand this. Baldwin is bigger than anything that Mrs Tollin can bring upon them. This is merely a woman trying to "pad her 401k for retirement" What a dirty dirty way to do it..... Seems like a hell of a coincidence that the teacher choose to bring suit againest one of the most wealthy families in the school. Deep pockets ? Check out her lawyer, he has made a career of "fall down" ambulance chasing type cases. A disgrace !
I See the Pouls PR guys are back at work
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:10 PM
COMMENT:
Did Michael Pouls threaten to cut your bonus if you didn't get on here and start blogging? We went almost the whole day without any gratuitous Tollin bashing.
Boot Camp
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:10 PM
COMMENT:
Let's put all the personal and individual agendas aside. I, too, believe like some of the other bloggers, that Mrs. Tollin is writing her own comments. But we can look at the facts to determine right from wrong. In the news article, her boss called her classroom boot camp. Her boss said that her class was not nuturing enough and that the teacher was too harsh. If a school administrator expects a teacher to provide a nuturing experience for the students, then the parents must also expect that. So in this instance, we have a school supervisor who told teachers to provide a nuturing, positive environment so that the students would grow, become secure, and become academically advanced students. Parents expected this. The same supervisor says that this teacher was not nurturing, and that her class was like boot camp. This is the opposite of the agenda, and shows that the fault is with the teacher.
Pouls,Powell & Baldwin = Pieces of Crap
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:03 PM
COMMENT:
The Pouls are tacky pieces of Jersey crap that need to go back OTB (Over The Bridge). Sally Powell must have sore knees for all that sucking up she has to do. Finally, Baldwin DESERVES everything it gets and more. The old Baldwin Hotel will make GREAT condos when the school closes! The fired teacher is irrelevent at this point- just make the Pouls go away.Soldiers are dying in Iraq, our country is falling apart and we are listening to drivel about Noveau Riche Social Climbers? Puleaze. They are about as credible as the plastic surgeon's trophy wife who used her maiden name when he was interviewed on TV (WPVI re: silicone implants) click here she called herself "Stephanie Sullivan", but was that really her name? Face it,the Main Line is full of posurs, bitches,and wannabes...LOL, keep up the good work Philly Mag!
Note to Pouls PR Firm
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:15 PM
COMMENT:
You may want to have that testimony from the Pritikin fat farm by Michael Pouls removed from the internet. People could see that, remember her mother missing the all important parent teacher conference for plastic surgery, recall that they inappropriately demanded that Tollin monitor Amanda's diet and think, why this looks like a family that might have an unhealthy obsession with physical appearances. And of course, they would be correct. This whole incident started because some of Amanda's classmates were calling her fat. And we can't let little Amanda experience one little moment's discomfort, can we? Patsy Tollin couldn't stop that, so she must pay with her job.
Pouls alright in my book !
Posted by Pouls | Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:15 PM
COMMENT:
I happen to know the Pouls family quite well. (does that prohibit me from posting on this board ? ) I have done business with Mr. Pouls. He owns quite a few different businesses and employees over 100 people. All who I know hold him in very high regard. I suspect that this “supposed disgruntled employee” who wrote a prior message was really someone “acting” and really a Tolin supporter. I have no dog in this fight other than to say that Mr. Pouls is a man of integrity and honor. I do not know Mrs Tolin at all so I will offer no opinion on her.
re: TO: Baldwin Alum and Tier One College Grad
Posted by Baldwin | Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:21 PM
COMMENT:
I never said that "money makes the world go 'round so why get worked up?" That's a judgement call on the school's integrity, one that I don't feel prepared to make since I no longer live in Bryn Mawr and I don't know the whole story. What I do know is that Mrs. Tollin was my teacher in the mid-80s and she was verbally abusive. That's not to say the Poulses aren't crazy either. Perhaps they are both in the wrong. Let's call it a draw. What I am saying is that it sounds like the parents of this year's seniors are getting worried about school admissions for nothing. I don't think this incident will a rude awakening for the Ivy League admissions boards. They know the way money works.
Pritiken Did you say?
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:49 PM
COMMENT:
Susan Tabas Temper was on their website too...hmm..how about this blog post from NYC: click here RICH BULLIES NASTILY THREW THEIR WEIGHT AROUND IN BRYN MAWR, PA, ANGRY COURT COMPLAINT SAYS...Let’s begin when a group of second grade parents at The Balwin School in Bryn Mawr tried to take out an ad in the school’s annual program honoring their kids’ teacher. It read, "We love you, Mrs. Tollin. Thank you for a wonderful year. Your second-grade class." The ad was rejected by the school administration. But why? Turns out, a rich land developer of resort properties, and his divorcing wife had been behaving like boors, the wife charging into school during classroom hours, according to the court complaint – screaming, shouting foul language, interrupting classes, and acting in such a frightening manner that one terrified little kid who had nothing to do with any of this ran and hid in a closet. But again, why?
Poster above said appearance does not matter
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:49 PM
COMMENT:
you are right Pouls should not be allowed to care about their weight, appearance and general health.... stop it, give us all a break this has nothing to do with a teacher pushing a little kid around
more blogging pouls...err pools?
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:55 PM
COMMENT:
click here The Asshat Parents Thread #10751392 - 06/11/07 07:39 PM Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply "How would you react if children in your child's school called your child fat? The parents described in the article below asked the teacher to monitor their kid's food intake, which eventually sparked a fight between the massively rich parents and the teacher, with the school apparently taking the side of the parents. Article here: click here Complaint citing epic email from Father Asshat here: click here It is only a complaint, and therefore necessarily all true, but if the email quotations are accurate, the Pouls are unqualified asshats. Instead of their reaction, how about saying to your child: "There are tons of ways of getting other kids to stop calling you fat. There
Poster above said appearance does not matter
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:49 PM
COMMENT:
you are right Pouls should not be allowed to care about their weight, appearance and general health.... stop it, give us all a break this has nothing to do with a teacher pushing a little kid around
Money vs money
Posted by tt | Oct. 4, 2007 at 3:00 PM
COMMENT:
I read the article as well as all the posts ( I must have to much time on my hands !!! ) I know the parties as well, I am not sure if the readers of this blog are aware of the wealth of the Tolin family. This is not a David vs Golliath fight.. The Tollins (son) is extremly wealthy and is the main thrust behind this escalating situation. This is not a "little old lady from pasadena" This is a wealthy sharp old gal out for a payday !!
too funny
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:55 PM
COMMENT:
click here too funny
Dear Mom
Posted by Mike | Oct. 4, 2007 at 3:10 PM
COMMENT:
Dear Mom, I am so sorry for getting you involved in this mess. I thought that by connecting you with my mainlne jewish lawyer friend this would all work out. My intent was to make your retirement better by bringing suit againest this wealthy Pouls family. I thought they and the Baldwin group would roll over and shell out the money to us. I was wrong ( they almost paid) Sorry I must now throw you under the bus and get back to my busy showbiz career. You are on your own Mom good luck. Oh boy what a mess I have made of this. I always knew that you were loud and somewhat abusive but I still thought we could pull this off. I underestimated the will of the school and this Pouls guy. Sorry !
CHECK THIS SITES OUT
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 3:15 PM
COMMENT:
click here
Correct Information
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 3:21 PM
COMMENT:
Hey pouls bloggers/pr firm: I know the tollin family. Mike Tollin is NOT HER SON. The article got that part wrong or the lady making the quote got it wrong. He is her stepson and does not live in philly and was not the main thrust behind this lawsuit. Mrs. Tollin has only 1 child, a son, but it is not Mike. Mike is from Mrs. Tollin's late husband's first marriage.
Tollins son
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 3:32 PM
COMMENT:
I must disagree. I am was told by a source at Philly Mag that the son (step son, whatever) was the connection to Philly Mag and the article. this is true, he and his show biz conncections are the reason this matter has taken on a life of it's own !!! please check your facts. For those unaware this son produced and or directed the hit movie Radio a few years back. He is quite successful and very wealthy. I cant blame him for helping his step mother, but lets just be clear on who the player are. This is not some old lady in a 200 dollar per month apartment eating cat food !!!! This is a very bright, very angry, well funded woman on a quest for money and to prove that her teaching style should NEVER by questioned by ANYONE
Note to Pouls PR Firm
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 4:10 PM
COMMENT:
Listen guys, I give you points for tenacity but your posts just don't ring true. There is no way I get from the Philly Mag article or any other article that Tollin is as witchy as you all say. Conversely, stop trying to paint the Pouls as saints. Moderation, guys. Let moderation be your watchword in all you do. Otherwise, I'm afraid your efforts are quite transparent.
Note to Pouls PR Firm
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 4:10 PM
COMMENT:
Listen guys, I give you points for tenacity but your posts just don't ring true. There is no way I get from the Philly Mag article or any other article that Tollin is as witchy as you all say. Conversely, stop trying to paint the Pouls as saints. Sheryl Pouls is, by her own written admission, the same woman who stormed the Lower School calling Patsy Tollin an F***ing B****. Michael Pouls is the control freak whose email manifesto is part of the public record. So, moderation, guys. Let moderation be your watchword in all you do. Otherwise, I'm afraid your efforts are quite transparent.
I must confess
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 4:21 PM
COMMENT:
I was unsure of this case until I saw the complaints against the teacher. It is riveting. Once you see what she did to these kids, there will be no doubt that she was in the wrong. One complaint even has her committing assault. If some teacher touched my child, she would have to deal with me.
Note to Michael Pouls
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 4:21 PM
COMMENT:
You can afford a better PR firm.
PR Firm????
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 4:26 PM
COMMENT:
Why do the Tollin supporters find it so hard to believe that others support the Pouls. The teacher made an ass of herself in the article. There is no doubt she mis-behaved. She hates main line moms. Her lawyer hates main line entrepreneurs. She also hates any child who belongs to this group. It is also clear she committed these acts of mistreatment. It doesn't rquire a PR firm to convince me of this.
40 complaints
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 4:26 PM
COMMENT:
I saw the complaints last weekend at a class party. I asked Sally about them and as usual, she was mum. Seems like her hands are tied as Blair did nothing to fix the mess. On complaint states..."Blair forwarned Powell about Tollin in April 2006, before Powell even started her career at Baldwin." So the old head knew of the problems and dumped them on Sally. There is no doubt we are dealing with an unstable women.
To: I must confess
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 4:26 PM
COMMENT:
Now this is exactly what I was talking about. No one is going to believe for one minute that Patsy Tollin physically abused a child under Blair Stambaugh's tenure and got away with it. Baldwin officials, I hope you are monitoring, because the Pouls camp is going to throw the school right under the bus to prove their point.
Employee
Posted by Ella | Oct. 4, 2007 at 4:33 PM
COMMENT:
I currently work for the Pouls family. They are warm and kind to me and everyone here. I witnessed the spiraling down of their daughter last year. She was very sad but she has luckily recovered. God Bless.
come on, ella!
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 5:02 PM
COMMENT:
I worked with Ella, and I can honestly say, HONESTLY, that there wasn't a day that went by that she, and the other people on staff, didn't complain. Yes, evryone complains about their job, but everyday? Ella's son sole job was to wash the cars, and put gas in them. The house manager was there from dusk til dawn, and his wife, how also worked there, was so unhappy. And he didn't care, he just told her to work. She was ill, diabiete's, if I remember correctly, she wanted children, and he lived and breathed for the Pouls. Ella,and the other woman in the house were paid to play with the children because no one else would. And as I have stated on this blog before Amanda would tell me daily that I was fired. The parents did nothing, another example of spoiled kids. Also, someone should look into the working papers of the staff, I think I was the only US citizen.
to "under the bus"
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 5:13 PM
COMMENT:
You hit the nail on the head! The Pouls care about no one but themselves. They will go the distance to prove they are right, and the school will ultimatley suffer, as will their children, who will be outcast and seen in a very bad light, worse than just spoiled children of spoiled parents.
What about the divorce?
Posted by joy | Oct. 4, 2007 at 5:19 PM
COMMENT:
How about Mrs. Pouls asking Mrs. Tollin to speak to her husband about their marriage? Could she be anymore inappropriate? Oh, yes, she cursed at Mrs. Tollin, so I guess the answer is YES!
40 Complaints
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 4:42 PM
COMMENT:
There is something very unseemly--dare I say illegal--about a teacher's personnel file being passed around at a parents 4th grade party. Again, Baldwin officials, are you out there? Do you see how you will be smeared so that Michael Pouls can prove he is right? If you survive the initial lawsuit, I'm sure an employment attorney will be contacting you shortly afterward. Put and end to this madness. Expel the Pouls girls, give back the endowment and appeal to the community, like you should have done in the first place.
Give back the money and expel the Pouls
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 5:56 PM
COMMENT:
I am a former baldwin parent and working parent. My daughter had Ms. Tollin many years ago, and she and I agree that she was one of those very special teachers who help shape lives. She was great academically, but also took an interest in my daughter, but all the while instilling a sense of discipline, order and respect. My daughter is currently at one of the most elite colleges in the country. I have given to the best of my ability to Baldwin over the years. I will not give them a single penny until the Pouls and Powell are thrown out. I would personally offer to lead a campaign for the endowment if the Board had the courage to take that necessary action now. Dont let a glorious 120 year history go down the tubes for the sake of expediency. Protect Baldwins reputation. Act now!
