Photo credit: Autumn Driscoll, CT Post newspaper
That's me holding the 84 page petition (with a Bella on top), 1099 signatures and comments from around the world after the court decision. Thank you to everyone who signed. Guzman did receive penalties. She has two years probation, she lost her license to drive any vehicle for two years, must pay a $500 fine to an autism org (I've already recommended a local org to the State's attorney) perform 200 hours of community service and more - I'll need to read the transcript for final results. That said, at the end of the two years, if she meets the terms of her probation, she will have her record expunged and be able to apply for any job she wants. The article below is from The CT Post newspaper. Kim
By Daniel Tepfer
BRIDGEPORT -- Despite the angry objections by nearly a dozen Trumbull parents a state Superior Court judge granted a special probation program for a former Trumbull school bus driver accused of texting while driving a busload of special need children.
Evelyn Guzman, of Henry Avenue in Stratford, will not be allowed to drive for two years and was ordered by Judge Earl Richards to apologize to the parents in the courtroom Friday morning.
But Guzman later backtracked outside the courtroom, blaming the parents for her situation.
Guzman was charged in March with risk of injury to a minor and second-degree reckless endangerment by Trumbull police following a 10-month investigation.
Police said she sent and received a total of 1,068 text messages from April 6, 2010 to May 15, 2010.
The investigation began after an assault complaint was made against Guzman's daughter, 24-year-old Jennifer Davila, who was working as a bus monitor on Guzman's bus.
Davila was arrested in August for allegedly assaulting a 9-year-old autistic girl multiple times while the girl was riding on the bus. Davila's case is still pending, and she's scheduled to appear in court April 1. She was arrested in August for allegedly assaulting a 9-year-old autistic girl multiple times while she was on the bus....
Read the full story at CT Post.
My statement to the court:
Good morning, Your Honor. And thank you for this opportunity. My name is Kim Stagliano. My husband Mark and I have three daughters with autism. Our youngest Isabella rode Evelyn Guzman’s elementary school special education bus. Last week, Ms. Guzman’s daughter Jennifer Davila pleaded guilty under the Alford Doctrine to second-degree reckless endangerment after having been arrested for assaulting Bella numerous times on the school bus. It was the video tape review for that case that lead Detective Kevin Hammel to discover Ms. Guzman’s continuous texting and lack of attention to the road. For our Bella, that bus was a rolling torture chamber.
Distracted driving is a national emergency. As a judge, you have before you today an opportunity to send a clear message to CT and the country, that drivers, especially paid commercial drivers, will face the stiffest penalties for endangering everyone on the road.
I have here a petition that I started last Friday. There are 1099 signatures from concerned people around the world asking you to please deny Evelyn Guzman the privilege of accelerated rehabilitation.
Every day she chose to text while driving, she could have killed the children on the bus. She could have killed her own daughter and her grandchildren, who rode her bus as a makeshift daycare center. She showed no regard for fellow drivers or even the unsuspecting person standing at their mailbox or taking a baby for walk.
According to the Trumbull schools transportation department, Guzman’s Verizon records showed 27 minutes of texting during a single 28 minute bus route. This may be her first arrest, but it’s hardly a first time offense, as the bus videotapes show over and over. This case has been featured in the national TV, Internet and print news. I hope to be able to tell the millions of people watching this case that she will stand and face her charges without benefit of accelerated rehabilitation.
April is Autism Awareness month, I can’t think of a better way to voice our support, than to protect the children, like my Bella, who can not speak for or protect themselves.
Thank you.
Kim Stagliano is Managing Editor of Age of Autism. Her book from Skyhorse Publishing, All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa; A Life Raising Three Daughters with Autism is available now. Visit her website at Kim Stagliano.
65 comments:
I think ur a total f**kin bitch and u have nothing better else to do but to make other peoples life a living hell. I hope that u will reap what u sow VERY soon! Stop harrassing this woman and let her go on with her life. I'm pretty sure everyone has seen the news and yes , u got ur 15 minutes of fame. Why don't u try doing something better with ur life. Ur such a loser and so is everyone who is supporting u in the unbelievably shameful act! U SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF URSELF!!! I would love to know what church u go to so that I can have a little talk with ur pastor or whatever u call him. May God have mercy on ur soul on judement day!
i agree! kim needs to get a life and a REAL job just like everyone else. and just for the record, blogging on ur senseless website is not a JOB! find something else constructive to do with your precious time, like perhaps spending some "quality time" with your girls that need your undivided attention. and yes, you should be ashamed of yourself trying to make this woman go through hell for a "crime" that you know dam well you are guilty of yourself. i'm pretty sure you have talked on the phone or answered a text messege here and there while having YOUR 3 girls in the car. and like the previous blogger said, i also hope god has no mercy on your soul when it comes to the time for his judgment. i believe that everything we do here in life on earth, we pay for it HERE on earth. and i think she's already paying for it.
