CASE 167 ?2531 DISTRICT: LEE STYLE: JENNIFER HANIBLIN •EDucATION State Board of Education -------- fldoc.org Marva Johnson, Choir John R. Padget, Vice Choir Members Garv Chartrand Tom Grady Rebea:a Fishman Lipsey Mlchael Olenick Andy Tuck Pam Stewart Commissioner of Education CERTIFIED MAIL July 26, 2017 Case No.: 167-2531 DOE No.: 970369 Ms. Jennifer Rambling 9159 Caloosa Road Fort Myers, Florida 33967 Dear Ms. Hambling: As Florida's Commissioner of Education I have considered carefully the investigative findings concerning allegations in the above referenced case. Pursuant to Section 1012.796(3), Florida Statutes, I have determined in lieu of finding probable cause, a letter of guidance is appropriate. Your actions could have resulted in the filing of an administrative complaint, significantly impacting your professional standing. In accordance with State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.081, you are expected to uphold ethical principles and have professional obligations to students, the public and the profession. As a Florida certified educator, you are held to a higher standard of conduct than that of the general public, both in your personal and professional dealings. Be aware that any future actions on your part that bring question to your fitness to hold a Florida educator certificate may result in a disciplinary action against your certificate, up to and including revocation. This letter of guidance does not constitute a disciplinary record against you for any purpose and is not appealable. It is my hope that this letter will aid and advise you of your obligation to uphold these professional standards and that you will move forward in your daily responsibilities with integrity and professionalism. I take great pride in the quality and integrity of Florida's certified educators. I trust that your future conduct will reflect positively on yourself and your profession. �� Pam Stewart www.fldoe.org 325 W. Gaines Street I Tallahassee. FL 32399..()400 I 850-245-0505 State Boa rd of Education FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ?doe.urg Pam Stewart Commissioner of Education Mama Johnson, Chair Andy Tuck, Vice Chair Members Gary Chartrand Tom Grady Rebecca Llpsev Michael Olenick MEMORANDUM TO: FROM RE: DATE: I Adrienne Bergh, PPS Investigator Gavin Dunn, Assistant General Counsel Jennifer L. Ham bling Case Number: 161-2531 July 14, 2017 I have reviewed the investigative report and backup documentation in the above-referenced matter. Based on this review, it is my opinion: [l There is probable cause to ?le an Administrative Complaint/Notice of Reasons. There is insuf?cient evidence to support a ?nding of probable cause. Therefore, I recommend a ?nding of no probable cause. The facts set forth in the report and supporting documentation do not constitute a statutory violation or a rule violation. Therefore, I recommend a finding of no probable cause. There is no credible evidence to support a ?nding other than no probable cause. Therefore, I recommend a ?nding of no probable cause. Ifyou have any questions please call me. GD/ch Office of the General Counsel 325 W. Gaines Street Suite 1244 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 850-245-0442 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES SERVICES INVESTIGATIVE REPORT CASE NUMBER 167-2531 Respondent Name: Jennifer Hambiing Reported by: District DOE Number: 970369 Date Opened: February 10, 2017 Date of Birth: May 27, 1982 Informal Conference: May 19, 201? Employer: Lee Investigator: Adrienne Bergh Site: Estero High School Position: Art Teacher CERTIFICATION AND DEGREE Certificate Type: Professional Areats) of Coverage: Validity: 2013-2018 Art Degree: Bachelor of Humanities Stetson University 2004 LEGAL COUNSEL DOE Counsel: tD-Un Educator?s Counsel: Pro Se ALLEGATIONS Ms. Hambling was observed rubbing the back of a male student while alone in her classroom. Ms. Hambling was observed having her shoulders rubbed by a male student on a different occasion. Jennifer Hambling 167-2531 ALLEGED VIOLATIONS) Section 1012.795(1 Florida Statutes (9) Upon investigation, has been found guilty of personal conduct which seriously reduces that person's effectiveness as an employee of the district school board; 0) Has violated the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession prescribed by State Board of Education rules; State Board of Education Rule Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida Shell make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning andfor to the student?s mental andior physical health andlor safety. INVESTIGATION Companion: Johnnie Mae Hawkins 16-3015 BACKGROUND 1 SIGNIFICANT EVENTS Jennifer Hambling has been an educator for approximately 11 years in Lee County. At the time of the allegation, she was employed as an art teacher at Estero High. School, where she has been employed since 2009. Her employment history includes: 0 2005?2007 North Ft. Myers Academy for the Arts - 2007?2008 Treeline Elementary School On or about February 3, 2017, English Teacher Kristin Davie reported to Estero High School Principal Clayton Simmons that during the week before she had seen Ms. Hambling seated at her desk getting her shoulders rubbed by a male student. Teacher Davie mentioned it to JROTC teacher Sergeant Kenneth Dawson after he told her of an inciden s. Hambling, where she was rubbing the shoulders of student utside of her classroom. Teacher Dawson took pictures and turned them over to SRO Corporal Iris Sullivan. On February 3, 2017, Principal Simmons reported Ms. Hambling to the district. When Ms. Hammond was notified of the investigation, she resigned. On February 7, 2017, the district reported Ms. Hambling to PPS. Page 2 of 6 Jennifer Hambling 167-2531 INVESTIGATOR COMMENTS DCF spoke with-and other students, but did not share their findings. Principal Simmons wanted the case to be investigated even though Ms. Hambling resigned. The incidents occurred a week prior to Principai Simmons being made aware. Teacher Davie and Sergeant Dawson reported the incidents to Assistant Principal Johnnie Mae Hawkins. The district reported AP Hawkins to PPS on March 28, 2017. (167-3015) WITNESS I VICTIM STATEMENTS Four random students were interviewed. Two additional students were scheduled; however, one was absent on the day of the PPS visit, and the other refused. The four students said Ms. Hambling was nice but they like their new ceramics teacher better. He is more engaged with everyone. Ms. Hambling did talk to some of her students more, or liked them better. but in a sociai way, not a bad way. DOB - is unhappy that he lost so much school time over this. He does not want any part of any future investigation. (Page 17) Teacher Kristin Davis waiked past Ms. Hambling's room and saw a student standing behind the desk with his hands on Ms. Hambling?s shoulders as if he were massaging them. At first Teacher Davie didn?t think too much about it, because she has known Ms. Hambling a long time. They both went to high school at Estero together and were back teaching there. Ms. Hambling as a large family with lots of nephews and it could have been one of her nephews as Teacher Davie didn?t recognize him as a student. It wasn?t until Sergeant Dawson mentioned Ms. Hambling interacting with a student at the basketball game that made her think something was up. Teacher Davie told Sergeant Dawson about what she saw. Dr. Hawkins was sitting in front of them and turned around. She had them both go over what they saw and explain everything. The following week Sergeant Dawson showed Teacher