Sick to my stomache
Posted by tami | Oct. 4, 2007 at 8:29 PM
COMMENT:
It is just sickening how these Tollin supporters pick on this little girl. Calling her names and suggesting she be expelled. The meanness can only come from Tollin herself. What a shame they have to resort to this type of behavior and conduct to advocate their position. It is not about name calling. Simple point. Did Tollin mistreat these girls? "Boot Camp" and unfit to teach 2nd grade. Need I say more.
Ripple effect
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 8:24 PM
COMMENT:
This situation is bad enough, but think of the ripple effects of this. Donations will dry up, either due to disgust of the situation, or fear that donors will be afriad that people will think that they are just buying something. The legal costs alone will be substantial, and with the administration handing out Tollins records at parties, I am sure there will be further civic and possibly federal labor privacy defense fees. Who will pay for all that. Also, enrollments will suffer for years, with the best students going elsewhere, which will force Baldwin to accept kids not academically high achievers, which will further create a downward spiral. How has the new headmaster in one year managed to make so many poor decisions, to have created this situation.
Reply
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 8:34 PM
COMMENT:
I agree. And they also call the Pouls names. They refer to Mr Pouls and Pritikin and their marriage. So what if they care about their weight? Is that a crime? From the picture, Tollin looks like a beach whale. Maybe she should go to Pritikin. And the marriage issue is fabricated as I see no reference to it in this article. The bottom line is why are the Tollin's attacking this family? They are embarrassing themselves. They should focus on the issues. That is what I think the problem is. They appear to have no case and it is clear this teacher was a bad human being.
Applaud to Headmaster
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 8:39 PM
COMMENT:
So the head master should allow a tyrant to work at the school and harm the very children she has been entrusted to protect. And if she were a coward and the teacher slapped your child, you would be happy because "at least you didn't create any waves." That is what is wrong with the world and that is what this Blair lady did. Sweep it under the rug because to deal with it will cause some challenges at first??? I applaud Powell. She took a decisive step and got rid of someone who was bad for her school. All those that think she should have cowtailed to the teacher are weak. I bet you would think differently if your child was the ones harmed. 40 complaints. Bizarre
speechless
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 8:46 PM
COMMENT:
I for one think what Powell did was perfect. As a current Baldwin parent, I applaud her having a backbone. If she knew about these 40 complaints and did nothing, I would have a serious problem with that. She obviously has the support of her entire staff and all faculty. It is common to hear on campu words like "thank god we have someone who could stand up to this tacher." She was obviously a monster and the fact that she hurt children and got away with it is appalling. And it is so clear from the writing styles that she blogs for herself. All the blogs are the same and attack the family and their small child. Disgusting.
Are Internet Comments Discoverable?
Posted by David | Oct. 4, 2007 at 9:15 PM
COMMENT:
If a party to a lawsuit or an agent posts comments on the internet, I suggest asking counsel if they may be introduced during deposition and trial testimony. Then, ask how they may be used by the other side, and what counsel advises. I will not suggest that a vid of the lawyer reaction be posted on YouTube.
House Manager
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 9:46 PM
COMMENT:
I am the house manager at the Pouls home. I have been so for three years. During that time, not one of my staff has utterred a word about being treated unfairly. Ella was moved enough to write a comment. So am I. Both of us have published our names. The supposed employees who had bad things to say remained anonymous. These supposed employees are clearly fabricated. If not show us all who you are and post your name. Also, the Pouls children are the kindest of children. It sounds like Tollin to say they fired people. Wasn't she the one who said their daughter had 7 phones in a childlike voice-mocking the child. The reporter corrected this fabrication by telling us all she had one phone-a sidekick.
Bob Hinz
Posted by Bob | Oct. 4, 2007 at 9:54 PM
COMMENT:
I wrote the previous and forgot to include my name.
Disgusted
Posted by sara | Oct. 4, 2007 at 9:55 PM
COMMENT:
The Tollin team is killing themselves with their attacks on this family. All they did was act to protect their own child. And because the teacher was exposed and the family has $$$$ they are being attacked by Tollin. All their comments sound the same and all reek of the "hurt" Tollin claims in the article to want to inflict. What a mean women. It is obvious she has no character and did the terrible things alleged.
Cherry Hill
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 9:59 PM
COMMENT:
I am offended by the comment from the attorney that shines a negative light on Cherry Hill. The climb to success by Michael Pouls is well known in these parts. He is a kind and gentle man and doesn't deserve any grief for protecting his child from this demented women. Furthermore, Cherry Hill is a great area and the people here are just as good if not better than those on the main line that the lawyer compares them too. I am Jewish also and am upset by his insulting comments
Halpern lives in Bryn Mawr
Posted by barb | Oct. 4, 2007 at 10:03 PM
COMMENT:
What is funny is the comments by the attorney Halpern and Tollin. Tollin hates the way everyone on the Main Line raises their kids and lives their life, yet she selected the Main Line to live herself. She could have lived anywhere and selected the area she most hates. Halpern lives in a sprawling home in Bryn Mawr-also on the main line. I bet those reading this article didn't realize Halpern and Tollin were so well off. Tollin's son is a Hollywood Producer with money. Tollin and Halpern are trying to deceive us all. Check it out yourself. So we can see that we have a lying teacher who harmed kids and an ambulance chasing main line attorney who looks like Woody Allen. I think he is refered to as a corgi.
Parents Association Backs School and Pouls
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 11:06 PM
COMMENT:
In the article Hope Bernstein gave a very supportive comment to the Pouls. She is the President of the Parents Association and has the full support of all of us for both the school and the Pouls family. We realize what patsy has done to this school and to amny of the children in her class. Many parents of first graders requested not to have Tollin. Many others complained about her constant yelling in the hall and gossipping. We are honored that Hope has spoken for the parents at this fine school.
yenta
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 11:10 PM
COMMENT:
Tollin is what we call in the Jewish religion a yenta. She was known as the school gossip. She is now getting her just desserts. It is nice to see everyone coming out against her. She is now the one being gossipped about and it feels good after she gossipped so heavily about all the families in her class. To think we trusted her with our children and she repaid us by slaughtering these girls in the name of learning. The truth has now come out. She didn't like any of us and hated our lifestyle. Or maybe she was envious of it. Who knows and who cares. Her comments about expelling those poor little girls so that she can win is repulsive. I have lost all respect for her.
The Worst Teacher Ever
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 11:16 PM
COMMENT:
Do you think Philly Mag can do a story entitled, THE WORST TEACHER EVER. The star would be Tollin. She has set a new standard for child abuse in the education system.
Previous few comments are false
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 11:28 PM
COMMENT:
These previous few comments above are false and the language used is so harsh, only someone so emotionally involved in this case like the pouls themselves or their hired PR firm would send such emails to try and sway public opinion in their favor. Mrs. Tollin has tons of support in the main line community and beyond.
Discrimination
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 11:19 PM
COMMENT:
I am an African American who lives in center city. I was upset to hear she did not like African Americans. There is still so much discrimination in the world. I thought it had disappeared from our teachers. Note to Tollin, aren't black girls good enough to attend a private all girls school? Or must they all be white and Jewish?
I agree
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 11:32 PM
COMMENT:
I agree. Tollin has so much support that she is the butt of jokes amongst us parents at school. She has no support except for the few that keep blogging. Isn't it intereting that seemingly different people from different walks of life keep using the same words...pouls or the pouls pr firm. The only one to write such consistent comments would be a loser with no life or Tollin herself as she follows every comment. Did I say loser?
Main Line Jew
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 4, 2007 at 11:37 PM
COMMENT:
I am a member of Har Zion Temple on the Main Line. The temple and all us Main Line Jews are offended by these derogatory comments against the Jewish people. And Tollin is Jewish herself. Her hiring of this attorney shows how self righteous she believes she is. She is misguided and her attornets comments has turned the Main Line Jews squarely against her. The article does her a complete disservice. I look forward to the school and Pouls counter-suit.
Let the truth come out
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 1:01 AM
COMMENT:
These blogs are great. They have helped me to see the truth about this teacher. She was a real menace. Huh? Vasys's comment about her not being fit to teach 2nd grade say it all. Tollin can't possibly win if her direct superior says this. It is that simple.
Attorney Opinion
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 1:05 AM
COMMENT:
I am a Philadelphia attorney. From the looks of it Tollin has an uphill fight. Both the school and the Pouls are against her. If Vasys and Stoviak testify on the school's behalf, she is cooked. If there are legitimate prior complaints, this makes Tollin's chances nearly impossible. Also Tollin's file had to be provided to all the parties in this lawsuit. The other parties are not under any confidentiality rules unless that was stipulated. So, no, the school can not be held liable if the file leaked.
Monster Mash
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 1:17 AM
COMMENT:
How could anyone support this rotten teacher. What she did to those kids and the Pools child. What's even more appalling is that she tells a magazine she wants it to "hurt," referring to the Pouls and the school. This is not the sound a nice older women makes. And her picture speaks volumes for who she really is. She hardly looks like a victim and she sounds like she is on the attack. I think she should give up fighting and apply herself to something more productive.
Tollin was my teacher
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 1:21 AM
COMMENT:
Fifteen years ago Tollin taught me. She wasn't just strict as some are saying. She was abusive. If I didn't bring in my homework on time or properly completed, she lashed out with a screaming attack. I didn't understand at the time what I was facing, but I recoiled into myself to avoid this abuse. It took many years for me to again trust my teachers. I wish she would not have hurt me like this and I feel bad for the little girl whose parents were brave enough to stand up for.
Straight Face
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 1:26 AM
COMMENT:
You can't possibly keep a straight face and support the creeps that hurt this child. It is both the schools fault and Tollins. The family is being made to look the heavy because they have money. They did the right thing standing up for their kid. All Tollin's supporters are mean spirited and name callers.
Pets
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 7:03 AM
COMMENT:
I don't know what happen to my last comment, but here goes again. This story reminds me of people that are mean to their pets. Just like small children, pets are lovable and mans best friend. They don't deserve abuse. Can anyone say Michael Vick? First he denied the allegations and then when the truth came out, he apologized. When Tollins record is revealed, she will have the choice of running or apologizing. Here's betting she runs. Cruel women
Priests
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 7:07 AM
COMMENT:
I love the pet comment, but the analogy works for priests too. They were loved by all until the truth came out. Con artists and pedophiles is what they were. They had supporters and bosses that renewed their contract each year for 30 years. But in the end, they raped one too many people and someone not in their network looked closer. The truth was so obvious that these priests lost their jobs and hunility. They went from God-like to the devil overnight. Tollin has her supporters just like the priests. But she abused one too many families causing someone outside her network(Powell) to look in her file. What she saw was shocking. The rest is history. And just like the priests, Tollin will be outed.
Can you say Duke Lacrosse??
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 7:14 AM
COMMENT:
You could also add Duke Lacrosse to the mix. There, a dancer tried to blame innocent players for rape. The prosecuter was trying to make a name for himself so he took the case and did illegal things-ignoring the law. Here we have an unstable women whu hurt children. Her superior says she was unfit to teach-need I say more. On top of that we have a money hungry lawyer who is trying to score. Anyone ever heard of him. Small time. Both Tollin and the attorney are motivated by greed just like the dancer. They both picked on the people they though could help them reach their goal the quickest. In the end, the Duke players were proven right, just like the Pouls and Baldwin will be here.
Amen
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 7:20 AM
COMMENT:
Amen, I support the Pouls. Just read the article. Can you find one complimentary thing about her with the exception of one positive quote from a friend. Do the research, nothing positive in this manifesto!
Baldwin Alum
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 7:23 AM
COMMENT:
As a Baldwin Alum, I have to agree with my school. If Sally Powell needed to fire her, then I support her. When I read her class was like a "boot camp," I think "war zone." How can anyone learn in that environment? How could a Baldwin teacher be so mean. Way to go Baldwin and Sally.
a sign of the times
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 7:00 AM
COMMENT:
Bottom line: it's all about the money, folks..... sincerely, a disappointed aluma.
School Administrator in Chicago
Posted by Jean | Oct. 5, 2007 at 7:59 AM
COMMENT:
As an administrator in charge of 20+ faculty members, if I ever heard one of my teachers behaving to a student in this manner, they would not last 22 hours let alone 22 years. Any administrator with a conscious and love of education and children knows this-intimidation does not breed learning, only reaching a child at their own language will, that is the job-it is horrible to think of this woman treating an innocent child so poorly. Pouls family, I am so sorry, be brave and strong and good will come.
from above cont..
Posted by Jean | Oct. 5, 2007 at 8:04 AM
COMMENT:
...does not breed learning, only reaching a child at their own language will,that is the job-it is horrible to think of this woman treating an innocent child so poorly.Pouls family, I am so sorry, be brave and strong and good will come.
This is your life
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 8:11 AM
COMMENT:
Maybe Michael Pouls should arrange a meeting between his daughter and Susan Tabas. That way, the little girl will be able to see her future.