I'm leaving the comments. Nasty as they are - they say nothing about me, and everything about the commenter.
KIM
It's the same commenter, commenting twice.
Kim's daughter was abused by Guzman's daughter...while Guzman was texting...so Guzman either allowed the abuse, or didn't see the abuse (which seems impossible) because she was texting...Kim is a hero for defending her daughter...it would be much easier to simply let this go...but Kim chose to protect children from future incidents like this...Kim, you rock! Thanks for fighting for all our kids...
While I'm glad she received some penalties, it's horrifying to think that she could potentially be behind the wheel of a bus two years from now. Her record shouldn't get expunged.
Those comments are nasty and shocking to see on what should have been a consensus issue and one of blanket support to you and your family.
Wow, Kim! The first (two?) commenters obviously don't know anything about "reaping what you sow" because Karma isn't that fond of people who endanger the lives of children multiple times. Nor do I think God looks highly on people who torture children or risk their lives multiple times. "Harrassing" poor Evelyn, who chose to text and drive? Boo hoo! She just wants to get on with her life, which apparently doesn't have much regard for her abuser daughter or grandchildren, since she risked their lives multiple times, as well. Now she's going to have to wait two years before she can text and drive again. So sad. But, I guess she essentially reaped what she sowed. Hmmm.
#2 - Really. Just going to shake my head in amazement at this.
Kim, big hugs to you and your beautiful girls! You make a difference every day in their lives and so many more in the autism community (and apparently piss off those who can't spell in the process when their friends are arrested for various crimes against children).
Guzman backtracked after the judge was no longer around. I think that sums up what a complete and total scumbag this woman is.
Yes Kim, do please get a real job. This tireless, low paid effort of yours to give our kiddos voices though the countless "non-jobs" you do (editor, writer, advocate, speaker, volunteer, and oh yes, mother) are just not cutting it. Each morning I put my little man on his special needs bus, I shiver a little thinking about your experience and praying my guy is safe.
Dear Austin, TX, thanks for the smile.
Kim did the crazy Kansas church comment on your blog?? There are some nasty people in this world who have no clue and lack a ton of morality. Keep kicking butt!!!
Anonymous, why don't you buy a soul or grow a heart? What if your daughter was a passenger on the bus and was involved in a terible accident because the bus driver was too busy texting to see the truck up ahead, huh? You make me sick. May you never know what it feels like to be in this family's shoes. Shame on you!
Dear Anonymous and Lancaster,PA...(I.E. The same idiot)
I have to admit that I got a very large chuckle out of your goofy posts. It's very apparent judging by your numerous incorrectly spelled words and your references to religion that you are clearly some kooky inbred church nut. In fact, I don't think your from Pennsylvania at all, I would bet that your from Kansas, and yes you probably attend that church that pickets all of the fallen soldiers.
Anyways, let's review your talking points.
OHH NOEZ...YOUR GONNA TALK TO MAH PASTOR....
LOL!!!!!!!
What the hell kind of threat is that? If your going to condemn someone, you should be a little more creative about it:
For Example: KIM...YOU SHOULD BURN IN A PIT OF FIREEEE!!!! HOW DARE YOU WANT TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM UNSAFE SCUMBAGS????
So. Go back to picketing funerals wackjob...and leave Kim alone. In fact, please do the world a favor and please die in a fire.
-Jeff in Mansfield.
To me it is very obvious that none of these idiots that left negative comments have a child with special needs. Anonymous can hide behind her filthy mouth but knows nothing about a child without a voice..This bus driver and daughter should both be locked up for assault and neglect! If this was my child or grandchild they would have to answer to me!
Just thought of something. Guzman won't be able to drive, so will have to...wait for it...take a bus! Oh no! Do you know that sometimes bus drivers are horribly incompetent and text and drive? It sounds dangerous to me!