Davie some pictures and asked if the student in the picture with Ms. Hambling was the same one Teacher Davie had seen in the classroom, but Teacher Davie could not be sure. The next time Teacher Davie spoke about the incident was when Principal Simmons called her to the of?ce. He asked why she hadn?t reported the incident, and Teacher Davie explained she spoke to AP Hawkins on the same day it happened. (Pages 22?23) ROTC Instructor Sergeant Kenneth Dawson began to get concerned about the behavior of Ms. Hambling and The were with each other walking and talking. At one point Ms. Hambling began rubbing hshoulders as he was seated. Later that evening, he addressed his concerns with Teacher Davis and AP Hawkins. AP Hawkins asked him to take pictures and asked him to notify her if he ever saw in Ms. Hambling?s class so AP Hawkins could see for herself. AP Hawkins told Sergeant Dawson that she would report it after three incidents. Sergeant Dawson was Page 3 of 6 Jennifer Hambling 167-2531 concerned for the school, the student, and the teacher and felt that it needed to be reported. He showed Corporal Sullivan the photographs he took and advised her of his concerns. Pages 24-25) Corporal Iris Sullivan, SRO, was approached by JROTC Sergeant Dawson, who told her he had witnessed numerous acts of a teacher and male student behave in a way that caused him concern, such as massages, walks, and private talks. He had taken photos of the two of them. Corporal Sullivan asked if he had reported the incidents to anyone, and he told her that he had reported to Dr. Hawkins. Sergeant Dawson expressed his frustration because Dr. Hawkins told him he needed to document three separate incidents. Sergeant Dawson did not want to wait and asked for help. Corporal Dawson said she was unaware of any such rule and as mandated reporters, any incident, even suspected, needed to be reported. Corporal Sullivan contacted Principal Clayton Simmons to advise him she would be reporting the incident, and was surprised to find out that he was not aware. was there with and another male student. Ms. Hambling introduced as her friend, and orporai Sullivan inquired whether they were students at the school. The said they were, and there was generai conversation in which Ms. Hambling and *seemed to be protective of each omen-received a phone call so ing there was a pizza delivery. Ms. Hambling asked if he needed money, and #said he did. Ms. Hambling gave-a twenty dollar bill and Corporal Sullivan wa ked the students to the front office. (Pages 26-28) That afternoon Corioral Sullivan walked in Ms. Hambling's classroom. Ms. Hamblin Principal Simmons didn?t have any prior issues with Ms. Hambling. This ali came to his attention in one day. He reported to the district, and Ms. Hambling resigned that evening, which was a Friday. AP Hawkins had the information earlier in the week, maybe even the week before, and failed to report it. She was been removed from the school while the district investigated her for failing to report the incident. On February 2, 2017, Principal Clayton Simmons was informed by Corporal Sullivan of incidents involving Ms. Hambling and He was also told that Sergeant Dawson had reported the incident to Dr. Hawkins, who told him he needed to continue to document the incident. Principal Simmons told Corporal Sullivan he would report the incident immediately, and contacted law enforcement, - and the district office. Principal Simmons called Dr. Hawkins to respond to his office and had Assistant Principal Mike Amabile sit in as his witness. Dr. Hawkins came in to the office and advised him she had something to tell him. Dr. Hawkins told him about Ms. Hambling and -and Principal Simmons advised her he already knew. He counseled her on mandatory reporting and advised her that the delay of a week was unacceptable. (Page 29) Page 4 of 6 Jennifer Hambling 1 67-2531 [0.4 PHYSICAL EVIDENCE Photographs (Pages 11-12) Resignation (Pages 13-15) INFORMAL CONFERENCE AND RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS In accordance with Section 1012.796, Florida Statutes, an opportunity for a conference was provided on May 19, 2017. On or about May 12, 2017, Ms. Hambling responded to the conference via telephone. Ms. Hambling did not request the investigative file and stated she would write a letter. On or about May 17, 2017, Ms. Hambling submitted a response: - A letter which states in part that her relationship with -was always professional and ethical. was a volunteer and became a member of the Art Club. He excelled in ceramics and was one of her top students. Ms. Hambling and the other art teacher have an open door policy and students are allowed extra studio time. They have two art clubs and a gay straight alliance club. Students often ?nd refuge in art and the art room. - Ms. Hambling cares for the mental health and academic success of all her students and treats them like she treats her own children. shared a traumatic event with her and she responded by ru mg is shoulder and patting his back to comfort him as she might her own son. On a different occasion she was having trouble with her computer when and another student came in. The other student put his hands on her shoulders to alleviate her stress. Ms. Hambling understands it may have looked odd but there were no ill intentions on anyone?s part. 0 Ms. Hambling has been an excellent employee for eleven years and received the highest ratings. ln December of 2016, she became depressed after a miscarriage. She felt like the school handled this situation unprofessionally. She didn?t love it anymore so she resigned. - Ms. Hambling is a certified yoga instructor and has recently gone back to school for her masters in clinics! and mental health care counseling. Eventually she would like to open a wellness studio to integrate yoga, mental health and art therapy. Page 5 of 6 Jennifer Hambling 167-2531 INDEX Date Documentation Page(s) - Certification Data 1-2 2/8/17 District Reporting Letter/Form 3 2/10/17 Opening Letters 8: Certified Mail Receipts 4?7 2/8/17 District Investigative Report 8-16 4/5/17 Statement: 17 4/5/17 Statement: Student- 18 . 4/5/17 Statement: Student? 19 4/5/17 Statement: Studen?- 20 4/5/17 Statement: Student_- 21 4/5/17 Statement: Teacher Kristen Davie 22-23 4/5/17 Statement: ROTC Instructor Kenneth Dawson 24-25 4/5/17 Statement: Corporal Iris Sullivan I 26-28 4/5/17 Statement: Principal Clayton Simmons 29 5/9/1? Notice of Informal Conference Certi?ed Mail Receipts 30?32 5/17/17 Letter and Attachments: Jennifer Hambling 33-35 Page 6 of 6 CertAppBrowse Eat/?22 Common Search Page 1 of 1 arm Corr Browse Degree Browse History Check Sheet Score Reggrt Hts?mt: BEG-PASS Manual District EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION BEC Manual Submit feedback or technical issues to BECTechHalo CertlApp Browse LookUpi m: i831"? ii?r? Current Processing Alerts: 870359 Name: HAMBLING. JENNIFER A Birthdatet' Click hee show active nrooessigg alerts Certi?cates Type Subject Description Status Validity Dates Issue Date PRO 1001-3 ART [8 7r1r201 3 - araorama alioizoiz Applications i App Type Subject 1 Description I Status i Cart Type I App Date Exp Date 4f27/2017 I Pro?le main Page 1 of 1 Pro?le I'can Common Search Home BEG-PASS Manual District memo EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION BEG Partnershig Manual Pro?le LookUp: I - I Current Processing Alerts: Luokup I ow: 970369 amassing alerts asundemzl sameazl I ?1 Adart?as'aI Skeet: Oily: Country: Bad Address: n: 1:24:2013 4/27/2017 3 EDUCATOR MISCONDUCT REPORTING FORM.,.,.. . Office of