Dear Shrewsbury Families,
I’m sorry to share some disturbing news regarding one of our staff members.
This morning we were made aware that Aiden York-Wallach, an ABA technician paraeducator at Sherwood Middle School who has also worked in our Extended School Care programs at Sherwood, Beal School, and Spring Street School, in our Summer Enrichment and Special Education Extended Year programs, and in our Unified athletics and social club at the middle schools, was arrested this morning at his home in Lunenburg, MA on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography and will be arraigned in Fitchburg District Court. The Lunenburg Police have now released information about this arrest, and so I am sharing it with you.
The Lunenburg Police have informed us that the charges are not connected to any Shrewsbury student. However, this is very disturbing information, and our school district will fully cooperate with the Lunenburg Police Department’s criminal investigation and also conduct our own investigation. Please note:
- When we received this information today, Mr. York-Wallach was immediately placed on leave and we revoked all access to SPS buildings and systems.
- We reviewed and confirmed that the district performed all required criminal background checks prior to Mr. York-Wallach starting in our schools, and there was no criminal record.
- School leaders have been communicating with the families of students with whom Mr. York-Wallach worked directly.
Again, I’m very sorry to have to share this disturbing information with you. If you have questions for us, please reach out directly to your school’s principal or to me.
The Shrewsbury Police Department is communicating that “if any parent, guardian, or individual believes their child may have been affected or has information that may be relevant, we encourage them to contact the Shrewsbury Police Department directly at 508-845-1212 or the Massachusetts Child-at-Risk Hotline at 1-800-792-5200. Any such reports will be handled promptly and thoroughly.”
Because this case will likely be in the news media and social media, your child may share questions or concerns. See the bottom of this message for information families to help with conversations with your child about disturbing news stories.
The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. Our school district will continue to be in communication with the Lunenburg and Shrewsbury Police and the District Attorney’s office regarding these criminal charges, and we will provide any additional information and support as necessary.
Respectfully,
Joe Sawyer
Superintendent of Schools
Because this situation may be discussed in the news or on social media, your child may hear information or have questions that feel confusing or upsetting. We encourage families to talk with their children in a calm, age-appropriate way, focusing on listening, reassurance, and reminding them that adults are working together to keep students safe.
- Listen & Validate: Ask what they've heard and how it makes them feel; acknowledge that their fears are valid, even if you don't find it scary, saying things like, "It sounds like you were scared!".
- Be Reassuring & Calm: Model calm behavior and reassure them they are safe with you, avoiding overwhelming them with your own fears.
- Limit Media: Turn off the news and social media, as constant exposure increases anxiety for kids.
- Be Age-Appropriate: Give simple, honest answers and only as many details as they can handle, adjusting for their age.
- Keep Checking In: One conversation isn't enough; follow up as they process the information over time.
- If your child needs additional support, don't hesitate to contact their school adjustment counselor or school psychologist. They are equipped to help and provide the resources and support.