Santa Isn't Real, Montville Substitute Tells First Graders

MONTVILLE, NJ — If you grew up believing in Santa, odds are you can remember exactly when you were told something else. For one class of Montville first graders, Thursday was that day when a substitute teacher told the class that Santa was made up.

A substitute teacher announced what she said was the truth behind Santa while working in a Cedar Hill School first grade classroom, Montville schools spokesperson Susan Marinello said. Cedar Hill principal Michael Raj sent a letter home to parents warning them about the incident Thursday afternoon.

"Once I became aware of the situation, I immediately spoke to the substitute teacher regarding her poor judgment in making this proclamation to [the class]," Raj wrote in the letter.

He also apologized, writing, "I am sending this letter so that you are aware of the situation and if the conversation comes up at home over the next few days you can take appropriate steps to maintain the childhood innocence of the holiday season."

In a statement sent to Patch, superintendent Dr. René Rovtar said,“I am troubled and disheartened by this incident. The childhood wonder associated with all holidays and traditions is something I personally hold near and dear in my own heart."

Marinello said she could not comment on if the substitute would continue working in the building or not, but said that the district was "fully investigating the incident."

Some parents – including those who had children in the classroom – expressed shock that the incident happened. One said the same substitute said the tooth fairy and the Easter Bunny aren't real, either.

Some commenters, however, stuck up for the substitute, saying that people should "leave the teacher alone."

"Leave the teacher alone, at most, just speak to her as an aside," the commenter said. "Neither side is right or wrong here. I guess we all have our own opinions on it and the debate will probably go on for days."

Was your child in this class? Email Katie.Kausch@patch.com.

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