Professional Practices Services .. till 1 r ,;_. ·- �: REPORTER INFORMATION: t8JPublic School 0Charter School 0Private School 0FSDB 0Lab School REPORTER CONTACT INFORMATION: School/District: Estero High School/Lee County Contact Person Name and Title: Michelle Freeman, Director, Professional Standards & Equity Contact Address and Telephone: 2855 Colonial Blvd. Ft. Myers, Fl. 33966; 239-461-8441 Date: 2-7-2017 INFORMATION REGARDING THE EDUCATOR BEING REPORTED EDUCATOR'S N AME: Jennifer Hambling ADDRESS: 9159 Caloosa Road Fort Myers, Fl. 33967 HOME PHONE: WORK PHONE: SSN:-DATE OF BIRTH 5-27-1982 CELL PHONE: 239-281-0643 DOE CERTIFICATE #970369 ASSIGNED SCHOOL: Estero High School POSITION : Tew:her SUBJECT/GRADE LEVEL: Art/Secondary YEARS EXPERIENCE: 11 years, 5 months, 26 days CONTRACTUAL STATUS:PSC CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Resignation SUMMARY OF THE ALLEGATION: On or about 02/03/17, Professional Standards and Equity received allegations that Mrs. Rambling was observed by two staff members on separate occasions alone with a male student. One staff member allegedly observed Mrs. Hambling rubbing the back and/or shoulders of the male student. The second staff member reportedly observed Mrs. Hambling having her shoulders rubbed by the same male student. The school SRO witnessed Mrs. Hambling paying for pizza she and/or the same student ordered while in her classroom after school Mrs. Hambling received notification that the District opened a formal investigation into the above allegations 02/03/17 at approximately 4:45pm. Mrs. Hambling sent an email to Professional Standards and her Principal at 7:33pm indicating she was resigning from her position at Estero High School. ***************************�*�****************************************** For questions, contact our office at 850.245.0438 Reporting Directions In addition to the reporting form, submissions to the Office of Professional Practices Services should include: I. All investigative materials, reports, evidence, documents or related materials (Examples include, victim or witness statements, arrest reports or court documents, newspaper articles, computer evidence, video or audio tapes, text messages or cell phone records, photographs, grade books or calendars, gifts/items, statements, arrest report{s), court documents, local investigative reports, tennination or disciplinary documents, letter ofresignation, district disciplinary action documents, DOAH Orders, and class rosters). Do not send sanitized or redacted documents. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF 1H .Wm fldoemg Pam Stewart Commissioner of Education State Board of Education Marva Johnson, Chair Andy Tuck, Vice Chair Members Gary Chartrand Tom Grady Rebecca Fishman Lipsey Michael Olenick February 10, 2017 Dr. Gregory Adkins Re: ennifer Rambling Superintendent DOE No.: 970369 Lee County School Board Case No.: 167-2531 2855 Colonial Boulevard Fort Myers, Florida 33966-1012 Dear Dr. Adkins: This letter is to acknowledge receipt of your report to the Of?ce of Professional Practices Services regarding the above named individual. The investigation into allegations against Jennifer Hambling has been assigned to a staff member who will be in contact with district or school staff in the near future. In addition to providing any requested documents or materials, please keep this of?ce apprised of any pertinent information or changes in the employment status of Jennifer Hambling. I encourage you to access information regarding this process and to view Final Order documents related to disciplinary actions on our webpage, If you or your staff has any questions regarding this processany assistance in this or similar matters, please feel free to contact our o?ce directly. Sincerely W9 Marian W. Lambeth Marian W. Lambeth, Chief Professional Practices Services 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 224 Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 850-245-0438 Iii-3' . Fromm DEPARTMENT or . it . .. Lu. ULJM indie: neon; Pam Stewart Commissioner of Education State Board of Education Mama Johnson, dwir Andy Tuck, Vice Olaf! Members Gary Chartrand Tom Grady Rebecca Fishman Llpsey Michael Olenick Februarle, 2017 Dr. Angela Pruitt Re: Jennifer Rambling Executive Director, Human Resources DOE No.: 970369 Lee County School Board Case 0.: 167-2531 2855 Colonial Boulevard Fort Myers, Florida 33966 Dear Dr. Pruitt: This letter is to acknowledge receipt of your report to the Of?ce of Professional Practices Services regarding the above named individual. The investigation into allegations against Jennifer Hambling has been assigned to a staff member who will be in contact with district or school sta?' in the near future. In addition to providing any requested documents or materials, please keep this o??ice apprised of any pertinent information or changes in the employment status of Jennifer Hambling. I encourage you to access information regarding this process and to view Final Order documents related to disciplinary actions on our webpage, Ifyou or your staff has any questions regarding this processany assistance in this or similar matters, please feel ?ne to contact our o?ice directly. Marian W. Lambeth, Chief Professional Practices Services ww?doeorg .5 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 224 I Tallahassee, Fl. 32399?0400 1 SEEMS-D438 State Board of Education Ju l'\J ��������fldoe.o� Marva Johnson, Chair Andy Tuck, Vice Chair Members Gary Chartrand Tom Grady Rebecca Fishman Lipsey Michael Olenick Pam Stewart Commissioner of Education February IO, 2017 CERTIFIED MAIL Ms. Jennifer L Rambling 9159 Caloosa Road Fort Myers, Florida 33967 CaseNo.: 167-2531 Dear Ms. Rambling: The Office of Professional Practices Services in the Florida Department of Education is statutorily charged with investigating allegations ofmisconduct by certified educators. Be advised that a case has been opened with the Office of Professional Practices Services, which alleges that you engaged in inappropriate conduct. If founded, such allegations could lead to disciplinary action against your Florida Educator Certificate, up to and including permanent revocation. Within ten (10) days of receipt of this letter, you or your legal representative may forward to this office any docwnents or names of evidentiary witnesses you feel pertinent to the case. At the conclusion of our preliminary investigation you, and if designated, your representative, will be notified by certified mail of the date and time of your opportunity to review the investigative materials and respond to the allegations. You may access the statutes and rules that govern this process at www.myfloridateacher.com. As required by section 1012.796, Florida Statutes, this complaint and all information obtained pursuant to the investigation are confidential and exempt from public disclosure until the conclusion of the preliminary investigation. Please govern yourself accordingly. s� Marian W. Lambeth Marian w. Lambeth, Chief Professional Practices Services www.fldoe.or1 r 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 224 I Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 I 850-245-0438 items 1, 2., and s. Also comp1ett eoii1151S{eRestricted • iterrl'4.if Delivery rs desired. . ·· . • Prll'il'?our name and address ori the reverse . · so that we can return the card to you. • Attach this card to the back of the mallpiece, or on the front If space permits. 1, Article Addressed to: HAMBLING JENNIFER ROAD CALOOSA 9159 FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33967 D. Is delivery addiess different from Item If YES, enter delivery address below: D Yes D No 3. Se!)'