Kim is a Hero to all us Mom's that have to worry everyday about our childrens safety in the hands of others. She is a Warrior Mom kicking ass for her beautiful three daughters, what decent human being yet alone mother would not do the same. The only person or person's who should be ASHAMED of themselves is Mrs. Guzman and her daughter. You ROCK KIM!!!!!
Sounds like a bunch of fools spouting off on here. Let just one of them walk in your shoes Kim and see if they don't have a different attitude.
I for one would have wanted to take both MOM and daughter to task for what was done.. Mama Bears claws are out!
Kim,
It is clear that the two that left the nasty comments are obviously friends or family members of Guzman and her daughter. Because if they are not, then we actually have something scarier to think about then the abuse of children...people who defend and excuse the act of abusing children.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - have the courage of your own convictions and leave your name not anonymous comments.
A few English lessons wouldn't go amiss either, your spelling grammar and syntax are all wrong.
From what I was able to decypher, I'd like to say I'm sure Kim would love to have resumed her own career by the time her children reached this age but unfortunately, like so many other parents of special needs children, that isn't an option for her. The life style just doesn't allow for it.
Regarding your opinion of her blog, well, you choose to read it so you must have some interest. Note I'm assuming you have actually read it.
Kim - love and happy thoughts going to you and yours as always
Wow... I am shocked by all the comments. While MANY, MANY things Kim's says I do not agree with (especially regarding Autism), I do respect her for standing up for her child. I would love it even more if she did that will the whole autism community and not just the curbies. I respect her opinions and she does have a voice, just like the rest of us.
LOVE that you have kept the nasty comments on here and exposed these "Anonymous" people for the cowards they really are. Someone who is not afraid to stand up for what (s)he believes would not be afraid to show the world his/her true identity either - obviously, people like this lack the ability to do either of those things. Good for you, Kim!
Dear Anonymous and Lancaster, PA,
I'm with Jeff. Let add to his and say I wish someone would gag you, put you on a bus and pinch and abuse you for hours, while their mother drove and texted.
There is no one lower then a person who hurts a defenseless disabled child. Expect maybe one that defends such a person. I pray there is a special place in he'll for people like you.
As for Kim, you rock! Keep fighting for all our children!!
~Ed and Shannon Primer, who are happy to not hide behind an anonymous account.
Wow- talk about blaming the VICTIM-those first two posts are bizarre. No wonder this bus driver's daughter behaves the way she does- clearly she has never been taught appropriate behavior, morals, values, or how to accept responsibility for her actions by her mother!
What pastor do they believe would approve of the bus driver's actions (before AND after sentencing), her daughter's actions, or the contents of these two repulsive comments? Probably NONE- these two losers really need to wake up and take a good long look at themselves in the mirror.
Kim Stagliano is a HERO. The extenuating circumstances to Mrs. Guzman's crime should have been enough that accelerated rehabilitation would not be considered appropriate.
Mrs. Guzman committed a CRIME. Connecticut House Bill 6722 states "School bus drivers may not use a cell-phone or any other electronic device when the bus is moving. This includes any type of hands-free device. The only exception to this law is using a cell phone or other electronic devices in a emergency situation." Mrs. Guzman was putting her life, the life of all those on her bus, and everyone on the road at risk. I ask you how is accelerated rehabilitation appropriate when Mrs. Guzman clearly had the ability to negatively impact so many lives with her actions. After all it was the actions of Mrs. Guzman that could have lead to death or injury to many people. Most of them young people. If Kim's actions prevented any of this from happening then Kim is truly a HERO!
Mrs. Guzman should be thankful to Kim. It isn't a matter of if but a matter of when Mrs. Guzman's inattention at the wheel of the school bus would have cause an accident. If that accident was major enough (7 tons can do a lot of damage) to have cause death Mrs. Guzman, assuming she survived, would not have lost her license for two years. Mrs. Guzman would be going to prison for 20 years for manslaughter! Mrs. Guzman should be eternally grateful to Kim! Any thing less from Mrs. Guzman and that just proves Mrs. Guzman should not be allowed to interact with the public in a profession position let alone be entrusted with the care of children. In my opinion Mrs. Guzman's behavior during this whole time shows that she should not be allowed to work with or around children ever again.