From another product of Tollin's classroom, circa 1992:
Posted by Lisa | Oct. 5, 2007 at 9:01 AM
COMMENT:
I'm yet another Baldwin graduate ; one who recently relocated back to the Philadelphia area and is anticipating her five year reunion in May. What distresses me most about this unfortunate series of events is the possibility that prospective Baldwin families without the Pouls' financial leverage will opt to send their daughters elsewhere over fear that they will not receive the same individual attention as girls from more moneyed backgrounds. I know little about the current administration but I can say that during my thirteen Baldwin years, which ended less than 5 years ago, money did not, to the best of my knowledge, permeate the classroom walls and influence the school's teaching in such a manner. My fondest memories of Baldwin, and those experiences which I have found most useful in my post prep school academic and occupational experiences, include the following: writing a paper on Joan of Arc for my five person French class in sixth grade, feeling like a Broadway star after
(continued)
Posted by Lisa | Oct. 5, 2007 at 9:02 AM
COMMENT:
...a fifth grade production of "Annie", bonding with teachers over lunch or during study halls, and, of course, writing opinion pieces for the Upper School newspaper. Though I thank my parents for choosing to send me to Baldwin, the real thanks goes to those individuals who taught me, put up with me, and ultimately gave me the critical thinking skills necessary for my future endeavors. I believe that Mrs. Tollin reprimanded me for my incessant talking during class not because of any interventional actions on my parents' part but as a way to teach me respect for my classmates and teachers and to make sure I focused and developed the crucial reading, writing, and mathematical skills needed for my future growth . If Baldwin today is anything like the Baldwin I knew not very many years ago, then I can say with certainty to current and future Baldwin parents: Let the teachers be teachers, and they will do everything in their power to help the girls flourish.
To: Philly Magazine
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 8:54 AM
COMMENT:
A careful reading of all of the posts on this site reveals a couple significant patterns. Of the anti-Tollin posts, there is a distinct grammatical and stylistic signature to them. Also, they are all posted in groups (note the post times), supposedly by “different” people, but answering different pro-Tollin posts that have been posted in the interim. Another pattern emerges within each group posting. These group postings will include someone posing as: A member of some demographic who is “offended” by Tollin’s alleged prejudices, a “Baldwin insider” claiming knowledge of some damaging evidence not presented in the Philly Mag article, a professional from some relevant field (usually lawyer or educator) who un-professionally jumps to major conclusions about the character of Tollin in spite of no evidence presented in the article, and an outraged parent who claims victimhood for the poor “abused” Amanda and cannot fathom how anyone can come to the conclusion that she is spoiled.
To: Philly Magazine (continued from above)
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 9:34 AM
COMMENT:
At first, I believed these posts to be the work of a PR firm employed by the Pouls, but now I believe they are the work of the Pouls themselves as no self respecting PR firm would hire such a linguistical buffoon to blog on behalf of a high paying client. I’m sure that Philly Mag has the ability to group the posts received by the location of the sender and I’m further sure that such an analysis would reveal that most of the anti-Tollin character assassination posts were generated from one or two computers. Further, I’m sure the results of this analysis would make a tasty little follow up to Jessica Pressler’s article.
Give up the ship
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 10:05 AM
COMMENT:
It sickens me what is going on here. All these Tollin posts are so long and all they do is smear the involved family and school. They are obviously written by Tollin. Hey PT, why don't you address the charges in these posts instead of trying to divert attn to the Pouls wealth. Your name calling of small girls, 1/10th your age speaks volumes about your character.
Common Voice
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 10:12 AM
COMMENT:
Why is there a common voice to all the Tollin blogs and why don't they answer some of the charges against them. Boot Camp, not fit to be a second grade teacher, hatred for the way main line families raise their kids, outsized contempt for the child, Blair hilding her contract, I want it to hurt,and so many others?
Hatred
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 10:16 AM
COMMENT:
The tollin comments have such a thread of hetred that I for one can see her doing the things alleged. She looks mean in her picture and her quotes tell me all I need to know. I don't trust her. There has been nothing presented by anyone to prove the Pouls used their money to get anything. On the otherhand Tollin's own boss says her class was a war zone and she was unfir to teach. She was clearly a disturbed women.
Administrator Campbell
Posted by David | Oct. 5, 2007 at 9:39 AM
COMMENT:
I hope you are real. A lot of spoofing is going on here. You would fire a teacher who pressures or intimidates students. You may be responsible for the educational lag of our students relative to many developed and developing nations. As we speak, India's middle class has grown to 300 million. That means there are more people who are two years ahead, and speak the King's English there than in the US. They will buy us out with falling dollars. How are your students doing compared to those in Korea or the two dozen nations cleaning our clocks in educational attainment? Even the hard working Baldwin student would be merely average in those nations. That you accept mediocrity Means we need a total housecleaning of the teachers college system, firing of administrators, laws stopping lawyers from plundering schools, intimidating our teachers, and correcting anti-education parents.
English Lessons?
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 11:07 AM
COMMENT:
As a retired English teacher with 35 years experience, I have noticed that in the article, the magazine points out with italics someone’s misuse of a word. I have also noticed that many of the more vindictive entries written against Mrs. Tollin share a common misuse of the English language, words, and grammar. I am sure that the students who have passed through Mrs. Tollin’s class would not have committed these mistakes, and would have been able to write much better. It appears that as Mrs. Tollin has some time on her hands now, that if the writer(s) of those entries asked Mrs. Tollin nicely, she may agree to teach this person, or people, some remedial English lessons, so that the blog entries are written better. And also, perhaps at the end of those lessons, the two would have a better understanding and appreciation of each other, and could patch up this silly feud.
For Shame
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 11:27 AM
COMMENT:
That a school should be held hostage for a donation is a shame. That a teacher should be permitted over the course of many years to terrorize students is a shame. For a mother to become abusive in the presence of students is a shame. To sue because your one-year contract is not renewed is a shame. Ms. Tollin, The Pouls family and the Balwin School should be ashamed for their actions. Philadelphia Magazine should be ashamed for printing this incredibly worthless story.
Hope Bernstein
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 11:14 AM
COMMENT:
An earlier post stated that Hope Bernstein made supportive comments in the article and she supports the Pouls and the school and that the parent’s association is 100% behind her. Mrs. Berntein’s comments in the article were, at best, non committal, and limited in scope to activities at birthday parties held at the Pouls’ home. I find it hard to believe that Mrs. Bernstein would endorse the firing of a teacher for yelling, as her older daughter is a high achieving senior whom I believe has been at Baldwin her entire career. Secondly, as there has been no formal Parent’s Association Meeting regarding this matter (but perhaps there should be) there is no way that the author of this post could possibly make the claim that the Parent’s Association stands behind the Pouls and the School 100%
Parents Upset?
Posted by Silence | Oct. 5, 2007 at 11:58 AM
COMMENT:
Not part of the Baldwin community, I cannot say for sure, but speaking to neighbors with girls in Baldwin, lets just say one could have lighted a cigarette with the smoke coming out of their ears, they were so upset about this thing was managed.
ParentsAssociation
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:03 PM
COMMENT:
I am in the Parent's Association. All of us are 100% behind the school and the Pouls. Hope shares our collective views. Stop pretending to know how we feel.
I am in the Parents Association too
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:07 PM
COMMENT:
I am also a Parent in the PA. I specifically requested that my daughter not have her. She is out of control. I hope my grammar and spelling are good enough for the grammar, elitist teacher (Tollin).
Parent Association
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:09 PM
COMMENT:
Hmmm... as a Baldwin Parent, I am also in the Parent Association and don't recall ever voting on what out "collective view" would be. I certainly don't stand behind the Pouls, or the way the school has handled it, so the best you could say is that you have, maybe, 99% support of the Parents Association. However, we both know it is WAY less than that.
Comments
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:10 PM
COMMENT:
I love the posts on pets,priests and Duke University. How appropriate a comparison. I am waiting for the teacher to answer how Vasys's (her superior) comments about Tollin not being fit to teach 2nd grade or that her class was a boot camp is inaccurate. When this goes to trial that will be her downfall. Maybe Tollin's wealthy Hollywood son can pay-off Vasys.
Need a tutor
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:15 PM
COMMENT:
Anyone know a tutor who acn teach my 5 month olsd son to start using the toilet. Tollin sounds perfect. Give her a ruler and a few liberties and I am sure my days of diapering will be over shortly.
There is no question the pro-Pouls comments are for the most part
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:07 PM
COMMENT:
written by pretenders. Notice how they are laden with loaded terms such as 'abuse" and images (comically equating the Pouls to the Duke Lacrosse victims). The article nowhere mentions conduct that would even begin to rise to the level of abuse (unless you consider Tollin's alleged failure to wave back to poor Amanda as abuse). By repeating over and over again these loaded terms that were not mentioned by or supported in the story, they are engaging in classic smear tactics. The readership of Philly Mag can not be as dumb as the authors of many of these anti-toulin posts. Also, use some common sense: how many people are going to be sympathetic to a rich, but worthless Main Line woman who has the temerity to burst into a teachers classroom and calls her a fucking bitch in front of other parents and students or to a guy like Pouls who has the arrogance to write an email to the head of the school saying that he is in charge and that he didnt authorize Tollin to discontinue her daily calls.
Parents Assoc.
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:20 PM
COMMENT:
To the post a few minutes ago, where have you been. We have talked about this mess and all in attendance are squarely in the school's and Pouls'corner. Since you were not present, you must be Tollin faking.
Parents Association
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:22 PM
COMMENT:
I am a parent too, and as such belong to the PA. I am adamently opposed to the Pouls and to the school's position, as are at the very least, the overwhelming majority of the Upper School parents, many of whose daughters had Tollin and know the truth first hand.
Rendelll Funraiser
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:14 PM
COMMENT:
A few years ago, I received an invitation to a fundraiser for Ed Rendell’s campaign for governor. As a staunch and outspoken conservative, I was more than a little miffed to find my name on some Democratic Party mailing list. How did they get my name? I wondered. Then I opened the invitation and discovered that the fundraiser was to be held at the home of the Pouls. Could the Pouls family have used the Baldwin directory to cull names of potentially wealthy donors to make their fundraiser a success and thereby curry favor with Ed Rendell? If in fact they did, aside from being one of the more nauseating aspects of politics today, its a direct violation of Baldwin’s policy regarding the use of the directory that states that the names listed are “For the social convenience of parents and students. Other uses are strictly prohibited”. Several months later, a letter was sent home reminding ALL parents of the Baldwin Directory policy, but no mention was made of the Pouls fundraiser an
Missing the point...
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:13 PM
COMMENT:
What is really getting lost in translation here is the over-coddling of children today. It wasn't long ago that I was in grade school and was placed in classes of "tough" or "strict" teachers. Teachers who expected the best out of you. Who pushed you to do better and go further. It takes a while before you can look back and realize that these teachers instilled a sense of responsibilty, respect and self-motivation. Anymore I see kids who are disrespectful, rude and without manners EVERYWHERE. I also see parents not correcting them. I say a strict teacher is a necessary step in teaching children that life isn't always roses and ice cream, and that sometimes, even if you don't like someone, you need to respect them. Imagine these children in the future - getting a job where they don't like their boss or coworkers. Are they going to go crying to mommy and daddy to get them fired as well? I cringe at the thought of these pampered spoiled children one day becoming our society's leaders.
To: Missing the Point
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:37 PM
COMMENT:
I agree with everything you are saying, except that we are missing the point. Those of us that are upset about the firing of Tollin and the Pouls bullying are the only ones GETTING the point. We sent our girls to Baldwin to get precisely the education you are advocating and because we feel so strongly that this "coddling" is not beneficial to the learning process. Baldwin is not a "Finishing School", but a demanding prep school where the girls are driven to excellence. Or at least it was that kind of a school before Powell and the Pouls got there.
Rendell
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 4:16 PM
COMMENT:
To the earlier post, you are mistaken. I went to the fudraiser. It was held at Craig and BJ Spencer's house-also Baldwin parents. Why don't we blame Pouls for global warming while we are at it.
Baldwin
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 4:21 PM
COMMENT:
If you are saying that Baldwin is the right place to teach young ladies how to succeed in the world, then great. If you are saying they should be allowed to threaten and berate kids to get their point across, I say no thanks. I appreciate what Powell did to rid the school of .....well, a monster.
Get real
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 4:28 PM
COMMENT:
The parents association is squarely behind the Pouls, school and teachers. Tollin is outed for what she was. She brought this on herself and continues to damage her name by her long, misguided and harsh comments in the article and in these blogs. There is just no kindness there.
Telling sign
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 4:31 PM
COMMENT:
I think it is very telling that Tollin's direct boss says her class was like boot camp and she wasn't fit to teach anymore. I have known Baiba for many years and trust her. When she says these things, I listen. She is a sweet kind women and if her lower school wasn't being run the way she wanted, I am confident this decision not to renew Tollin was as much her decision as everyone else who made the call.