!C'eType liaCertified Mal D 91)RISS Mall Df!etum Receipt for Merchandise O Registered d Insured Mall O C.O.D. 4. Restricted Delivery? {Bctra Fee) 0 Yes 7007 3020 0001 8b57 9083 PS Fonn 3811, February 2004 Domestic Return Receipt 102595-02·"1·1540 I Last week (Wednesday 1/25,. or Thursday U26), I was walking back from lunch with K. Hissong. We left the teachers" lounge and proceeded'down the NW hallway to walk behind the cafeteria. As we passed the classroom, the door was open. I looked in to smile at Mrs; Hambiing, and saw that she was sitting at her desk. Standing directly behind her was a student with his hands on her shoulders. This student was behind her desk, and it appeared. because of the placement of his hands, that he was giving her a shoulder massage. Thursday evening, at the school basketball game that i was working, another teacher, SGT Dawson, mentioned something he saw with the same teacher; i mentioned the incident i saw as I was walking back from lunch. Dr. Hawkins was privy to the conversation, asking exactly what i saw, as well as the names of the individuals involvied. i told her the name of the teacher, but that i was unaware of the identity of the student. The following week (January SGT Dawson pulled me aside to address some pictures he took with me. He showed me pictures from his phone of the teacher and a student sitting an benches outside of school. He. asked if this was the same student as i saw in the classroom, and I replied that i could not say for sure, and i thought the-hair was a different color. We then proceeded to have a discussion regarding the implied interaction between the students. i questioned one pint-ore, asking if the student was resting his head in the teacher's lap, which SGT Dawson repiied that the student was just leaning over. 5 Thursday iZ/ziafter being called to the principai?s office. i ei-haighhaylt?asi?ll as my discussions with both SGT involved, "as the saith? sthd'ent in the pititures SGT Dawson took. My next interaction with this incident restated what i saw when go .- and "i was unaware of whether or?ndt this as i Kw.? h-I? . .I. .I. . indie: . Date: February 2017 To: C. Simmons entered-classroem ii 118. Present inside the room was Ms. Hamblings; nd another unidenti?ed white male. As introduced myself to everyone in the room, Ms. Hambiings immediately pointed to and said "Oh, this is my friend? replied ?Friend?- Aren?i: you a student at this school? replied "oh, yes i am?. On Thursday, February 2, 2017, at approximately 1420 hour, during my patrol throuih out the school, i At the time I did not recognize either males as students of the school. During our conversation i asked the males studentis) if they reside in the area and both students replied by giving me a eneral area of where they lived. Ms. Rambling began to give me {what appeared to be) directions to home. then confirmed Ms. ambiings. directions-by saying "yes that is where lore?. Shortly after that,-eceived a phone call from a izza delivery person -i stating-that the pizza was here and ready forpickeup. Ms. Hambling looked at hand a?ske?-?f?b you need money?? replied to Me Rambling ?yes?, Ms. Hamming reached into her pursejand gave a twenty dollar bill. i then walked- and the other male student to the school front office to pick-up the pizza. 0- Corp r31 iris Sullivan Respectfully MY STATEMENT On 3 Fabruary 2017, 1 Kenneth Dawson} am writing this statement because of my concern of ObSEWing?spending a for oftime in Jennifer .Hambling classroom. Whiie he is in her period class, I have being'notic'ing him spending extra time in. her classroom for the pass few month. On- 4c (?.339 is.Az traf?% trim3.. . .C .. .F as ?Fliirr 5.11it?xf-15? inky}: J11, Uh. .Ie?g?al. :Ip . I. PERSONNELACTIONFORM The School District of Lee County, Florida EMPLOYMENT CHANGE PERSONAL DATA CHANGE __ LEAVE OF ABSENCE _ACCT� CHANGE _NAME --TRANSFER/INTERNAL _P.� O B T �-REG U L � R _ADDRESS ·,, o R K E A EP RI E J,· C E _JOB RECLASS (Board Ar.l!Oll Only) P !l, r HO�E1 ;=CHECKLOCCHANGE 7.::_ _CHANGE%0FTIME 1 :_ol'HER E)(PlAIN)' I • :_. _DROP E!iiTRY _RE-TURN FROM LEAVE _LO CATION TRANSFER IN OUT,_ _OTHER (EXPLAIN) ENDING EMPLOYMENT _RESIGNATION _DISMISSAL {Board Action Only) _RETl.�EMENT _DROP TERMINATION _OTHER (EXPLAIN) NEW HIRE · _INITIAL EMP _REHIRE _ADDNLEMP _SUMMEREMP _OTHER (EXPLAIN) n1 _ ___ _ _ _ _______________ �--------J-e_ __i_f�e-__ r H ambl i n g nn S ff. NAME ______ _______ ___ S # �----...;.;;;...____� �0� �7�7� �0�1�1----------�7�0�0�0�5�9�8�2� 6 2 3 Fl 9159 caloosa Road Ft. Myers, City St reel 33967 -- EMPLOYEE 10 #,_______ POSITION#_____ (239) 281-0643 State 0731 FORMER NAME __________ CHECK DISTRIBUTION LOC. #---------- Resig nation Ill. REASON FOR ACTION YEAR. WILL THERE BE A POSITION .AT T_HIS LOCATION NEXT YEAR? Teacher/Art IV-B. POSITION TITLE 0 YES ONO JOB CODE 300250 JOB CO. DE POSITION TITLE JOB CODE POSITION TITLE -C_ertifieaUon Areas Grade Level Course TiUe 1.0 UNIT__ MARITAL STATUS: V. BIRTH DATE.: VI. ACCOUNT NUMBERS TO BE CHARGED f MUST 0 MARRIED Resignation: Effective end of day, Friday, February 3, 2017 VIII. (Al ·' PRINCtPAl/OPT. HEAD SIGNATURE ·> : ... _-·... ,,··. DATE O W/4 FORM DYC __ . -· CAT___ P/CLASS__ CYCLE__ P/PDS ___ RACE_· -- T YPE __ RANK___ Perioel(s) I I I SEX: COST 0 M FUNCTION 00PENEND In-Field (Y/N) Highly Qualified (Y/t OF PROJECT O HEALTH CARD O LIFE CARD O OTHER YRS. OF SERVICE: SUPPLEMENTS: STATE____ COUNTY__ _ #_ __ S_ __ #c.-____..$.,___ OUT/STATE ____ RACE: FUND OBJECT PCT MUST TOTAL 100 SUPE RINTENDENTIDEStGNEE DATE (C), _________ --I X. RETIREMENT: PLAN CODE PERSONNEL DATA ENTRY DATE _________ POSITION CONTROL ENTRY DATE ________ BOARDAPPROVALOATE,�---------- COMPLETED IN PERSONNEL BY_________ REC'D IN PAYROLL DATE ___________ SAL EX.____ COMPLETED IN PAYROLL BY__________ T L. T CH. # $___ #---- --. I CONFIRMING COPY TO PERSONNEL ______ _ EXPERIENCE TO BE VERIFIED (.1) FRS YEARS_·__ - ,· DISTR,IC"!° YEARS_·_:__. · PAY PD. RATE DAILY WHITE/PERSONNEL O SUBSTITUTE DAilY HOURS FO R EMPLOYEE__ UNIT VAL. __ If less than 5 day week. cirt:le workdays: M T w R F GRD___ STEP___ (B) __________ ---EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE DATE XI. PERSONNEL SERVICES AND PAYROLL USE ONLY: ASSIGNMENT# 0TEMPORARY 0HOURLY TRANSFER T(): IX. ATTACHMENTS MADE IN PERSONNEL SERVICES DEPARTMENT: O COPY/SOC. SEC. CARD O FULL·TIME 0PART-TIME Semesler(s) O SINGLE LOCATION AGREE WITH PO�ITION ASSIGNMENT REGISTER VII. TRANSFER FROM: 0 .20l-, 0.2/ 3/ I .. ·-· EFFECTIVE CLOSE OF WORKDAY. ! i .. . --- Course Code EFFECTIVE BEGINNING OF WORKOAY IV-A. UN ff__. UNIT Zip ANNUAL SCHEDULED DAYS FOR POSITION IF LEAVE OF ABSENCE IS THROUGH END OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE RETURN DATE 203776011 GREENIPAYRDLL CANARY/RETURN PINK/PERSONN EL HOURLY GOLDENROD/ORIGINATOR SALARY SCHEDULE_�---NECESSARY ADJ.