I feel so strongly about Mrs. Guzman clear disregard for the life of others that I have places a note on my online calendar for two years from now. I have also saved many of the online news articles and this blog to my archive. In two years Mrs. Guzman's official record may be cleared but the internet will still be here. I will make sure that when any potential employer does a web search on Mrs. Guzman's name that they will find the news articles and this blog are at the top of the list. It is my opinion that Mrs. Guzman should never be allowed to be in the position where she has the ability to cause so much harm to so many people and those so young!
Obviously those first posts are from the criminals who were prosecuted in this case, either the CRIMINAL daughter or the CRIMINAL Mother. Otherwise I find it hard that even a friend or family member would go as far as "supporting" these CONVICTED CRIMINALS in public. It's a strong thing you did Kim for leaving those posts up, it shows the "other side", the supporters of these CONVICTED CRIMINALS, what their thoug process really is, and I *almost* feel a little sorry for those posters if they are actually not the criminals themselves, but then I snap back into reality and think of what our kids face everyday, appear, when they are out of our direct sight/care, and TRUSTED in the care of others, that peoe like this are probably unfortunately ALL OVER, and without BRAVE, STRONG, LOUD Moms like you Kim, our kids would continue to suffer insolence without a voice! I LOVE having a BIG LOUD Sicilian, Greek, and Italian MOUTH, and THANK GOD that there are more out there like you, whonwe can all look up to for strength if anything like this ever happens again! It's not enough to just file a report, but it's o. ALL OF US to do just what Kim did, to KEEP it in the media, to keep it out IN THE OPEN, and hopefully others in the future will don the same! Our kids don't have a voice, it's OUR JOB as parents and loved ones to BE THEIR voice, now and forever! Kim, you are doing a fantastic JOB in ALL of the JOBS you do, Mom, Teacher, Nirse, Doctor, Personal caretaker,bather,shopper, Chef, Physical, occupational, speech therapist, Voice, Personal Dresser, Fashion consultant, POOP cleaner, Educator, Wife, Woman...and these are the JOBS you have before you even get out into the "real world" when you then add to your list of JOBS, Editor, Blogger, Writer, Researcher, Advocate, and VOICE, not just for your own children, BUT FOR ALL of our SPECIAL AND BEAUTIFULLY FANTASTIC KIDS! I know I share the same jobs in our home that you do, and I can ONLY HOPE that by learning from your strength and courage and FIGHT for ALL of our kids, that ONE DAY I PRAY that I, too will be able to STAND UP AND ADVOCATE like you! You and all of the Advocates that came before me, and my precious family, we THANK every single one of you for everything you do! I can say to those who posted so ignorantly here, that I don't think you have to worry about Kim anymore, you have to worry about the THOUSANDS of people who will be watching in 2 years when these CRIMINALS want to get back into the workforce, and GOD FORBID that either of these CNVICTED CRIMINALS try to get a job with ANY children, specila needs or not, that I can GUARANTEE, we will all be watching to make sure it does. not happen, regardless if it gets expelled from their "records" or not! Thanks Kim, I am happy that you have had "ur 15 minutes of fame"...my count, actually you have had hours and hours of fame in ALL of your JOBS, and I am HAPPY TO BE in YIUR Fan Club for LIFE! LOVE FROM Wisoconsin!
Clearly the first two comments are either Guzman or a relative of hers. What a travesty that this woman isn't spending some time in jail. Hopefully you will get some justice in her daughter's case.
BTW, you rock and are totally awesome, I know you try to give people a sense of what we go through (my 2 boys are both on the spectrum), but most won't really get it... You have done a brilliant job, hang in there and keep it up!
Wow, lancaster PA, how would Kim find more time for her kids if she had a "real job"? That makes no sense. She is constantly balancing time and attention for her three children with autism, time for the autism community, and everything else that life demands of us. She is one of the most hard working people ever, and her daughters are clearly so loved and cared for.
I wish there was a like button for Anonymous at 2:11.
I think you are awesome and kick ass. Thank you for the inspiration. You touch so many lives - you just have no idea. :)
Keep rocking and I hope life gets a lot easier for you soon.
oh.my.goodness. Kim! I'm so sorry! I'm so out of the loop with everything. I'm just reading about this today!
Good for you for your courage! Poor Bella. How awful. Oh, Kim.