Telling sign
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 4:31 PM
COMMENT:
I think it is very telling that Tollin's direct boss says her class was like boot camp and she wasn't fit to teach anymore. I have known Baiba for many years and trust her. When she says these things, I listen. She is a sweet kind women and if her lower school wasn't being run the way she wanted, I am confident this decision not to renew Tollin was as much her decision as everyone else who made the call.
has anyone counted the total number of comments on this article
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 5, 2007 at 9:34 PM
COMMENT:
must be some sort of record
Ugliness
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 5:28 AM
COMMENT:
I find it deplorable that a teacher would pick on an innocent child. I understand the coddling point but I don't think that is what the parents were saying. You can teach discipline without humiliation. I discipline my kids, but I don't humiliate them to get my point across. That is unacceptable. And since her boss said she wasn't fit to teach, I agree with the school and family.
It's about time
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 5:32 AM
COMMENT:
I am a Baldwin parent. It is about time someond did something as it relates to Tollin. She has been free weilding with the insults for a long time.
Careful Analysis
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 5:35 AM
COMMENT:
Careful analysis of the article reveals that the reporter supported the Pouls/school. She says nothing kind about the teacher. She calls some of what the teacher says "sensational tales." She uses her own judgement saying Tollin had contempt for an 8 year old because she did not like the mainline lifestyle. She quotes Tollin's bosses comments calling Tollin unfit and her class boot camp. She quotes another administrator who says how much Tollin wants to hurt Powell. She quotes Tollin as saying all she wants to do is hurt everyone including the kids (vindictive). She talked of another family whose child was tortured to learn math. She quotes the US Gov. to show parents should get involved in their kids education. There is so much more that reflects poorly on Tollin including her lawyer. I can only imagine the reporter knew a lot more of the facts than any of us.
Tp: Michael Pouls
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 6:43 AM
COMMENT:
Mr. Pouls—may I call you Mike since I feel like I know you? It’s quite obvious to anyone of even medium intelligence that you are the lone blogger in support of your own agenda on this blog. Several posters have called you out repeatedly, including myself, by calling attention to the stylistic and grammatical similarities of your posts. Your blogging has moved out of the realm of the contemptibly transparent and into the realm of the simply pathetic. You see, Mike, the beauty of the internet is that it is a true democracy. Your money means absolutely NOTHING here. You survive by your wits alone, which clearly puts you at a disadvantage, since not only were you incapable of altering your signature posting style even after it had been spelled out for you numerous times, but by your own admission, you were unable to complete a simple second grade rhyming homework assignment even to save your precious daughter from devastating embarrassment.
To: Michael Pouls, continued from above
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 6:45 AM
COMMENT:
Look, Mike, I’ll spell it out for you, and I’ll use small words so that you will be sure to understand: read this entire blog. You know which posts are yours (and which posts you threatened your employees to make). You have NO SUPPORT in the Baldwin Community. The only legitimate anti-Tollin posts out here are critical of ALL of the parties involved. Fold your tent, settle with Tollin and make this mess go away before you become the most hated man on the Main Line (if you aren’t already). I know this is wishful thinking on my part—your enormous ego will never let you give up—in fact, I’m sure we’ll be treated to a whole new barrage of pathetic blogging shortly. But as a word of advice, you should please be sure to save enough of your money (after you eventually pay out damages to Patsy Tollin) so that in the future, you can build the Montgomery County Community College a new Library so that little Amanda will have some place to continue her education if she manages to graduate f
"Very Telling"
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 7:10 AM
COMMENT:
Here’s what’s “very telling” (if I may borrow the South Jersey vernacular): This whole mess started because Amanda Pouls was being called fat by her classmates and the Pouls inappropriately insisted that Patsy Tollin monitor her diet. Apparently, the Pouls themselves are incapable of monitoring their daughters diet, since the Philly Mag article ends with Amanda happily chowing down on French toast at Ozzie’s in Longport. Um, hello? Shouldn’t she be eating oatmeal or yogurt?
Redell Fundraiser
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 7:11 AM
COMMENT:
Oh and the Rendell fundraiser may not have been held at the home of the Pouls, but they were certainly listed as hosts of the party. The actual people at whose home it was hosted were names I did not recognize. As I said, I wouldn't be caught dead at a Rendell fundraiser, but perhaps the Pouls home was too small to accomodate the entertainment provided by Jon Bon Jovi.
I support the Pouls
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 9:42 AM
COMMENT:
As a Baldwin parent with two girls at the school, I support the Pouls and the school. They did nothing wrong except object to the way their daughter was mistreated. It is sad that the Tollin camp keeps insulting that little girl.
Shut up
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 9:47 AM
COMMENT:
The poster who keeps insulting this family and the very knidness of Michael Pouls should spare us all. In reading your posts, it is obvious you are very angry. All your post are long and filled with insults. Try spending your time on something meaningful-like telling yout mom to get counseling so she can't harm those poor girls any longer. I bet she verbally assaulted you as a child too. No matter how much you support her, you will never win her love. She is incapable.
Main Line Jew
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 9:51 AM
COMMENT:
I for one am insulted by Tollin's comments related to my heritage. I understand Tollin lives on the Main Line as does her lawyer. Why pick on us Jews. The Pouls family have been good neighbors and not like the comments described by the article. The article said they had "loud possessions but were quiet and unloud." This is the opposite of what Tollin says. I think we have Tollin envy going on here. Regardless, she had no right to run a boot camp or humiliate the non-Pouls child mentioned in the article. I think it said she humiliated another child into learning math. That right there is proof to me she was not a nice women and it had nothing to do with the Pouls.
Even the playing field
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 9:57 AM
COMMENT:
I read the article. For me it is easy to see who is right and wrong. Cosider these facts that are not coming from Pouls or Tollin-as stated in the article. In 1989 Blair Stambaugh the the head writes "I am holding your contact because you shout at kids." A parent that is not the Pouls complained that the teacher screamed at her to learn her math facts. Or Baiba Vasys who wrote that Tollin did not belong in second grade any longer because she could not give the children the nurturing support they need. The boot camp comment was the most telling for me.The reporter tells us Tollin had an "outsized contempt" for the Pouls child because she was rich. Furthermore the reference to Tollin organizing a letter writing campaign and using her son to get this Philly Mag article tells me she is calculating. When the old school headmaster thinks it is important enough to "hold" her contract due to shouting and other parents complain of screaming, can there be any doubt?
Support
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 10:13 AM
COMMENT:
I support the school. I am embarrassed to learn we had a teacher like this at Baldwin. Thank you Ms. Powell.
Thank You For Evening the Playing Field
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 10:44 AM
COMMENT:
The Even the Playing field Post was great. You were right in what you wrote. There are at least three non related parties (Stambaugh, Vasys and another parent) all who support the school and the Pouls position. I don't care how good a teacher she was to some. If you are a screamer, you should be fired. We have too much violence in this world already. the same lessons can be taught without embarrassing these young girls. It is just deplorable that she got away with it for so long.
Baldwin is Great
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 2:44 PM
COMMENT:
Despite the selfishness of this supposed teacher, Baldwin will be fine and a message will be sent that Baldwin strives for excellence in every facet-including its teachers. We have a new head who is not afraid to make the right steps for Baldwin and get rid of disgruntled teachers like Tollin.
My Opinion
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 4:45 PM
COMMENT:
I support the Pouls family. I am curious why some of these postsare so mean toward him. He just acted to protect his child. The teacher seems unstable-at best.
Weight Problem
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 6:14 PM
COMMENT:
I am shocked at the posts critical of any weight issues the Pouls have. One critiques the family because their daughter had french toast. Another harasses Michael Pouls for going to Pritikin. I can only imagine they are coming from people who have perfection in every facet of their life. None of us are perfect and all of us struggle with some demon. The fact that the Pouls are working on theirs is no reason to make fun of them-even if you are perfect. The actions of the teacher to embarass the child at lunch is unacceptable. The Pouls were just trying to make sure their daughter didn't go over board in a lunch room where choices may have been unsupervised. I applaud their efforts and say those cutting them up should take note that "those of us in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."
Shocking
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 6, 2007 at 10:51 PM
COMMENT:
It is shocking that the teacher conducted boot camp at this upper end school. The way she humiliated that child is heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the family and their child. Every parent has a right to stick up for their child,especially when the child is 7 and the teacher is 67. What is wrong with this world?
Betrayal of Trust
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 7, 2007 at 1:42 AM
COMMENT:
In order for our school system to work most effectively, parents need to be able to tell teachers what is going on at home, what challenges the child is having and any other details that will clue in a teacher as to what the childs challenges are. Teachers in return are just like doctors-they take in this information and keep it confidential. To reveal the information would be shocking and against the law if it was a doctor. Tollin committed the ultimate sin-telling the world about the Pouls' childs issue with eating healthy.If parents can't tell teachers these personal details to help better prepare children, then our kids will not get the full benefits they could otherwise get. By Tollin telling the world about the personal details of conversations with the Pouls about their daughter, she committed a crime in my book. Because of her, parents might want to be a little more careful in what they tell teachers. It shouldn't be this way, but if Tollin can listen and tell, so can other
Tollin Law
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 7, 2007 at 2:01 AM
COMMENT:
A new law should be created just like we have today for doctors. It should prevent teachers from revealing personal information about their students. This will allow parents to feel more at ease when giving teachers vital information to help better teach the student. Tollin took in this personal info. on the Pouls child and revealed it in her lawsuit and then to papers and Philly Mag. Bloggers made fun of this small girl because of Tollin's breach. Wasn't she known as the school gossip and wasn't this what she always did? Let's call the new law "Tollin Law." What a legacy she created for herself. She is a bad women.
Plus Sizes
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 7, 2007 at 7:46 AM
COMMENT:
I am an over weight women. It is sad how I am treated just because of how I look. The mother was right to ask the teacher to monitor what her daughter ate while away from home. The teacher was wrong to bring it up in her lawsuit and embarass the child. Is this the kind of teachers we have teaching in our schools?
slaughter the pigs
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 7, 2007 at 7:51 AM
COMMENT:
I hate fat people-both big and smaill.Way to go Tollin.
Tollin
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 7, 2007 at 7:53 AM
COMMENT:
My gaughter had Tollin 5 years ago. It was the worst experience in her Baldwin career. She was mocked constantly. The teacher berated her and the other kids in the class. We got through it, but it took my daughter over a year to regain her self esteem. We feel terribly guilty for making our daughter endure this and for not objecting on her behalf. I don't think it would have mattered though, as Blair was not the type to fire anyone.
Fire Halpern
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 7, 2007 at 11:23 AM
COMMENT:
Tollin should fire her insensitive lawyer. He is embarrassing to her and shows the kind of person she is to select such a lawyer. His insensitive remarks to Jews are very upsetting. In the Jewish religion we are taught to protect our kids. The actions of Tollin against the Pouls'daughter justify the parent's involvement. Tollin's actions, her mocking of main line parenting, and the hurtful words of her lawyer need to be considered in this matter. Ever heard the term, "foot in mouth."
I want it to hurt
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 7, 2007 at 6:00 PM
COMMENT:
Tollin's comments about wanting it to hurt are very telling. She seems to want to hurt the school, the Pouls family and even the little girl. This is very telling. It tells me what kind of person Tollin is.
THE REAL MICHAEL POULS
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 7, 2007 at 5:46 PM
COMMENT:
MICHAEL POULS IS A TYRANT. A VERBAL ABUSER AND MANIPULATER. THE REPORTERS HAVE NOT DONE THEIR JOB. KEEP DIGGING. THE TRUTH ABOUT HIM WILL COME OUT. THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT HE HAS SCREWED OVER , LIED TO, AND RUINED THERE REPUTATIONS IN THE LAST 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS. HIS COMPANIES .....ON-CAMPUS MARKETING, EVENT MARKETING CONCEPTS AND KIDS IDZ. THERE ARE MANY OUT THERE WHO ARE SO AFRIAD TO SAY ANYTHING BECAUSE THIS MAN HAS SO MUCH MONEY. IT IS OUT THERE AND DOCUMENTED. KEEP DIGGING. KEEP DIGGING
HERE I AM
Posted by Liz | Oct. 7, 2007 at 9:30 PM
COMMENT:
My name is shown now, and I am the former employee that was fired daily by Amanda, for which they did nothing, then fired by Abraham, the former house manager. I was 4 hours from my home, at the Pouls vacation home. They returned property of mine damaged and did not pay for it. They didn't even have the courage to fire me themselves, and then they refused to pay me the remainder of my contract. But I knew that they would fight me to the bitter end, rather than to do the right thing, which was to pay me! Mr. Pouls was veru condesending to me, when he was home, which was rare, and Mrs.Pouls, well, I don't want to get sued for slander,so I will remain a lady and stop here. Good Luck, Bob Hinz!
Current Employee
Posted by Natasha | Oct. 7, 2007 at 11:44 PM
COMMENT:
I just read the article. All I can say to the former employee who was fired by a child who must have been four, huh! I have worked for this family for many years. I am treated with such respect by all. I have never felt like an outsider and am grateful for all they do for me. Ella, Phillip Bob and I are lucky to be treated so well and like family by all of the Pouls family members.