------- CURRENT BASE _______ SUPPLEMENTS ________ TOTAL SALARY__ �----- l3 ore (5/03 Tilton, Cindy From: Brown, Andrew (Human Resources) Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2017 10:40 AM To: Tilton, Cindy Cc: Freeman, Michelle Subject: Fwd: Letter of Resignation Sent ?om my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Hambling, Jennifer" <3enniferLHa?LeeSchools.11et> Date: February 4, 2017 at 10:26:35 AM EST To: "Brown, Andrew (Human Resources)" Subject: RE: Letter of Resignation Yes Jennifer Hambling Estero High School Art Department Head Ceramics/Pottery Art Club Sponsor OUR VISION: Estero High School Where students come to learn and leave to succeed. OUR MISSION: The mission of Estero High School is to provide each member of our diverse student body with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly complex world. From: Brown, Andrew (Human Resources) Sent: F?dey, February 03, 2017 9:16 PM To: Hambling, Jennifer - Cc: Simmons, Clayton Subject: Re: Letter of Resignation E?ective immediately? Sent from my iPhone On Feb 31,2017, at 7:33 PM, Hambling, Jennifer wrote: Mr. Simmons and Mr. Brown, I have decided to resign from my position with the Lee County School District. Respectfully, Jennifer Hambling Estero High School Art Department Head Ceramics/Pottery Art Club Sponsor OUR VISION: Estero High School Where students come to learn and leave to succeed. OUR MISSION: The mission of Estero High School is to provide each member of our diverse student body with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly complex world. )5 Brown. Andrew (Human Resources} From: Simmons, Clayton - Sent: Friday. February 03, 2017 1:02 PM To: Brown, Andrew (Human Resources) Subject: RE: teacher No problem. Here is her contact info: Jennifer Hambling 239-281~0643 Cell 239-281-0666 Husband (Ryan Hambling] Clayton D. Simmons Principal Estero High School (239) 947-9400 . CAM BRIDGE . Inmna'??tal Iii-inundation; awe-M SUNSHINE LAW PUBLIC RECORDS CAUTION: Most E?mall communications made or received by District staff are considered public records that must be retained and. upon request. made available to the public and media. From: Brown, Andrew (Human Resources) Sent: Friday, February 03, 2017 12:58 PM To: Simmons, Clayton Subject: teacher Clayton- If for some reason the teacher shows up Monday, please keep her in the of?ce and call me or a back-up plan. i plan to call her a little later this afternoon. Thanks. Andy Brown, Coordinator, Professional Standards and Equity Lee County School District 2855 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, Fl. 33966 Of?ce: 239-335?1488 Cell: 239-2714843 MINOR STATEMEN GRADEICLASS Ere FL cm STATE 21;: come (AREA) TELEPHONE E-Mall Address Having been advised that I need not make this statement, declare that the following statement is giVan ?nely and voluntarily, wlthaul promise benefit or privilega, and without threat or the use of force or duress, and I do hereby state the following: Hyiblar?g m5 NJ 19% ?37 (SM, :4 m. MK and ma- 51{w??9?1 ?ts My Mal SAL {be F/tff ?mx?w" lad g?er 4M mm: May if}wa In (Erma {Jau? (?t/wit! dc: mm Wm Um? ally/)6 Cam WV ?1/5 7L Swell/J73? (arm: 57? marl I {:14 0w M..51W my? um 5w mg 5% M19 quiz; TM ms tam Ma arm Plaza. ?m 52.5; of if an?; a ?22% 6W deg, 006,: {1m 5w Paw My my: ear {be 5'32an ms (lbw/?at: 430+ if [Mb I ?a 19? 45?; ?76% aW/? 56,4? 921361 {541 ?o 634; Wei SM am?? 519%! a, {ma a! 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DATE: 9" MINOR STATEMENT GRADEICLASS NAME I I or GUARDIAN DATE OF BIRTH TY Emit .gj?filggj 335??. CI STATE ZIP CODE (AREA) TELEPHONE E-Mail Address Having been adviced that i need not make this statement, declarc that the foliowing statement is given treat and voluntarily. without pr?umicu benefit or privilege, and without threat or the use of force or duress. and! do hereby state the following: 47;, Emma (2on mm 1m ?re, m7?; I A +4 415 Ate/533:! 17?: 453;: m?H? ?y rim jcf? 'Qizj?gy 44 Pg): 522% 29/416 Win:er My ix?gp 54:76:: 1993112. j? 3:5; wkaak- diff 49k zach 2: Java 229.0 Mr (Jeff?) 1?5 .5. mm and? 2.265- 5.4g. 411M 43%. 7X m/n/ 3&qu 14479533353 Man a! fang}: ?luau A: Jr: at! IF {yaw 24:2 7?4) fmuu gilt/?r? 6?41" rbc?fcw?' wri/ may ?gs-Aim} Ml #in it?ll-5 12-" ?mi in?: or Ari/?r? mde an}; 2?1: $194?? 0.4: {bf/val: .744 91257. 4 may; it? ?at??J Je?t?? 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I have read each page of this statement consisting of page{s), each page of which hear: my signature, any corrections hear my initia!s. a: certify that the facts contained harein are true and correct to the bust of Mal LE DATE: 2 15223,; gag/E ADULT STATEMENT ,�fi$:bD NAME Teo.a her \)Q,de POSITIONrrlTLE Pl - ZIP CODE DATE Having been advised that I need not make this statement, declare that the following statement Is given freely and voluntarily, without pro�iae t� _. benefit or privilege, and without threat or the use of force or duress, and I do hereby state the following: 7{::;;:�""''"" I have read each page of this statement consisting of SIGNATURE _1_ page(s), each page of which bears� my signature, any corrections bear my initials, and , oo,motto.., ""'ofmykn�lodge. WITN SS Last week (Wednesday 1/25, or Thursday 1/26), 1 was walking back from lunch with K. Hissong. We left the teachers? iounge and proceeded down the NW hallway to wail: behind the cafeteria. As we passed the classmom, the door was open. looked in to smile at Mrs. Hambling, and saw that she was sitting at her desk. Standing directly behind her was a student with his hands on her shoulders. This student Was behind her desk, and it appeared, because of the placement of his hands, that he was giving her a shoulder massage. Thursday evening, at the school baslltetball game that was working, another teacher, SGT Dawson, mentioned something he saw with the same teacher. i mentioned the incident 1 saw as was walking back from lunch. Dr. Hawkins was privy to the conversation, asking exactly what I saw, as well as the names ofthe individuals involved. I toid her the name of the teacher, but that was unaware of the identity of the student. The following Week (January SGT Dawson pulled me aside to address some pictures he took with me. He showed me pictures from his phone of the teacher and a student sitting on benches outside of school. He asked if this was the same student as I saw in the classroom, and i replied that i could not say for sure, and thought-the hair was a different color. We then proceeded to have a discussion regarding the implied interaction between the students. qUestioned one picture, asking if the student was resting his head in the teacher?s lap, which SGT Dawson replied that the student was just leaning over. My next interaction with this incident was Thursday after being called to the principal?s office. I restated what i saw when walking dow?h?the haliway, as?Well as my discussions with both SGT involved, and I was unaware of whether or not this was the same student in the pictures SGT Dawson took. vi? I 5 l/ 616) a bu? @2510 Ni MYSTATEMENT On 3 February 2017 1 Kenneth Dawson) am writing this statement hocause of my concern of observing ?pendmg-a lot of time In Jennifer Hambling classroom. While he is in her 1?t period class, I have being noticing him spending extra time in her classroom for the pass few month. On Tuesday, 31 January 2017, around 2:30 pm, I obsen/ed both of them sitting outside the back of her classroom talking for a long period of time because it got the attention of some of my cadets while ADULT STATEMENT jKennettl Ray���-=--· -·· ----- NAMe J .. ___ ADDRESS: S CITY (AREA) TELEPHONE ···---i f.m,y·rnstructor-- ______J Q POSITINiTrTLE ,_J [�� J STATE �� ., ZIP CODE �""'"1nt ___] ... I� qi� f,._iy and voluntarily, w� ptO,nlN lo H.-,1� b.-n. •c!Vl.