I think it's clear the first two comments were either from the mother Evelyn or her piece of trash, abusing daughter. Hopefully they read this as they are criminals who no one will forget and we will spread the word far and wide that you are abusers who should live in a sewer with the rats. Your names and story will be posted over and over again.
Wow, People showing their true colors. What they don't understand is that no matter what they say, if tomorrow their child was diagnosed with Autism, Kim would be right there with support and information to help them.
No matter how ugly they get, they can't change the ugliness that these 2 women live everyday. Wish they could understand that we would love NOTHING more than the opportunity to get a real job! Sadly, our time is used up taking care of our kids and defending them against anonymous and known cruel monsters.
Thanks for your bravery Kim
Kim and her family are heros to many of us who have vulnerable children who may not be able to voice what transpires in a day. The Guzman family in our minds got off easy, very easy and Kim's family could have not allowed the original plea.
The hatred and personal attacks here are directed at the wrong person. Kim's daughter was assaulted numerous times. If this was your child what would you have done. I think this family has been low key and respectful in my mind. Many would not have maintained the dignity they have and also been strong enough to be able to be a voice for others.
If you cannot be respectful, and not even show your name, than don't post.
Our thanks to Kim and her family. You have saved others from possible abuse and hopefully these woman will be subjected to close supervision of their own loved ones.
Kim please...take those awful ones down...don't put yourself through even knowing they were ever there...no one has limitless energy or patience(just Jesus!) and you need to take care of yourself...I read your stuff everyday...and I just have a huge place in my heart for all your family and I am going to be saying prayers everyday too...holding them up in prayer, for God's neverending love and protection..Zoe's story is in a video I made for my Diversity class last week, on my FB wall, if you ever wonder about my lovely dd...God Bless, Kim Oakes
"Going to church doesn't make you any more a Christian than standing in a garage makes you a car." Such judgmental spewing. If you don't like what she says and does, are you really incapable of finding SOMETHING else on the entire internet to view?
Kim, commendations are in order. I, myself, went down a battlefield with a school district once. It's a treacherous road to encounter on your own. Anyone that thinks this is what we "want" to do is simply ignorant to the stress it induces to be so tenacious. Way to go. Just like Jenny says, "I was about to find out that there were many moms like me who were made to feel stupid for speaking this truth, and I was going to be the one to knock down some walls."
~Jackie @beyondtheboundsofwords.blogspot.com
Kim and Mark, you are amazing parents and advocates for ALL kids and not just those on the spectrum. The nasty comments on here are laughable, no one in their right mind would actually think Kim was a bitch and what she did for Bella and other kids was nothing short of wonderful.
Dear Anon and Lanky,
Please do society a favor and at least get your GED...becuz ur grammer is ATROSHUS. Also, given that you seem to know how to use the internet, please google "compassion"....again- COMPASSION. Notice it's not spelled KUMPASHON.
Peace*,
Claudia
*you may have to google that word, as well. Not piece, but PEACE.
Keep the first two comments up - they do nothing but prove you are a kinder gentler soul for letting these 2 --- er I mean one --- flogger(s) have their (his/her) demented opinion out there for all to see. Anyone who has any idea about the kind of person you really are, either through your writings, bloggings, or personally, can only laugh at the absurdity of those two posts. Keep up the good work, Kimmie. ;)
RJ
The first two comments are just laughable! "Anonymous" yeah it's pretty "obvious" who you are! I wonder if your opinion of what you did will change when one of your family members is killed by someone who is texting and driving. Will you think it's a "crime" then or will you since it's something you think everyone does will it be ok with you if they just go free...no punishment needed???
Score 39:2, Kim's home team "wins." It is obvious like many have said before, that the first "two" posters (if indeed they are TWO different people) are in the Guzman camp. Kim, I'm so sorry you and your family (and the other families) had to go through all this and we must all keep in mind that the real victim here is Bella, at least SOME justice was served.
You know, responding to crackheads with keyboards is akin to feeding Gremlins after midnight... or something like that... =D
Frankly, I'm grateful for the "Kims" of the world, because people like her give me hope that there is some common sense and decency still left in this world.
I think I'm just going to throw Guzman and her disgusting daughter into the "They Who Shall Not Be Named" box, along with Voldemort (oh yeah, I went there, haha!), and a certain "church" (hey, maybe Thing #1 is a member...sounds about on par with their idiocy).
