Crime & Safety

iPads Burglarized From Special Education Classroom

Three iPads were taken from a special education classroom at Vannoy Elementary School on Tuesday afternoon according to a teacher.

After the teacher from a special education class at Vannoy Elementary went to take her students to lunch Tuesday afternoon, she returned to a devastating suprise in her classroom.

Three practically brand new iPads were stolen — two belonging to her which she received after applying for a grant, and another belonging to her classroom aid. Each is valued at about $500.

"Shame on [whoever did this]. Of all places to steal iPads from, a special day class? That's just so sad," said teacher Leslie Navarette.

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The tablets were used daily by her eight students ranging from second to fifth grade to improve their language and social skills.

She said after noticing that her students in general liked newer technology, she applied for a grant and was able to receive three iPads earlier this year. The classroom still has one left, but she said it will be a challenge to share among the eight students. Two more kids are expected to join the class soon.

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Navarette said she does not lock her classroom due to all the traffic coming in and out — from students and parents to service workers and teachers. However, she added that the tablets were not kept in open view and hidden before taking the kids to lunch.

However, within ten minutes, she said someone was able to locate all three iPads — leading her to believe that the theif or theives knew exactly where she placed them.

In the future, Navarette hopes to get a locked cabinet for her classroom to store the forth iPad and other valuables, but in the meantime, she wants teachers across the to stay alert and keep watch over the valuables inside their classrooms.


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