�.tfJlt I _need nQl ml!k!t thl11.iatameot; d� that ihe folowfng benefit or prlvlllige, 1ndwltllout thrut or the UN of.force or du....., •nd I ilo herebyatat. die folowtn9: On or about 24 January 2017, I epproaeti AP pr. Hawkins With 11:'te concerns that I have noticed (studen� ha�glng In Ms. Hamb.ling cla5.sroom a lol Dr. Hqwkins ask i:ne to let hfr know wpe�r I see him in her. assroom.so at she could walk by lf1e class and 13ee it for h�lf. Dt. Hawkins $Sid ,•aner thfe8 times ofseeing.hlm In the cla . ssroom she �atµre It shouic;I b, handle rlgt)t BWllY 1o would report the. �ctlons",. I felt tft_at v-i.as a long prc>cess and with cqncems of prevent blgg6r problem for the student, teacher, and school. o·n 3·feb�ry ·2017, I reported my concerns CPL SuHlvan, the school RSO. . ··-·---- that ...1... w ------ ------�----- ---·-----------' I have read each page.of1hls sutemen slsUng of pii9e(s), each page of which beal'II my slgnatuNt, llflY correction& beat my lnltlale, .nd I n .•,. true d cornict to tlie best cf my knowledae. Page Number !2:1900RiverRaneh���---··-J [e$te��_ _J_ , ADULT STATEMENT Su \h\lo o,) \ 't\S . NAME CITY ADDRESS: STREEi (A�A} TELEPHONE t/s /-u,. 7 ZIP CODE DA1E Having been advised that I need not make this statement. declare that the following statamant It. given freely and voluntarily, without J>rOmise benefit or privilege, and without threat or the use of force or duress, and I do hereby state the following: •. I have read each page of this state certify that the facts contained ha in "0 consisting of pagefe), nch page of which bears myal true and com,ct to the beat of my knowledge. Date: February 3rd, 2017 To: C. Simmons On Thursday, February 2, 2017, at approximately 1420 hour, during my patrol throughout the school, I entered classroom 118. Present inside the room was Ms. Hambiings nd another unidenti?ed white male. As introduced myself to everyone in the room, Ms. Hamblings immediately pointed nd said "Oh, this is my friend? i replied "Friend? Aren?t you a student at this school?? replied "oh, yes I am". At the time I did not recognize either males'as students of the school. During our conversation i asked the males studentis) if they reside in the area and both students replied by giying me a general area of where they lived. Ms. Hambling began to give me (what appeared to be) directions to home. then confirmed Ms. Hambiings directions by saying "yes that is where I live". Shortly after that,- received a phone call from a plzza delivery person stating that the pizza was here and ready for pick-up. Ms; Hambling looked at nd asked "Did you need money?" replied to Ms. Hambiing "yes", Ms. Hambling reached into her purse and gave -a twenty dollar bill. i then walked- and the other male student to the school front office to pick-up the pizza. Respectfully Corp ral iris Sullivan DATE: April 5, 2017 To: Adrienne Bergh, Investigator FDE From: Corporal iris Sullivan, School Resource Of?cer, -S.R.0-iee County Sheriff?s Office On February 2, 2017, was approached First Sergeant Dawson; stating that for the past month he has observed a female teacher and male student at the school, behave inappropriate. Dawson continued to say that he has observed the two and has seen numerous acts of behavior which he considered unbecoming of a- school official and student relation. To include but not limited to, massaging each other, private walks, private talks and a lot of favoring toward one particular male student. I asked i asked ?rst Sgt. Dawson also stated the behaviors were alarming, at which he was compelled to take photos of the two together. i asked Dawson if he has reported the incident to anyone at the school and he replied that he shared theincident with Assistant Principal .- Dr. Hawkins. Dawson state that he was very frustrated because Dr. Hawkins told him that she needed three separate occasions to report and incident. Dawson stated that he was not going to continue to watch them for two additional times before coming forward again'and he asked if I would help. I replied that was not aware of any set rule when reporting an incident. stated Of?ciais are mandated by Ia?w to report incidents when concerning a child/studentat school. contacted Mr. C. Simmons?School Principal and advised him 'of the situation. Mr. Simmons stated that he was not aware, because he was not informed of any incidents and/or concerns. Corporal Iris Sullivan #9502 ESTERO HIGH SCHOOL . . eve PRINCIPAL Clayton D. Simmons T0: Dr. Johnnie Mae Hawkins, Assistant Principal Estero High School FROM: Clayton Simmons, Principal Estero High School DATE: February 9, 201? SU 31 ECT: Letter ofRepri-mand On January 26, 2017 you engaged in the following conduct: During an evening basketball game on January 26, 2017 you were made'aWare by two teachers of inappropriate interactions between a female teacher and male?studentr M5. Davie,.a Language?irts teacher, reported to you that she was walking by Ms. Hambling?s art room earlier that day and observed her seated at her desk with-a male student standing behind her giving her what looked like "a shoulder massage. Sargent Dawson, ROTC instrie'tpr, also reported that he had concerns about Mrs. Hambling?s frequentlinteractions with the same male student. Later you stated to Sargent Dawson that you would need three incidents before you could report the matter. ?i'ou failed to share any of these reports with me or other proper authorities to do the necessary-investigation. One week later on Thursday, February 2, 2017, this incident and others regarding Mrs. Hambling were reported to me by the School Resource Of?cer, iris Sullivan and Assista nt.Principal, Mike Amabile; I immediately reported the incidents to law enforcement and the Professional Standards and Equity Department requiring a formal investigation of the teacher. The teacher then resigned and the case was referred to DCF for further investigation. Your actions delayed an investigation of the teacher for one week and violates Florida Statutes 5. 1006.061 which states: All employees and agents afth?c- as trict schoo! board, charter schoois and private schools that accept scholarship students, have an obiigahen to report misconduct by- on instructional personnel member or schooi administrator Your conduct increased the risk of student harm and created a possibie? iiability .for the district. Effective immediately, you are directed to immediately report incidents involving employee misconduct to me, another member of the administrative staff or proper. authorities for further investigation. Failure to follow this directive will resuit in further disciplinary action. A copy of this letter will be placed in your personnel may submit a written response, Which will also be included. a I iacknowiedge receiving this document on l?e?bL O, '7 mn- - nlernnl ?rst gull?! 111:! an! ?-v-nu ?Duo?4 Cornbr?idgu international School! . FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF Pamstewan Commissioner of Education State Board of Education Marva Johnson, Chair Andy Tuck, Vice Chair Members Gary Chartrand Tom Grady Rebecca Ashman Lipsey Michael Olenlck May 9, 2017 CERTIFIED MAIL RE: Notice of Informal Conference Case No: 167-2531 Jennifer Hambling Fort Myers, Florida 33967 Dear Ms. Hambling: On or about February 10, 2017, you were sent notification by certified mail that a case had been opened against you with the Florida Department of Education's Office of Professional Practices Services and that if founded these allegations could result in sanctions against your Florida Educator's Certificate. This office has now concluded its preliminary investigation and is prepared to provide you an opportunity to review the materials and respond to the allegations. You are not required to respond; however, in accordance with Sections 120.60(6) and 1012.796, Florida Statutes, you are provided with this opportunity to submit documents or statements which refute, explain or mitigate the allegations of misconduct. In order to facilitate this opportunity, I have scheduled an informal conference for you on May 19, 2017 at 8:30 am. Should you choose to respond by telephone, you may call me at 850.245.0438 on May 19, 2017. If you intend to respond to the infonnal conference in person, please inform our office in advance. Marian W. Lambeth, Chief Professional Practices Services 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 224 www.ftdoe.org I Tallahassee, Fl 32399-0400 I 850-245-0438 Jo a Complete Items 1,·2, and 3. • Print your name and� on. the reverse so that we can n,turn the card to you. • Attach this card tb the back·of the maUplece,. or on the front If space permits. 