So, now that the lid's closed (and I'm officially out of the Nerd Closet!), I'll apply a little technique that seems to work well with problem behaviors... Planned Ignoring. ;)
I applaud you, Kim...and admire your dedcation to your girls, and the children of our community as a whole. Justice may have only been semi-served in this case, but hopefully, it will set the wheels in motion to change the laws to stiffen penalties for those who willingly and knowingly place our children in harm's way. As I stated on the AoA site, "first time offender" status should be reserved for those who are young, immature, and are truly repentant...NOT grown women with an attitude problem who know better and wantonly choose to do something dangerous and reckless...especially when it involves children.
Wow. The ignorance of those making the nasty comments is unbelievable. That bus driver is a danger to children & responsible for allowing bullying which is unacceptable & criminal. I think the people who made the comments are angry with Kim for giving voice to those who need to be heard. This just goes to show what a great impact Kim has & should be worn as a badge of honor.
Marsha McClelland
I believe that the School bus company is also at fault, they continue to hire these kind of people, people that should not even be here in this Country in charge of our precious children< I hope someday our President will sign a bill to send them all back to their place of origin ( Mexico, Africa )and then and only then can we have responsible people ensuring the safety of our precuius children.
Remember folks, April is autism Month, so let us focus on autism and less on these minorities infesting our great Country, I'm truly surprised the bus driving exam is not in Spanish or Swahili, Lord know Yugoslavia was successful with their Ethnic cleansing campaign, why can't the White Wolves of Milford CT take it upon themselves to eliminate this problem we real Americans have, Zrallack, you owe mw a few favors. Together we can solve this problem once and for all.
I hope you have filed a lawsuit against the bus company. I assume you have and I agree, these school bus companies hire some real scumbags at times. These two in this case are prime examples.
"Kim Stagliano" did not leave EITHER of those comments - as you can see, my posts come up BLUE with my Google account. I would not make disparaging comments about anyone's ethnicity - I happen to be 25% Spanish myself, in case the commenter cares.
I have not installed comment moderation on this blog - anyone can type any name they want, including mine. Someone borrowed my name to make those comments. KIM
WOW! soooo its a racial thing HUH? shame shame shame
Those of us who put our kids with little verbal fluency on the bus every morning thank you for standing up for your beloved daughter. Maybe the next person tempted to abuse a person who seems defenseless will think twice. These two bitches apparently had no idea that this little girl's mother is a powerful tornado backed by a whole community.
When all else fails, try to make it seem like you are not guilty by claiming it's a race thing. The bus driver could be any race, that is not the issue. The issue is she broke the law, she endangered lives. I know Kim and prejudice is not who she is. She embraces all people from all walks of life. Nice try Evelyn's camp,by pretending to be Kim. Guess what? You are guilty and have been caught once again!!! The fact that you won't take ownership of your wrongdoing shows what kind of people you are. Everyone would be more willing to forgive and let go if you were truely sorry for what YOU HAVE DONE!!!!!
If there was any doubt at all about the identity of the first "Anonymous," one must observe that the peculiar grammar, spelling and usage reveals it to be someone who does an awful lot of texting.
Yeah, I would bet the farm that the real Kim would know how to spell precious!
The level of viciousness towards Kim is amazing. Her daughter is an innocent child who was victimized by a couple of low lifes. Just goes to show that even low lifes have a friend or two willing to write foolish and ugly things on their behalf. What a bunch of sociopaths!
Kim:
I applaud you for your courage and conviction of standing up for your children! You remind me so much of my Mom. It is disheartening that Ms. Guzman and her daughter were able to get of with probation. There reckless disregard for the safety of the children in their care as well as abuse of an autistic child is reprehensible. I have to admit that were it my child, I would have been more prone to a display of street justice instead of taking the proper course that you took. Bravo to you!!! Keep up the great work and don't be bothered by the ignorance of those who would condone the Guzmans of the world!
My son was on that bus, too. I was at the hearing on Friday standing up for my son and standing with Kim. There is so much I could say about those first two comments from Anonymous and Lancaster. But, there's really no need. Their profane name-calling, mean-spirited tone and absolutely insane, insensitive illogic speaks for itself.
I would like to thank the dozens of well wishers who have chimed in on this page offering support and compassion for our children. Your humanity completely overshadows the aforementioned pettiness.