Tell Tale Sign
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 7, 2007 at 11:47 PM
COMMENT:
It is always very telling for me when I read an article and the posts that follow. I find it odd when things are posted that have nothing to do with the story. I read from Tollin how bad the daughter is because she is overweight or how bad Mr Pouls is because of any number of reasons or how dumb he is because of who knows what. On the other hand, the anti Tollin posts ask legitimate questions-like how could you create a boot camp environment,etc. It is clear the Tollins are trying to divert attention from their case because their claims seem weak and their lawyer a negative for them.
I am disgusted
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 7, 2007 at 11:54 PM
COMMENT:
I am disgusted by the bloggers who try to cut up this wonderful family. I have known them for years. They are the most down to earth and giving people I have ever met. Those posting can only wish to be half as kind and giving as this family.
Sounds like Tollin hated child
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 4:46 AM
COMMENT:
It sounds like Tollin hated the child. This is odd considering she was only 7. I would do psychological testing on Tollin to see what kind of medications she was on and why she had contempt (reporters words) for this kid.
School in the wrong
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 4:51 AM
COMMENT:
I am surprised the Pouls haven't sued the school. The knew as far back as 1989 that Tollin was no good. Her supervisor called her class boot camp and said she should not teach second grade any longer. By not getting rid of her, they set up this situation.
Yes, Fired by a 4 Year Old
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 6:23 AM
COMMENT:
That just goes to show you what kind of spoiled child, and family they are. How can you allow your child to tell an employee, and adult, that they are fired, and not tell them that it is wrong? Because when you have more money than God, when you are ruled by your money and think it is what matters most, there are no rules. Money can't buy class or manners or friends, all of which the Pouls lack. The poor girl will go through her whole live thinking that she is owed, another Paris Hilton in the making.
Focus
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 7:27 AM
COMMENT:
It amazes me how many other issues keep coming up. Whether Amanda "fired" the household employee? What Michael Pould did or did not do in his work. Just because someone is wealthy does not make them a bad person. Stick to the issues. The Poul's had the financial prowess to put their child in an excellent private school. The teacher assigned had issue dating back years before the family was even in the school. They were not properly dealt with by the former head master. In between all of the negative comments about the Poul's and Tollen are stories of former students who support that they too were "victims" of the teacher. No one should say that Tollen is a bad teacher. Her career may have run it's course. Perhaps the death of her husband was the last straw, but both Tollen and the school are better off with their decision not to renew her contract.
Weak
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 7:53 AM
COMMENT:
It ia almost laughable that the Tollin's can't defend their position so they are now trying to change the focus of this story. Just like the lawsuit itself, the Tollins are trying to make this about alleged marriage problems, weight issues and now spoiled child issues. The bottom line is Tollin has no case. Sure, she can make things up about the Pouls but I have read these posts and I can't find one where all the Tollin supporters answer the question-"how can you say you are a good teacher when your own boss calls your classroom a boot camp and says you are unfit to teach 2nd grade." Tollin supporters can post all they want about how much they don't like the Pouls. A court can care less. Did the school have cause to not renew her contract. With comments about being unfit and boot camp, can there be any denying the facts? I expect the next group of blogs to be from Tollin trying to disgrace the boss who called her class a boot camp. That's her style.
You know you are right
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 8:05 AM
COMMENT:
You are so right. Theteacher has tried to make this about everything but the facts. She cuts up the Pouls-not about the issues, but their wealth. She cuts up the child-first about her weight and now about being spoiled. She cuts up Main Line parents (especially those with two incomes) because they can't teach their kids how to hold a fork. She cuts up Main Line Jews, she cuts on new money and people from Cherry Hill. Who is she-Oprah!!! How could a school have let a women with all these negative opinions teach. Oh by the way, the one person she has positive comments for is the recent women who went to Jail for assaulting her nanny-Susan Tabas, I think.
You forgot one
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 8:12 AM
COMMENT:
She also spoke negatively to all those who would listen about her class make-up. If they weren't all "smart enough," she openly complained to parents and teachers. These types of labels are just unfair. She clearly forgot how to be a teacher and what being a teacher meant.
The child loses
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 9:23 AM
COMMENT:
The sad part is, it is the child who will be the most hurt by all this. This case is clearly a "he said, she said" situation.The entire event is being handled beyond poorly by all involved. The problem is that this will not go away for a long while and who will suffer? The child. Baldwin parents will eventually get sick of this never ending episode while the Pouls and Tollin will never back down until one of them will be proven right and bring everyone involved down right with them a long the way. Baldwin's rep, already 1/2 way down the toilet (come on do you really think anyone out there believes this not about donation money)will sink down to new depths. The other classmates will hear their parents complain about this neverending situation and who will get the brunt of this? The child - girls can be very cruel. All of the "adults" involved should just grow up.
I disagree-sort of
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 10:11 AM
COMMENT:
This case and its publicity was brought by Tollin. The article quotes that she went on a PR campaign and used her son to get into Philly Mag. She does not care-in fact "I want it to hurt" his her comment. The school and the Pouls have no choice but to react. When her history comes out, that should clear up the issue of why she got fired. But the child is getting hurt by the stupid and mean comments about her weight and her demeanor. I haven't heard one bad word from the school, the parents or the child. What should the innocent do? Back down and pay ransome. That is not the right thing to do either. If Tollin would dump her Jew hater lawyer and take the matter private, my guess is no one would care. It is her public mantra that is the root of the problem. I don't blame the family or school at all.
It's about time
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 10:18 AM
COMMENT:
I agree too. The Pouls and school were sued. They didn't sue. Tollin went public by holding press conferences. Tollin used her son to get this article that we are blogging too. Tollin is a jew hater. Tollin hates main line rearing. Tollin wants it to hurt. On top of that, these posts critique a small child who can't defend herself. No one will ever convince me that those comments aren't coming from Tollin. Who else would be so cruel? The school and the Pouls have done nothing but respond to one article in this mag. How is the school and the Pouls contributing to this mess? By not paying ransome. Those so concerned should take up a collection if they believe ransome is the best way to deal with this. It's quite easy for all of us to spend someone elses $$$
Still wrong
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 10:32 AM
COMMENT:
The above 2 comments are so wrong on so many levels. I stated ALL sides are wrong. The Pouls, Baldin and Tollin all have their own PR going. No one is buying any 1 story alone. In thi sue happy society we live, do you truly believe Baldwin would have kept a teacher on staff for 22 years if they "knew" of at least 30+ cases of previous abuse?? Get real, if that were the case Baldwin might as well shut their doors now because it won't just Tollin suing. Lawsuits would have been filed way before this. Open your eyes, nothing good can come out of this. Like a divorce, there are 3 sides - "his, hers & the truth". The only person who will suffer the long term ramifications is the little girl. All the adults involved in this are vulgar and see through, including the Pouls (im sorry, but there is no justification for what Mrs Pouls did in that classroom that day in front of children and other parents) Tollin (for all the crap she is now saying about the child and parents) and Baldwin (for so o
still wrong part 2
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 10:42 AM
COMMENT:
All the adults involved in this are vulgar and see through, including the Pouls (im sorry, but there is no justification for what Mrs Pouls did in that classroom that day in front of children and other parents) Tollin (for all the crap she is now saying about the child and parents) and Baldwin (for so obviosly following the money
oh please
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 10:45 AM
COMMENT:
to the above poster who states that Tollin brought on this publicity herself - wasn't it the Pouls who told philly mag that they hired a publicist after the crap S Pouls pulled in the teacher's classroom in February? - what a classy act that must have been. Perhaps you should reread the article Michael.
At a loss
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 10:51 AM
COMMENT:
Would someone please tell me when this became a religious arguement? Am I wrong to believe that Pouls, Tollin and her lawyer are all jewish? Or is it the Baldwin School that are jew haters? I'm honestly confused.
I agree with the Pouls
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 12:04 PM
COMMENT:
The Pouls only hired a PR guy after Tollin went on a PR campaign and started with the untruths. Her classless attacks of the Pouls child is a further insult to her already disgusting cause. She has hurt her own case with comments negative to her past employer, her community, her religion, the same young girls she taught. She wants it to hurt. IT HURT ALL RIGHT. iT HURT ALL THE GIRLS IN BOOT CAMP.
defending yourself
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 12:10 PM
COMMENT:
I can't believe I just read a post where the writer blames the Pouls and the school for defending themselves. When you get sued, you get a lawyer. When you get sick, you get a doctor. When someone holds press conferences and lies, one gets help. Can anyone say publicist. I agree that the publicist hired by the Pouls was in response to the teacher and her lawyers obvious attempts to shame them and their child. On kind of loser attacks a small child-TOLLIN
Enron
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 12:14 PM
COMMENT:
Enron fooled the public and their board for so long because those in positions of authority were too weak to make changes. Pedophiles lasted in our churches for a long time because those in charge looked away. If this teacher did what I am reading, it doesn't surprise me that she kept her job. Keeping your job doesn't make hurting children right. It makes your bosses weak and equally at fault. I say all blame goes to Tollin and the school. This family and their child are just the sensational angle and they should be applauded for not adding to this fiasco.
Baldwin Parent
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 12:19 PM
COMMENT:
As a parent of a child in the Middle School, My wife and I are happy to see this teacher go. She has been unruly and a school gossip for as long as we can remember. We specifically requested that our daughter not have her due to her meanness and harsh behavior.
I am a Main Line Jew
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 12:25 PM
COMMENT:
The Jewish comments are insensitive and offensive to me and everyone I know. We Jewish people have had to deal with a lot in our lives. These comments are a turn off to Tollin and her lawyer especially. Then again, she hired the lawyer. Is this the kind of judgement she used to teach her students?
give me a break
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 12:23 PM
COMMENT:
Oh puleazeeeee. It's amazing ... FACT: The Pouls hired someone whose SOLE job is to monitor this column and respond. The formula??: FACT: For every comment written to what they perceive as against them 2-3 pro Poul messages MUST be written. WATCH what happens within the next hour or so. FACT TO THE POULS: Cry all you want, it won't win you a thing in court.
this is beyond sad
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 12:31 PM
COMMENT:
Noone who is jewish is writing these things. To whomever is writing the responses for the Pouls, ask someone who is jewish how we describe ourselves. I live in the main line, i am jewish, there is no way we would describe ourselves and they way we feel like the person who is pretending to be "the main line jew" ...ugh.... this is so ugly
What do I think
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 12:55 PM
COMMENT:
Do I think that both sides Tollen and Pouls are monitoring this blog....yes. Do I think that the Poul's hired a PR person to answer each writing....no. However if Mr. Pouls wants to hire me, I am available. I have been watching this blog, because I think that 8 out of 10 of the responses are funny and ridiculous. Might as well get paid for it.
Ridiculous
Posted by D | Oct. 8, 2007 at 3:26 PM
COMMENT:
Judging by the many complaints against Ms. Tollin, her contract was not renewed because her "old school" ways do not fit with a school that due to its contemporary thinking consistently puts out some of the highest SAT scores in the area. She is trying to cash out. Suing is a nice way to guarantee she has a comfortable retirement.
Do you know what I think is ridiculous?
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 4:01 PM
COMMENT:
The way the Tollin team tries to assassinate everyone against them. Instead of fighting her case with class, she classlessly decided to talk about marriage, weight issues (anyone seen her weighty photo), issued about how parents raise their kids, etc. She must think real high of herself to think everyone around her is awful(except Susan Teper) and she is perfect. My kind of teacher.
major lies
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 4:10 PM
COMMENT:
To anyone writing anything mean about Michael Pouls, you do not know him.He is kind to the core and one of the smartest men I've ever known-a genius, starting his company from a single idea with only his own drive to back him.His money came from pure intelligence,no help from anyone.The only people who seem to care about his money are those that don't really know him. His daughters are like him,sweet, smart and kind.However, all this is distraction as the real issue is that no adult in their right might should ever insult a child like this.Also,there is a law in public schools that teachers are not allowed to divulge information about students to anyone at all, least of all the public.I would think public schools are regulated in this way.This Tollin is a bully and I hope she can someday realize the pain and sorrow she is potentially causing for the child and all the children involved.
easy one to figure out.........
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 4:13 PM
COMMENT:
THIS IS NOTHING BUT A CHEAP MONEY GRAB BY THE TOLIN WOMAN.........PERIOD
Snake in the grass
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 5:23 PM
COMMENT:
Tollin was like a snake in the grass. Waiting and waiting for the right moment. And then "pow" she pounces on the opportunity to make a buck. I anxiously await the filed answer in this complaint. I am sure it will tell the true legacy of Tollin. Perhaps the papers will even cover the filing.
keep watching
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 6:38 PM
COMMENT:
Anything negative said about Pouls, 2-5 pro Poul's comments come up. It is not speculation that the Poul's publicist is monitoring and answering every blog post, it is a known and proven fact people. Just keep watching, you'll see what happens. Message to the Poul's - maybe you should get someone to answer these posts that actually has full command of the english language and varies their posts every so often.