1, _Article Addressed to: JENNIFER HAMBLING FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33967 INFORMAL CONFERENCE CHECKLIST PPS ?947?531 DATE AND TIME: #121! H- 7? 2m NAME: 1 bl 1 6} REPRESENTATIVE: CERTIFIED MAIL RECEIPT: DELIVERED REFUSED UNDELIVERED PARTICIPATION: IN ATTENDANCE NO RESPONSE E/r RESPONDENT DREPRESENTATIVE OTHER DURING THE CONFERENCE 0 PURPOSE AND PROCESS EXPLAINED IN GENERAL TERMS INFORMED OF RIGHT TO LEGAL COUNSEL OR QUALIFIED REPRESENTATIVE STATE AND DESCRIBE THE GENERAL ALLEGATIONS ?Qb??mg aim i2. INFORMED OF RIGHT TO REVIEH THE FILE: FILE REQUESTED: YES FILE MAILED CERTIFIED MAIL RECEIPT SIGNED INFORMED HE OR SHE IS NOT REQUIRED TO MAKE A STATEMENT, BUT ANY STATEMENT CAN BE USED AS EVIDENCE IN THE INVESTIGATION (RULE PAC) Ci PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND - 5.12M. 1 Davina/NT I RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS RECEIVED AT CONFERENCE RESPONSE TO BE DELIVERED NITHIN IN 19 MORNING DAYS, DUE 17' 1 OO EMPLOYMENT ATus YMKA ins-iTUd?Of CONTRACT 0 DISTRICT AJ SCHOOL POSITION M'?mmr Ed 9435/ :72? YEARS I y'aer I 3% May 12, 2017 -t .-. . rad. 52.. Ji .-.. {If l. 1 . Dear Ms. Bergh, I am responding to Case No: 167-2531 with my statement which may refute, explain or mitigate allegations of misconduct that could result in sanctions against my Florida Educator?s Certificate. My relationship with the student in question?has always been ethical and professional. have known-since August of 2015. He has always been an eager and curious student who strived to be skilled in the arts. As a freshman-was helpful around the classroom, even offering to ?x the slab roller machine during his lunch. Because of his academic success in ceramics, his passion for learning, and motivation to volunteer his lama-quickly became one of my top students. in the spring of 2016,-joined the art club since he no longer had my class (level 1 is only a semester course). He was an active participant and was able to learn the pottery wheel, have access to the materials, utilize studio time, participate in the art shows, volunteer at open house for prospective students, and assist in community projects. In the fall of 2016,-entered 10th grade and was enrolled in my rigorous level 2 ceramic and pottery class. in addition to a handful of other students, he helped me greet new students at our back to school open house. -excelled in ceramics and did art work that was above and beyond his level. As all of my most successful artists over the past seven years have done,-asked for my help to troubleshoot challenges and received the attention he required. He would stop in sometimes during lunch to check on his artwork or see if his projects have come out of the kiln. it was not unusual for me to have a number of students in my classroom during lunch. Many of them don?t ?t in with their peers and ?nd refuge in the safe, open, nurturing space of the art classroom. The art club students would eat in my room or work on their projects during lunch as they have since 2009, when I first started teaching in the high school. As get to know my students over the years, it has not been uncommon for them to share with me their stories, their insecurities, troubles, struggles, even trauma they have experienced in their lives. As a mother, em pathetic human, and a certi?ed yoga teacher, it was easy for me to listen to my students with compassion and without judgement. Many, many students would come to me when they were upset orjust needed to talk. In January 2017, -was determined to make something extraordinary for the February art show. He asked to stay after school so he had more time to build his creation. it is not uncommon for students to stay after school. The other art teacher and I both have an Open door policy which allows students to stay for additional studio time whenever needed. We also stay after school four days a week anyway as together we sponsor two art ciubs and a gay straight alliance club and have a department meeting on the fourth day. Since 2009, students have been welcomed to work and have additional studio time after school sometimes staying as late as~five pm. During our two club days, the other teacher and I often order pizza for the club members. They eat at 10:15 in the morning, so by 2:30 they are literally starving artists! Sometimes twenty students show up for club, sometimes only one. So -stayed after school almost every day for about four weeks. This was also not uncommon, as i have had many mentoring relationships with my students over the years. It takes numerous hours to produce a quality art show winning work of art! 55 One day after school, -shared with me a traumatic event that had happened to him. He was scared and I comforted him by patting his back. i was reassuring him that everything was going to be okay. I work closely with all my students because that is the physical nature of throwing on the pottery wheel and creating sculptures. When gravity is against you, it takes two sets of hands to save the projectl I have been told that another teacher or janitor saw our interaction and took note. Even though there were other students in the room, i understand that from the outside looking in how they could have gotten the wrong impression about the nature of our relationship. On another occasion, i patted him on the back because he ran into my room from his JROTC class next door. He was so excited about his accomplishment, running the mile or something, and i offered him a water bottle and patted him as I sent him back to class. On anotheroccasion, he and were sitting outside waiting for his mom to pick him up from school. We were throwing rocks at a target we had drawn with chalk. I was beating him and he was pretending to pout, rubbed his shoulder and pretended to console him as if it were something more serious. I treat ail my students with respect and i treat them as if they were my own children. I care about the academic success and mental beaith of my students as I do for my own two boys. (in Thursday, February only two students showed up for art club. One of them was - was working on entering grades, checking my email and taking breaks to help the students and make art myself. The students ordered pizza, worked on their art, and listened to music as usual.