Renee Oricchio
Wow, I am at a loss for words...almost. Sadly, I'm not surprised that people who would torture a sweet, innocent child like Bella, and endanger an entire busload of children, would resort to such nastiness. Of course the comments were anonymous or posted by someone posing to be "Kim" - these people obviously realize that everything they have written is B.S. and even they are embarrassed to sign their names. Take heart Kim - they had to make up stuff to make you look bad since the truth only makes you look like the hero you are!
Kim- keep up the good fight, you are an amazing courageous woman, not many could do what you do. Your children are blessed to have you.
DeAnne
Kim,
I assume you have the IP addresses of the person or persons who commented with your name, yes?
In most states in the US, it is illegal to impersonate another person on any online sites, especially in an effort to harm a person's welfare and reputation (as this person did). Not only is it a form of libel, it is also a form of cyber-stalking and harrassment.
If you have the IP address of the person or persons making these comments, I would make sure you keep a log of all of the comments they are making and show them to your lawyer.
And take care of those 3 lovely girls of yours, Ms. Kim. You are a wonderful mother and advocate for your children!
I'll try to be charitable and assume that those of you so harshly criticizing Kim really don't know the facts of the case. Or do and just don’t care. But let’s review, anyway.
The bus driver involved sent more than 1,000 text messages in less than a month during the time she was driving a bus filled with autistic children. Think about that: more than 1,000 texts while the bus was in motion. Her phone records show this to be the case. During this period, the driver's adult daughter was abusing Kim's non-verbal autistic child. All of this was captured on video and reviewed by the police, the prosecutors, the judge and the school district's officials. And the authorities only reviewed a month's worth of video. Nobody knows how many texts were sent throughout the school year.
You can only slander or libel someone if what you say or write about that person is false. None of this is in dispute. Even the driver admits to what she did.
So we have a distracted bus driver transporting special-needs children as she’s typing out 1,000 text messages while driving. While she’s busy putting the lives of these kids in danger, her adult daughter is roughing up Kim’s kid for no good reason. Once the authorities figure out what’s going on, you wind up with outraged parents, outraged school administrators, outraged cops, outraged city officials, outraged prosecutors and an outraged judge. Why? Because these were not minor transgressions. These were crimes. …
And somehow you think Kim Stagliano is the villain in all this.
The fact that the driver was a veteran of two decades just means she should have known a whole lot better. And those of you who ask, “Haven’t you ever made a mistake?” Well, I’ve made plenty in my life -- some big ones, in fact. But I never made a “mistake” that put the lives of a busload of developmentally disabled kids in danger. And if I ever do, then I should go straight to jail. The driver in this case received a far lighter punishment than that.
So those are the facts. Undeniable facts. There, you’ve been informed. Now I can stop being charitable. And all you worms can crawl back under the rocks you came out from under.
Well the thing is, if you're going to make it racial, at least have the common sense not to impersonate someone with obvious Italian heritage.
This is the kind of person(s) that give your country the "Only in America" with eye roll response.
If it wasn't so nasty it would be farsical.
Kim, you are so inspiring that I look to you as one of my heroes, and I do not have a child with special needs. That is how far your efforts reach. Don't ever stop doing what you do!
Kim, I am shocked at all that has happened here, regarding this woman and her daughter. It's appalling that all she got was two years without a license and then will have her record expunged. I hope that her daughter gets what she deserves when she goes to court. I don't know how you have the patience to not go after these two like I would want to. You are very classy. I, on the other hand, would probably not be able to restrain myself. What they have done is disgusting.
As for those who comment negatively about you, I cannot believe they are serious. You provide a great service for so many women. I do not have children who are disabled, but I have many friends who have children who have autism. I support you and those moms with all my heart. Kim, you are a true inspiration to all. Keep writing and keep fighting for what you believe is right. God bless you and your beautiful family.
Kim Stagliano wondered why her 8-year-old autistic daughter would come home from school every day crying and with bruises on her hands. Stagliano asked the school district to look at the footage from the security camera on the bus, which revealed that the bus monitor was abusing her child. It also revealed Guzman was habitually texting.
Bruises on her hands?!!!! If someone did that to my child I hate to wonder what I might be capable of doing in response. Kudos for keeping a level head.
This subject is actually being tested heavily on the drivers permit test. Thank god. Its just common sense.
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