No One is Listening
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 7:20 PM
COMMENT:
I haven't read this blog since last Friday when it became clear that the only people still wrinting were the Pouls, their 3 supporters and the emplyoees ordered to write positvie comments. You know that all but a few know what they did and more importantly what the school did. Keep writing to yourselves and you will continue to delude yourselves. It is entertaining to us so keep writing. Every week or so we will check back and laugh. We all know what is going to happen -- just read the "Prediciton" above. PLEASE -- keep on writing. TV this fall is not that good but THIS is VERY entertaining.
Offended
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 7:45 PM
COMMENT:
Those who don't acknowledge my opinion are so insulting. I am not anyone who knows the parties and I fully support the Pouls and the school. The Tollin supporters must realize that freedom of speech is permitted and that opinions other than theirs is valid.
Mean Spirited
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 7:49 PM
COMMENT:
Tollin continues to associate herself with odd and mean spirited folks. Dr Behar believes in shame and corporal punishment. Halpern critiques Jews. Tollin hates Main Line parents. Tollin talks of non relevant issues like marriage, weight, and spoiled kids. And now the bloggers are complaining because others have differing opinions. Who are these people? Are they better than us?
Baldwin Alum
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 8, 2007 at 7:53 PM
COMMENT:
As a Baldwin Alum, I stand 100% behind my school. The new head, Sally, obviously took action when she took the job. I think they call it house cleaning. We in the know have known about Tollin and her record for a long time. Way to go Sally.
Do Not Surprise Your Attorney
Posted by David | Oct. 8, 2007 at 8:36 PM
COMMENT:
If any party is posting here, even anonymously, please, show the messages to your attorney.
What more can be said?
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 9, 2007 at 12:21 AM
COMMENT:
I think the topics have been exhausted in these posts. I would love to hear the teacher explain how her class was deemed a boot camp, yet she was such a great teacher. It's clear she abused children. Now it's just a metter of her punishment.
Sally Powell
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 9, 2007 at 12:25 AM
COMMENT:
I give my full support to the new school head master. It is about the school came out of the dark ages. Sally is more than capable of doing that. Dumping Tollin was a nice first step.
Standing up for our kids
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 9, 2007 at 1:39 AM
COMMENT:
If parents don't stand up for their kids who will. I fully support this family that took the bold step of speaking out for their child instead of allowing her to languish in that God awful class with that tyrant of a teacher. When so many parents today don't support their kids, it is refreshing to see someone acting like parents should. This is a lesson to all parents- your kids come first and nothing else in your life could be or will be as important. Congrats to the Pouls for restoring my faith in parents.
Bad Carma
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 9, 2007 at 8:42 AM
COMMENT:
This teacher has bad carma. How could she be so cruel to children and then so thoughtless and downright mean in this article!
"Carma"
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 9, 2007 at 11:17 AM
COMMENT:
"Karma" is spelled with a "K". I don't intend any meanness by pointing that out. A lot of people on this board are overly-sensitive to "meanness".
saddened
Posted by SCL | Oct. 9, 2007 at 9:39 AM
COMMENT:
As a parent of an upper school student who is not a 'lifer', I find this whole situation disheartening. As an outsider, Baldwin represented to my daughter a wonderful place for her to be challanged academically, to be pushed past her comfort zone, and to be challenged to become a strong, independent young woman. Because of her desire and hard work she is accomplishing her dream. This whole mess is sad. I am now getting questions left and right from friends and neighbors about the situation. Since Baldwin has been quiet-other than the recent letter telling us about this article-I don't know what to say. It seems to me that the whole situation would have been averted if administration had taken over all communication with the Pouls family and removed the teacher from the situation. Ms. Tollin was in a really powerless position. She was stuck. Once the family decided that she was 'abusive and a screamer'--she was not going to be able to do anything to change their mind. Regarding her t
saddened (con't)
Posted by SCL | Oct. 9, 2007 at 12:53 PM
COMMENT:
regarding her teaching style--I had to laugh-all of my children have attended a Catholic elementary school. They have had 'mean' teachers who 'yell'--my response is So What? I have had 'mean' bosses who have 'yelled' at me-that is part of being a nurse. You learn from that--you learn discipline, you learn that not everyone will 'like' you. I think these parents are doing their children a grave diservice by coddling them and boosting their self esteem to the point they become spoiled entitled kids who can not function in the real world. Our job as parents is to help and teach our kids that life is hard work, it isn't easy regardless of how much money you have, and sometimes it is not going to feel good and go your way.
Great Post!
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 9, 2007 at 4:21 PM
COMMENT:
Thank you to the above poster for such a well thought out message. I just read the article for the 1st time and I couldn't believe the comments that have been written.The above is probably the only true intelligent one of the bunch.I wish your daughter much success in life, with you as a guide, I'm sure she is awesome. It is truly sad that most of the other posters only seem to want to bash one another.
Yelling
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 9, 2007 at 10:26 PM
COMMENT:
I appreciate the above post about yelling and school being hard. No one is debating that. The teachers own boss called her class a boot camp. Her boss said she was unfit to teach 2nd grade. Those are the facts and they are not the parents words. They come from Tollin's boss. I am sure you don't think that an unlimited amount of humiliation is a good teaching tool. When her own boss says she is unfit, then the level of being tough has risen way above a helpful amount. Of course you can teach your kids as you see fit. But if my kids were humiliated to the point that my child's teacher's boss, called it boot camp, I would object too.
I couldn't agree more
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 9, 2007 at 10:36 PM
COMMENT:
The above post is right on point. Humiliating people is not the way to empower them nor is it the way to teach them to learn. So our kids should be scared into learning beacause the world is a tough place and that is how they will learn. Wrong. Maybe that's why the world is so screwed up. Teachers like Tollin scare these kids and humiliate them in the name of learning. Children follow the examples of adults. So as a result, the humiliated children can take their aggression (which they learned from their teachers) out on other kids and people later in life. No thanks. I would rather my child grow up to be a nice human being rather than a jerk who is good in math and english.
Wow!
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 9, 2007 at 10:43 PM
COMMENT:
That was said so perfectly. Those supporting Tollin say "humiliation is okay because the world is tough and this is the best way to learn." This is such horse manure. There is never a reason for an educator to humiliate her class. Especially when they are in the formative years where they are developing their identities. This child was 7, not 17 or 27. Just 7. Humiliating her was abusive. There are so many other wonderful teachers who don't use abuse. Come on think back. You had to have had one such teacher in your life. This good teacher, who left no scars, proves that good teachers exist that teach without abuse.
Just curious?
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 9, 2007 at 11:14 PM
COMMENT:
I have posted on many sites before. Why does there appear to be an english teacher correcting someone who was not perfect? I just read the stupid post about karma vs carma. I have read others, unique to this trail that critique based on spelling and grammar. Is this the teacher at work correcting us? Sounds like it.
Carma Was Spelled Correctly
Posted by David | Oct. 10, 2007 at 12:23 AM
COMMENT:
This is the Main Line. Karma? No. Carma? Yes. "No way can I be seen in such a Car, Ma. I need the Bimmer, as everyone in my grade drives. I'll just die if anyone spots me in a Buick."
correction
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 10, 2007 at 5:40 AM
COMMENT:
it is "BEAMER" NOT "bimmier" thanks Norstrams Dept Store, Mgr
oh geez
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 10, 2007 at 9:47 AM
COMMENT:
to the above poster (aka: nanny for the Pouls) if you want to pretend you are the head of a department at a company, it helps to know the name. It's Nordstrom idiot. Why don't you take care of the kids like you are suppose to. Btw, just talked to 6 Baldwin moms at a meeting this morning. The tide is once again turning, the don't want to have anything to do with the Poul's anymore and are ashamed how Baldwin sold out a beloved teacher. The article was certainly an thorn everyones side and does not make the school look good at all.
hahahaha
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 10, 2007 at 10:02 AM
COMMENT:
to the above poster...there is no english teacher correcting "us". It's just "us" regular folks here who had "tough" teachers that actually taught us the english language trying to teach the Poul's nannies how to spell. The Poul's don't want to "humiliate" and "traumatize" you by actually correcting you. You may be scarred for the rest of your life if you continue to post with incorrect spelling and people actually point that out to you.
Wondering - a question for any attorney.
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 10, 2007 at 10:11 AM
COMMENT:
My question really has nothing to do with who's right or wrong here, so if someone is posting a response to this question by bashing or defending either the Tollin's or Poul's, please stop yourself now - I actually have a question for any attorney. It seems Baldwin is defending it's firing of this teacher by stating that this teacher had years of complaints of abuse against her. If this is true, isn't Baldwin setting itself up for potentially many new lawsuits from parents whose children had been "abused" by this teacher in her "boot camp"? That they knowingly employed a "child abuser" who was "unfit to teach" and they've had "years of complaints" in writing (30+ I believe the head of school stated). Maybe I'm missing something, but if my child had been in her class and was "abused" and "humilated" by a teacher that the school had known to be "unfit" for many years, I'd certainly sue the place, not donate 5 million dollars to it. To anyone out there that actually has TRUE LEGAL KNOW
Wondering - a question for any attorney - PART 2
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 10, 2007 at 10:29 AM
COMMENT:
To anyone out there that actually has TRUE LEGAL KNOWLEDGE, not guesses or opinions about either party - please tell me am I wrong? Am I missing something?? - this is the 2nd part ending to the above post that got cut off. Thanks
are you kidding me
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 10, 2007 at 8:05 PM
COMMENT:
seems to me that Mrs T. is merely padding her 401k way to go girl... go after the deepest pockets you can...
For the Baldwin Girl: Bimmer or Walking
Posted by David | Oct. 10, 2007 at 9:20 PM
COMMENT:
Terminology reviewed: click here
It's so obvious
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 10, 2007 at 10:30 PM
COMMENT:
Those trying to defend Tollin just won't give up. The lies are incredible. I am a Baldwin parent. Virtually no one at this school supports Tollin. I hear her file will be made public in 2 weeks when the Pouls file their official answer. Meanwhile, the teacher is hated. So your comment that a group of 6 parents got together and the tide is turning against the Pouls is such "bull." No one at this school can stand Tollin. It is so obvious that your comments are comical.
2nd Grade Parent
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 10, 2007 at 10:39 PM
COMMENT:
I am a current 2nd grade parent. My husband and I were relieved when we learned that Mrs. Tollin would no longer be teaching 2nd grade. We had requested that our child NOT have her due to her excessive yelling and harsh teaching style. All parents in the 2nd grade are happy she is no longer here. We all support the school and not the teacher.
Who is David Behar,M.D.
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 11, 2007 at 5:34 AM
COMMENT:
Anyone know who this quack is? I am going to ask my doctor friends. He previously posted that he believed in corporal punishment and shame as teaching techniques. His post read that a teacher should use whatever means she has to, in order to get 7 year olds to learn. How could this guy post for Tollin? Doesn't he realize with these old views, he hurts her image just as much as that crack pot for an attorney who makes offensive comments about Jews?
I Don't know the Parties
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 11, 2007 at 5:38 AM
COMMENT:
I don't know any of the players in this case. If I just go by what is in the article, Tollin is in it for the money. Consider her own mean spirited comments that parents today don't raise their kids properly, kids don't even know how to hold a fork, she wants it to "hurt", she talks in a crabby voice about a defenseless child, she has contempt for a defenseless child, she brings up marriage problems and a childs weight( she herself could use Jenny Craig) and on top of that her boss calls her class a boot camp and says she is unfit to teach. Can anyone guess who is driving the bus in this and who is the mean spirit with obvios jealousy for the wealthy families she taught for so long? It is so obvious she "hates" the families of the wealthy kids she taught and she is taking it out on this family.
Money Grab
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 11, 2007 at 5:46 AM
COMMENT:
THIS IS SUCH AN OBVIOUS MONEY GRAB. I GIVE THE FAMILY AND SCHOOL CREDIT FOR NOT GIVING IN TO THIS PERSON POSING AS A TEACHER.
money, morals, manners
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 11, 2007 at 11:38 AM
COMMENT:
It's clear that Baldwin sold out. Isn't part of the private school education to teach values and morals that public school won't necessarily instill? I knew the Pouls and Baldwin did not seem to be the right fit for their younger daughter who yells at adults and has no respect for any form of authority besides her father. The family (except for the older daughter) lack class, manners and respect for other human beings. Money can't buy that.
Why all the fuss
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 11, 2007 at 2:29 PM
COMMENT:
I don't know what all the fuss is about. The way I understand the article, The teacher was not doing her job. As a result of many complaints, the School did not renew her contract. That makes perfect sense to me. It's obvious that if several people made complaints - and she's only suing the guy wealthy guy, that she is going after the money. The Civil laws stink! If she loses, can they sue her? That's the way it should be. The part where she assumes a bratty voice was all I needed to hear ... if she says this to a reporter, imagine what she says in private. Good riddance to people like her!
reality
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 11, 2007 at 7:22 PM
COMMENT:
I can't comment on the situation with the Pouls because I don't have sufficient information, but I can tell you that we also demanded that our daughter not get Tollin as a teacher when entering 2nd grade and would have taken her out of Baldwin otherwise. Tollin's reputation is well known (and worse than I will write here for fear of getting dragged into the case) and the reason some parents like her is only because she picks favorites! What kind of teacher picks favorites and slams the rest? The administration was put in a tough spot because of these events, but I can assure you that Tollin was on her way out. And by the way, MaryBeth was in fact driven off by Tollin and anyone who says otherwise has no clue.