-and I were sharing materials because there was only one stippling tool for the giazes and we were using the same paint for our art as to not waste materials. it is not uncommon for my students to sit near me at my desk because they like to talk to me about their struggles and they like to sit near the music that is plugged in at my desk. I had my door propped open since i was in the room with two male students. I was having trouble with a program on my computer, so the other student, not- came around to see if he could help me troubleshoot the technology. He was standing behind me when was seated at my desk and put his hands on my shoulders. He rubbed my shoulders briefly as an attempt to alleviate my stress. One or two teachers walked by and thought this looked strange. At the time, I did n't think that it was unprofessional or against ethics because a student briefly rubbed my shoulders. There were no mal intentions from either party, honestly he made me feel better. And that was that, we went about our work. Shortly thereafter, the school resource officer came into my room. She didn't say anything to me and instead made small talk with my students and proceeded to ask them where they live and if there was any crime in their neighborhood. happen to live in the same neighborhood, so I answered for- Where he lived had come up in conversation once because I saw him riding his skateboard and on Halloween, he trick?or?treated at my mother's house in the same neighborhood. The SRO then proceeded to speak to -in Spanish as the two discovered that they are both Cuban. So I don?t know how the conversation went after that. Then the boys received a phone call, the pizza had delivered. i asked them if they wanted me to use art club money to pay for it as we usually do and: -said, no. So then everyone left. Next, the other art teacherjoined us in my classroom andifhe four of us ate pizza. They next day, after school, I was called by the district office and told that was suspended and was under investigation for accusations of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. They dfgiinot tell me who the student was or anything about the case. I had a feeling it was because of a close Mother/De ughter mentoring relationship I had developed with a female student who suffers fromi'lii extreme PTSD. This student lives with her grandmother because she witnessed her father shoot and murder her mother right in front of her when she was nine years old. She held her dying mother in her arms. Not too long after, her father passed away in jail from a brain tumor. have allowed this student to spend the night at my house when her grandmother was out of town. i thought maybe this was why I was "in trouble.? if you look back at my records you will see in the eleven and a half yea rs that I have been employed with the School District of Lee County, I have been an excellent employee and have received the highest ratings on all of my performance evaluations, including the category of ethics and professionalism. I felt like I had been targeted the entire school year by two assistant principals as they confronted me several times and handled the situation in less than a professional manner. Up until this year, I had loved my job, but] did not love my job anymore. i have had a very dif?cult time recently after having a miscarriage in December 2016. I was depressed and had gained weight from the failed pregnancy, and felt like this was a sign to take a break from teaching to take better care of myself, so I resigned. I also knew I wanted to work in the mental health ?eld and that helping others was my true passion. Since February 2017, I have been accepted to begin working on my master?s degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling, have increased my hours working at the yoga studio, and am in the hiring process at SaiusCare, the largest mental health facility in Lee County. in the future, I plan to open my own wellness center where I can offer counseling and offer integrative wellness including art therapy and yoga. I do not have plans to continue teaching, however, I thought you should hear about the events that led up to this investigation. Respectfully, Jennifer Hambling Confidential Pursuant to Section 39.202, Florida Statutes Pages 36-38 State Board of Education Pam Stewart ?doemg Commissioner of Education gg FLORIDA DEPARTMENT or DUCATI Marva Johnson, Chair Andy Tuck, Woe Choir Members Gary Chartrand Tom Grady Rebecca Fishm an {Josey Michael Olenlck A TO: Adrienne Bergh, PPS Investigator FROM: Gavin Dm Assistant General Counsel RE: Jennifer L. Rambling Case Number: 167-2531 DATE: July 14, 2017 I have reviewed the investigative report and backup documentation in the above-referenced matter. Based on this review, it is my opinion: i] There is probable cause to ?le an Administrative Complaint/Notice of Reasons. There is insufficient evidence to support a ?nding of probable cause. Therefore, I recommend a ?nding of no probable cause. The facts set forth in the report and supporting documentation do not constitute a statutory violation or a rule violation. Therefore, I recommend a ?nding of no probable cause. There is no credible evidence to support a ?nding other than no probable couse. Therefore, I recommend a finding of no probable cause. Ifyou have any questions please call me. GD/eh Of?ce of the General Counsel 325 W. Gaines Street Suite 1244 Talia hassee, FL 32399?0400 1 350-245-0442 Bergh, Adrienne From: Brown, Andrew (Human Resources) Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 4:10 PM To: Bergh, Adrienne Subject: RE: Hambling He came to the Principal asking if he had any obligation to report to DCF. I referred them to their SRO and encouraged him to share any information he had with DCF. Andy Brown, Coordinator, Professional Standards and Equity) School District of Lee County 2855 Colonial Blvd. I Fort Myers, FL 33966 I Phone (239) 335-1488) Fax (239] 335-i507 From: Bergh, Adrienne Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 4:07 PM To: Brown, Andrew (Human Resources) Subject: Re: Hambling Hmm. Thanks for that. Get Outlook for Android From: Brown, Andrew (Human Resources) Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 4:05:29 PM To: Bergh, Adrienne Cc: Freeman, Michelle Subject: Hambling Ad rienne? wasjust notified by the Principal ofThree Oaks Elementary that the husband of Ms. Hambling (Ryan Hambling), who is a Tech Specialist for the District, reported that Ms. Hambling admitted to him that she had a ?relationship? with a student. I don?t have any more detail. As you know, Ms. Hambling is no longer an employee with the District. Just wanted to make sure you had that information. Please let me know if you need anything from here. Andy Brown, Coordinator, Professional Standards and Equity) School District of Lee County 2855 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33966 I Phone (239?) 335-1488] Fax (239) 335-1507 AndrewSB?leeschoolsnet Bergh, Adrienne From: Bergh, Adrienne Sent: Thursday, January 4, 2018 1:06 PM To: Lambeth, Marian Subject: FW: Hambling Adrienne Bergh Investigator Of?ce of Professional Practices Services Division ofPublio Schools Florida Department. of Education 850-245?0438 Of?ce 850?245?0621 Fax FLORIDA or 3 LA: Ural {Id-neon: From: Bergh, Adrienne Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 4:07 PM To: Brown, Andrew (Human Resources) Subject: Re: Hambling Hmm. Thanks for that. Get Outlook for Android From: Brown, Andrew (Human Resources) Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 4:05:29 PM To: Bergh, Adrienne Cc: Freeman, Michelle Subject: Hambling Adrienne- was just notified by the Principal of Three Oaks Elementary that the husband of Ms. Hambling (Ryan Hambling), who is a Tech Specialist for the District, reported that Ms. Hambling admitted to him that she had a ?relationship? with a student. I don?t have any more detail. As you know, Ms. Hambling is no longer an employee with the District. Just wanted to make sure you had that information. Please let me know if you need anything from here. Andy Brown, I Coordinator, Professional Standards and Equity] School District of Lee County 2855 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33966 I Phone (239) 335-1488I Fox (239) 335?i507 AndrewSB?leeschoolsmet