It is so amazing
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 11, 2007 at 9:53 PM
COMMENT:
Why are the Tollin's defending their case by smearing the Pouls? They clearly don't know the very warm family I know. More importantly, they continue to harm their case by calling the Pouls names. This is so classless. But after what I read in this article, it is clear that that is what Tollin does-offer opinions on everyone but herself. Since you Tollins have all the answers, explain why her boss referred to her class as a war zone and said she was UNFIT to teach. Get real people!
I had Tollin
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 11, 2007 at 10:00 PM
COMMENT:
She was the meanest teacher I have ever had. She yelled constantly and belittled me and others whenever we did something wrong- like make a math mistake. I am a shy girl and her treatment of me sent me further and further into my shell. I am glad someone finally stood up to her.
money,moral&manners 2
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 12, 2007 at 6:15 AM
COMMENT:
THANK YOU!!! Finally, someone else that knows the Pouls and see's them for what they really are. I couldn't have said it better myself. Oh, wait, I did!
Sicko
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 12, 2007 at 8:25 AM
COMMENT:
THE ONE PERSON WHO KEEPS POSTING ABOUT THE POULS IS A SICKO AND OBVIOUSLY JEALOUS OF HIS LIFE. FOCUS ON YOURSELF AND MAYBE YOU WILL ONE DAY BE HAPPY. IT MUST FEEL GOOD TO TAR OTHERS WHEN YOU ARE SO MISERABLE. YOU MUST BE THAT PATHETIC TEACHER HERSELF
You can't change the stripes on a Zebra
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 13, 2007 at 11:21 AM
COMMENT:
Michael Pouls is at least consistant. He operates his business and treats people like peons. He lies, makes false promises, and would do anything to reach his desired end. It is no shock to me that he has made Ms. Tollin another victim. He can't appreciate the value of a teacher who would treat his child as she would any other child. That just would not do for Michael. I hope that if Ms. Tollin does not prevail, at least there will be enough laundry aired about the Poulses to last another Gladwynne era.
SAD
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 13, 2007 at 9:22 AM
COMMENT:
Hail Baldwin Alma Mater Our Leader and our Guide- oh hear us sing our praise of thee. (SAD) How disappointing that this would happen Baldwin. I have always considered it a wonderful school and have said that if I did ever go back to the mainline I would surely send my girls for their education. I know some of the smartest, most unique and special people that graduated from Baldwin. It seems everyone has behaved really badly. What happens when people behave badly, you go to DC and for all invovled thats called going to court. It seems like people are out of control and there are consequences. Isn't it sad that everyone is having to suffer. Hopefully some lessons will be learned and remembered because everyone is this looks like a bunch of uncivilized, badly mannered hooligans. Get your shit together people. Exercise some discipline - it seems a lot of people are lacking that in this situation.
Zebras
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 14, 2007 at 7:30 AM
COMMENT:
I have to laugh at the comments about Michael Pouls. The blogger clearly never met him. He is a low key, non-public and generous man. Everyone that knows him loves him. Anyone who stereotypes him with other mean spirited wealthy people just have no clue. He is generous with his time and money-generous to a fault. Before posting, get your facts straight.
Back Down
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 14, 2007 at 7:36 AM
COMMENT:
For those thinking the parties behaved badly, I disagree. What should a school do when a teacher abuses it's students? What should parents do when a teacher berates a child and torments her? What should a teacher do when a parent comes in to talk to her about the problem with her child? If you answered that the school should do nothing, the parents should allow their child to deteriorate, and the teacher should slam the door in the parents face and call her a drug addict and alcoholic, then you clearly think the Pouls and school are at fault. If you are level headed, then you can clearly see who is at fault and who behaved wrongly.
A point that has been missed...
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 15, 2007 at 11:26 AM
COMMENT:
If the parents of this child were of average means and were busting their tails to pay tuition would they have been accomodated? Would their child have been moved to a different class? Would Tollins been dismissed? I seriously doubt it. Character, integrity is kicked to the curb when money comes into play.
Response to "Back Down"
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 15, 2007 at 1:08 PM
COMMENT:
What should a school do when there is an appearance of selling its academic integrity? Return the donation. It would be the classy move.
Anonymous Posts
Posted by Dolores | Oct. 15, 2007 at 1:28 PM
COMMENT:
Why all the ANONYMOUS posts?!
Have a Heart
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 15, 2007 at 3:05 PM
COMMENT:
Just because the school had a heart during Tollin's last few years, is no reason for the school to be obligated to keep her on forever. Tollin has done a good job making the public think she was the innocent teacher who was shown the door when a big donor complained. When the truth of her terrible record becomes public, we will get a chance to see that there was just cause in what the school did.
Don't give the $$$$$ bACK
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 15, 2007 at 3:10 PM
COMMENT:
WHY SHOULD THE SCHOOL GIVE BACK THE MONEY AND ROB ITS STUDENTS OF A NEW BUILDING? JUST BECAUSE THE TEACHER IS IN FOR THE MONEY IS NO REASON. THE SCHOOL SHOWS ITS REAL INTEGRITY BY STICKING TO ITS GUNS.
Give the money back.
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 15, 2007 at 4:49 PM
COMMENT:
Do you now agree that there is at least an appearance of improprity on the school's part? The school should give back the money, and not renew the teacher's contract when it expires, and allow the students to proceed with their studies. The school has been around a long time without the new building and will be around for a long time after this case is decided. There are other sources of revenue. Why do so many of the pro-Pouls comments contain all caps, and are laden with misspellings?
By a Baldwin Grad
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 15, 2007 at 5:41 PM
COMMENT:
I went to Baldwin for 9 years - it's a good place and provided me with an unmatched education for which I am exceedingly grateful. I won't pass judgment on Mrs. Tollin, for I don't know her. Nor will I say anything about the Pouls. I will say that Baldwin's hands are tied and that this situation was poorly handled by all players. I hope Mrs. Tollin finds peace following her husband's death. I hope the Pouls girls weather this storm unscathed. Finally, I hope this suit passes so Baldwin can continue to attract the smartest young women and prepare them for lives of leadership.
One More
Posted by LJ | Oct. 15, 2007 at 7:07 PM
COMMENT:
I know Michael Pouls, and i far from love him, strongly dislike is more like it. And all of the "anonymous" posting are probably his PR people.
Like or dislike
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 16, 2007 at 6:28 AM
COMMENT:
This case is not about if you like the Pouls or not. The teacher abused children and was stood up to. Your opinion of Michael Pouls is not relevant.
I will leave the school
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 16, 2007 at 6:33 AM
COMMENT:
We will leave the school if the school gives the money back. The teacher lost her job for the right reason and the school should not give in-that would be a crime.
Response to I will leave the school
Posted by Richard | Oct. 16, 2007 at 10:34 AM
COMMENT:
Tollins did not lose her job for the right reason. A school like Baldwin touts itself as being strong on character and values but it simply is not. If the parents did not have the money the Pouls did and took the same course of action the school would have backed the teach, not the parents. The fact that there were many previous complaints regarding Tollin demonstrates this. It took a family that donated big money to complain in order for her to be removed. Otherwise she would still be there.
You're Crazy
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 16, 2007 at 11:49 AM
COMMENT:
The fact that the school had a heart should not be held against them. She was kept there because she either bullied the old school head or because of her personal issues. Everyone knows that. Let's call a spade a spade. If she has a zillion complaints, regardless of what the past head did, the new head could decide to do what was right-get rid of her. You can't possibly argue that her zillion complaints with non-firing proves the teacher didn't deserve her fate. She deserved it a long time ago and got what was coming to her. Thank God!
response to "You're Crazy"
Posted by Tim | Oct. 16, 2007 at 2:38 PM
COMMENT:
The school doesn't have a heart, it has a building.
Response to You're Crazy
Posted by Tim | Oct. 16, 2007 at 2:43 PM
COMMENT:
The school doesn't have a heart, it has a building.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 16, 2007 at 7:48 PM
COMMENT:
teacher is looking to gram a quick million... can ya blame her ??
More Bad Teachers
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 16, 2007 at 11:15 PM
COMMENT:
The headline says it all. The teacher was bad to the core. She deserved what she got and more. Abusing children is unthinkable-unless you are a Tollin supporter.
abuse ??
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 17, 2007 at 5:43 AM
COMMENT:
I am not sure i would call it "abuse" in the strict sense of the word.. I realize emotional abuse takes it's toll, HOWEVER.... i think this teacher was just to hard on the girls and was loaded with her own "issues" time to go, she was not making the grade anymore, people lose their jobs all the time and dont bring suit over it... i think she needs some dough and found mr deep pockets.. if this is not about the dough then Tolend should DONATE HERE WINDFALL TO THE NEW BUILDING !!!! that will flush her real agenda out
Good luck Pouls family.
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 17, 2007 at 6:06 PM
COMMENT:
I feel sorry for the children "being raised" in that household. The parents are completely out of touch with reality and don't know what is truly right for their children. No luxuries can replace the void left by absentee parents. Guilty parents create spoiled children who grow up to become worthless adults.
An Outrage
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 17, 2007 at 11:17 PM
COMMENT:
The above comment is outrageous and written by someone who believes what he reads. How STUPID. I know the Pouls family. They are anything but absentee. They adore their kids and spend 100% of their time with their kids. They are model parents who you should look to as an example of what all parents should be.
Some of these comments...
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 17, 2007 at 11:21 PM
COMMENT:
Some posts are funny and some are crazy. All of them that are about how wonderful Tollin is all try to deflect attention away from her record and focus on the Pouls parenting skills, their wealth, etc. Stop it! You look dumb. Any parent should do what they have to in order to protect their child from abuse. I am glad their daughter was rescued by these exceptional parents who take parenting seriously. Good for them!
leave her alone
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 19, 2007 at 9:29 PM
COMMENT:
Tolend is an old lady... leave her alone... she is low on money and has found a goose to lay her a golden egg.. so all she is trying to do is feather her retirement nest... it is he american way.... poor old gal, in case her multi millionare son does not send her money, we do not want her eating cat food for Gods sake !!
I'm a parent at another MainLine private school
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 21, 2007 at 10:07 AM
COMMENT:
Sounds to me like the adminstration is totally to blame. It's the administration's job to intervene in these kinds of conflicts before they go overboard. Baldwin should have done more than just make annual month of March comments to the teacher that she 'yelled'. If the school was serious that she was out of line, they should have counseled her. In addition, as the family continued to pile on the complaints, Baldwin should have moved the child to another teacher's class. Finally,rather than not renew her contract (i.e. fire the teacher), they should have paid her off to get her outta there. This is all horrible publicity for the school and reflects poorly its management skills. I wouldn't be surprised if it affects enrollment.
Today's the day !!!
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 22, 2007 at 6:52 AM
COMMENT:
Today is the big day when the Poul's & Baldwin finally, after delay upon delay by the Poul's, finally have to answer the civil complaint against them. Ohhh what fu. Btw, Mrs. Poul's was recently told she was not welcome at a recent charity even held at Neiman Marcus. She is being shunned by the main line community!
Shunning the Fishwife
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 22, 2007 at 8:06 AM
COMMENT:
I hope the comment about the Main Line shunning that shrieking fishwife Sherry Pouls is true. There's not enough money in the world to buy that woman enough class to pass herself off as a true main liner. Back OTB with you, hon.
I feel bad for all the money Baldwin is goona lose
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 24, 2007 at 3:50 PM
COMMENT:
Liars, pigs and thieves oh my! Where have the Poul's PR (or as most people call them nannies, houseboys, or employees whom Mr. Poul's has paid to say nice things about us) been? Boy are they gonna need you now. I'm sure Baldwin isn't too embarrased by the Poul's countersuit.They should have given the money back and run. Mrs. P is definately being shunned by the main line , even more so now. What a joke they are! Just wait, their divorce is coming. Why do ya think they each have their own attorney??
If it weren't so sad, I'd laugh
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 24, 2007 at 3:57 PM
COMMENT:
I think the biggest joke is the two sworn statements attached to their answer and counterclaim. Both of them are people basically swearing to hearsay. The incident they "swearing" to is all hearsay. Even the person who allegedly told people about the "blind child incident" won't give a sworn statement - that told me all there is to know. The Poul's are trash. Those two men who gave those statements rely upon Mr. Poul's for construction work in South jersey. They would have sworn that the moon was made of cheese if it made Mr. Poul's happy. Don't believe me? Go check it out yourself. Nothing like selling your soul to the devil.
TRUTH is TRUTH
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 25, 2007 at 6:09 AM
COMMENT:
" Truth is generally the best vindication against slander".....quote of Abraham Lincoln If people are telling the truth about M/M Pouls (and they are) it will "all come out in the wash" Do not rush to judgement you will be surprised at what is being revealed about the teacher.
Loss of Consortium???????
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 25, 2007 at 8:12 AM
COMMENT:
That's a joke, right? The Pouls actually listed loss of consortium - the loss of companionship and sexual relations--as part of their counter suit. Clearly these are people lacking both shame and class. Way to hitch your wagon to the stars, Baldwin. The school will be the one to go down in this unholy matrimony if they don't separate themselves from the Pouls. And as for the Pouls, if they really did suffer from "loss of consortium" due to the emotional stress of this situation, that's just pathetic. Why not blame Patsy Tollin for Global Warming, too.
Sad times for Baldwin
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 25, 2007 at 9:24 AM
COMMENT:
I wouldn't want to be on the board at Baldwin now. If these "complaints" are valid and I had a child with Mrs. Tollin, I'd sue the hell out of Baldwin. Which makes me wonder - why aren't the Poul's suing Baldwin for knowingly inflicting said teacher upon their daughter if the school knew for at least 5 years prior how abusive she was?? And why in the world, especially since they are such "concerned parents", would they keep their children there? If Baldwin knew and kept secret about this "abusive" teacher for so many years, how many more "abusive" teachers are still on their staff? Would you trust your child at this place knowing what Baldwin kept hidden for all these years? How can the Pouls sleep at night when they do not know if their daughters are possibly being "abused" by other Baldwin staff members? Would you allow your children to remain there?? Won't their daughter continue to suffer post traumatic stress just passing her old classroom? Can therapy even help if she is continua
Sad times for Baldwin part 2
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 25, 2007 at 9:52 AM
COMMENT:
Can therapy even help if she is continually subjected to the memories and horror? If all their allegations about this teacher are true, it sure makes me wonder how "wonderful" these parents really are.
Can you blame her
Posted by Mike | Oct. 25, 2007 at 4:13 PM
COMMENT:
Come on !!! The lady is 67 for Christ's sake, and has been a servant of the wealthy for 22 years. She figured it is time to ""get hers"". She marked a wealthy family, and made her move. Good old fashion money grab... this one is easy !
Pouls Family
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 29, 2007 at 8:43 AM
COMMENT:
As someone who was involved in the construction of thier home, I can tell you the Pouls are liars aand thieves. Mike P, saying "I set up the rules, and only I can change them" is exactly the way he speaks. The amount of people that they screwed and stole from are is immeasureable. I know of one ongoing lawsuit involving the house, and i'm sure there must be more. The Philly mag writer of this article was completely under thier spell. when warned by the PR guy not to make the story about the house, she complied. No mention of the pool in thier basement. Don't wast your money at Baldwin, they obviously have low values.
two sides to every coin
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 29, 2007 at 8:22 PM
COMMENT:
The above comment is curious to me...... I have had multiple business dealings with Mr. Pouls in the past 3 years and have very, very favorable experiences. He did everything he promised to do in a polite honest manner........hmmmmmmm is someone telling a fib ? not me !
under a spell
Posted by Anonymous | Oct. 30, 2007 at 8:38 PM
COMMENT:
To the above comment - I don't think the Philly mag writer was under the spell of the Pouls'. In fact I think the opposite is true, I got the impression from the article that the writer showed them for what they really are - nouveau riche white trash! The counterclaims they filed spell out exactly what they are about. Baldwin sure is looking mighty classy and wonderful now.
Sad little girl
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 2, 2007 at 1:01 AM
COMMENT:
From my previous interactions with the Pouls, I observed that Michael Pouls is pretty much "father of the year," as crazy as that may sound. It is apparent that he absolutely adores his girls. He has spoiled them rotten, but he understands the importance of being emotionally and physically present in his girls lives. Sheryl appears to be an emotionally unavailable mother due to her own psychological troubles, which results in Amanda binge eating and acting out. As far as parenting goes, Sheryl Pouls resembles a watered down version of Brittany Spears.
No Case
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 2, 2007 at 7:13 PM
COMMENT:
It's fairly obvious to me that Tollin has tried to wage her case in the court of public opinion because she really has no case. Pennsylvania is an "employment at will" state - you can fire someone without a contract for any reason or no reason as long as it is not a discriminatory reason. Tollin has blown a lot of smoke but at bottom Baldwin was under no obligation to renew her contract even if she was the world's greatest teacher and they had done so for the past 99 years. That's the bottom line, all the rest is just Tollin's lawyer trying to distract us from that fundamental fact.
Narsasistic Personality Disorder
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 3, 2007 at 10:25 AM
COMMENT:
Every negative comment written about Michael Pouls is true, It does not surprise me that he will do anything to win this case even at the expense of putting his wife and kids in a court room! He has a Narsasistic personality that needs major help! He has hurt so so many people that have been close to his family, they all eventually dissapear, no one stays. He ruins every relationship they ever have. I hope his family and Ms Tollin stay strong they are the ones that are being hurt by all of this.
No choice
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 3, 2007 at 4:28 PM
COMMENT:
Regarding Pouls putting his family in a courtroom, what choice does he have at this point, other than to give in to Tollin's blackmail (apparently settlements have been offered but Tollin will take no less than $1,000,000)? He was not the one that started this lawsuit. Really I find all the comments about what rotten/wonderful people the Pouls are to be completely irrelevant. I don't know the Pouls but like all people I'm sure they are a mixture of good and bad. But this has nothing to do with whether Tollin deserves a big bucket of cash as a parting gift from Baldwin. In my view, she doesn't, regardless of whether the Pouls are the most rotten rich people on earth. Even if they provoke her firing with threats to Baldwin, it was only the straw that broke the camel's back. I've never heard of an employee in a non-union setting that had 90 complaints in her file and still had a job. I fault Baldwin for not getting rid of her years before.
people have left Baldwin and MANY are leaving because of this!
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 4, 2007 at 12:15 AM
COMMENT:
This matter needs to go away! Mr Mike has to bite the bullet and cut his losses to save his family FROM MORE SCANDAL,its only going to get worst! SO TAKE AWAY THE SHARE ON THE PRIVATE PLANE THIS YEAR AND TAKE AWAY THE BOX AT THE lINC, SAVE YOUR KIDS THE COURTROOM DRAMA AND THE MAIN LINE TALK AND MAKE THIS MESS GO AWAY FOR YOUR FAMILYS SAKE, DONT EVER PUT YOUR FAMILY THROUGH SOMETHING LIKE THIS! YOU WILL BE SCHUNNED IF YOU TAKE THOSE KIDS TO COURT...
Bad idea
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 5, 2007 at 5:58 AM
COMMENT:
Where are your statistics on people leaving Baldwin? How much has enrollment declined? I'm not sure that I agree with your advise. Sure Pouls is rich enough to pay a settlement (what is the point of naming the various rich people's perks other than provoking class envy?)but should he give in to blackmail like this? Every rich person (indeed almost everyone) has dirty laundry that they would prefer not to air in a courtroom, but if you feel you are in the right you will be willing to do so - otherwise you only open yourself up to further blackmail.
Yes, people are leaving Baldwin
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 5, 2007 at 8:04 AM
COMMENT:
The countersuit has brought more shame to Baldwin than ever imagined. It's reputation has gone down the drain. Bottom line, any sane person can see they sold out for money. And to the above poster who stated the Poul's are doing the "right" thing by airing their dirty laundry in court - you have no idea what you are talking about. It's one thing for the Poul's to air whatever they want in a public forum, for they are adults. There is NOT 1 reputable child therapist who would agree that involving their children by dragging them into court and having them testify is the "right" thing to do. It will absolutely cause long term harm and trauma. They will be teased and chided by their peers for years to come and will never be fully accepted by their peers again. How can you possibly say this is "right"??
It's "all about the children"
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 6, 2007 at 11:24 AM
COMMENT:
So how much should Pouls be willing to pay to keep his child from being exposed to ridicule? $1M? $10M? Should he give in to blackmail in order to spare his children from discomfort? What kind of lesson does that teach them? BTW, I don't know that the children will be required to testify in open court - in fact I rather doubt it. As far as Baldwin "selling out for money" it's very easy for others to stand on principle when it's not their money? Any of you big mouths care to match the Pouls gift so that Baldwin can return their filthy money? I didn't think so. As a girls school, Baldwin has beeen starved for money - traditionally women did not make big gifts to alama mater the way men did. The Pouls gift was a godsend. Of course they took the wishes of an important donor into account - they'd be nuts not to. Which is not to say that the Pouls incident was merely the straw that broke the camels back after 89 previous complaints from others.
Lawyers and PR
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 6, 2007 at 2:49 PM
COMMENT:
Wow!! the pouls still have their Lawyer s and Pr people monitoring this site!!!!!
Turning it to blackmail?
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 7, 2007 at 7:16 AM
COMMENT:
Getting Desprate? Sounds like the story is changing now! Just the kind of Move a man like Pouls makes....Lies, the last thing a teacher wants to do is blackmail a family that is bad mouthing and harassing her after they got her fired! To tell you the truth I wouldnt put up with some of these mothers and fathers at Baldwin, I am surprised she even wanted to keep her job there! The sense of entitlement in some of them is a bit overwhelming! We decided on another Private School because of this situation. This put a very bad light on that new recreation center they needed so bad, hope they have enough kids to put in it.
The plot thickens,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 12, 2007 at 3:26 PM
COMMENT:
Uh oh Poul's. Baldwin just paid off the teacher. They are standing behind and wishing Mrs. Tollin well. Feel like complete jerks yet??? Why won't the Poul's just move away and make everyone happy?
Wishing Well
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 12, 2007 at 4:28 PM
COMMENT:
I'm sure that Baldwin doesn't REALLY wish Mrs. Tollin well - in fact they probably wish her dead for all the damage she has done by airing this in public. But "we wish her well in her future endeavors, blah, blah blah" is standard language for a press release in connection with a settlement. You're right though that Baldwin is steeping out of the suit and from now on it's just Tollin and Pouls. Usually in such cases the deep pocket keeps running the meter with endless motions and discovery and delaying trial hoping to bankrupt the plaintiff and their counsel - we'll see how deep the pockets of Tollin's lawyers are. As far as I'm concerned, Tollin and Pouls deserve each other and they both should have lots of fun savaging each other in the press. Too bad Baldwin was caught in the cross fire.
payoff
Posted by Anonymous | Nov. 13, 2007 at 3:11 PM
COMMENT:
received my email from Sally Powell.. WE paid off it's all good now.. I've destroyed a 200 year old schools reputaion in one short year... sorry... She should really resign because if she had this much trouble with the Pouls.. she's got no chance with some of the real power players in the Balwin directory. Perhaps that charming english accent is overrated it's the faculty not the facility stupid
Wow
Posted by Lorraine | Jan. 11, 2008 at 11:07 PM
COMMENT:
The teacher, the school administrators and the family-shame on all of you. I don't doubt that the teacher was unkind to the child nor do I doubt that Mr. and Mrs.Pouls responded in a way that was far beyond what was necessary and the school faced the loss of a huge donor. It is amazing that all three apparently intelligent interests made three different, equally poor decisions. Nothin beats public school when what one needs is simply common sense.
Baldwin alum comments
Posted by Anonymous | Jan. 29, 2008 at 10:56 PM
COMMENT:
As a Baldwin alum, and one who has actually READ the legal docket, I was particularly puzzled by the enraged folks who aren't affiliated with the school. Money seems to be the focus, but what about the complete absence of breeding and refinement? Problems between teachers and students are nothing new, but the complete disregard for facts confirms the growing vulgarization of society. What's really ticking everyone off here? While a student at Baldwin, the teacher had the upper hand; rightly or wrongly, parents generally trusted the teachers. We had several true blue meanies, but the facts always came out by using the Socratic method of discovery. Verbal abuse, screaming in hallways was verbotten. As far as 7 year-olds go, does anyone remember "The Children's Hour"? A school was completely ruined through a child's idle gossip. Someone compared Ms. Powell's role to that of a "CEO", but she is an educator, a headmistress, and Baldwin is not a corporation. What has resulted from this mess
Baldwin alum comments, continued
Posted by Anonymous | Jan. 30, 2008 at 1:25 AM
COMMENT:
. What has resulted from this mess is simply a string of character assassinations. Nothing is all black, or all white. Go into some of the poorest neighborhoods, and you'll find folks with more "class" than what's been exhibited at Baldwin lately.
Baldwin alum comments, continued
Posted by Anonymous | Jan. 30, 2008 at 1:25 AM
COMMENT:
What has resulted from this mess is simply a string of character assassinations. Nothing is all black, or all white. Go into some of the poorest neighborhoods, and you'll find folks with more "class" than what's been exhibited at Baldwin lately.
children are precious
Posted by Anonymous | Aug. 8, 2008 at 6:51 AM
COMMENT:
If this teacher is as bad as the parents think she is, If I was the parent, I would have involve social services for the school allowing such an abusinve atsmophere and pulled my child out for her own mental health.
The Court Documents
Posted by Anonymous | Feb. 18, 2009 at 2:37 PM
COMMENT:
Here is the complaint from Mrs. Tollin. My best to her in her lawful pursuit click here

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