News Summary
Yaritza Martinez, a behavior interventionalist at Lillian Feinstein Elementary School, was arrested after allegedly biting a student during a classroom incident. The altercation followed a student’s disruptive behavior, prompting a serious response from authorities. Concerns were raised about communication protocols after the incident, which led to the student seeking medical attention. The school has placed Martinez on leave and activated support services for affected families. Legal proceedings are set to take place in the coming months.
Providence, RI – Behavior Interventionalist Arrested for Allegedly Biting Student
Yaritza Martinez, a behavior interventionalist at Lillian Feinstein Elementary School, was arrested on September 5 after being charged with simple assault or battery related to an incident involving a student. The altercation occurred when a student reportedly threw paint across the classroom during a supervised activity. In response to the disruptive behavior, Martinez allegedly bit the student in her office, away from other witnesses, around 2:15 p.m.
Following the encounter, the student sought medical attention at the nurse’s office. Although described by the police chief as a “minor” bite that did not break the skin, the incident raised alarm regarding the protocols followed after such events, particularly the failure to notify the student’s guardian promptly. Authorities were only informed of the occurrence after the school day had concluded. In light of the situation, Martinez voluntarily turned herself in to local law enforcement.
In response to the incident, the Providence Police Department acted quickly to address the situation, highlighting the need for effective communication and safety standards within educational environments. The school principal, Maria Petrosinelli, communicated with the school community, reaffirming that student safety remains the highest priority and assuring parents and guardians that the incident was isolated, with no other students involved.
Upon learning of this incident, the school administration placed Martinez on leave immediately, preventing her from returning to the classroom. In a separate but related development, another educator at the school has also been placed on leave due to allegations of unprofessional behavior, while an internal investigation is conducted.
To support students impacted by these incidents, Lillian Feinstein Elementary School has activated its Student Support Services team to ensure that affected children and their families receive the necessary care and assistance during this time.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
Yaritza Martinez is scheduled to attend a pre-trial conference on November 7 to address the charges she faces. The outcome of this legal proceeding will determine the next steps as the situation develops.
Context of the Incident
Behavior interventionalists play a critical role in schools, assisting students who exhibit challenging behavior or need additional support. Their training typically involves strategies for de-escalating situations with the aim of maintaining a positive and safe learning environment. However, this incident raises vital questions about the boundaries of appropriate responses to student behavior.
The effects of such incidents extend beyond the immediate parties involved; they can affect the overall atmosphere and trust within the school community. Concerns about safety, professionalism, and the wellbeing of students will likely be prominent topics of discussion among parents, staff, and educational authorities in the aftermath of this event.
The Lillian Feinstein Elementary School has been proactive in reaching out to the affected families to provide necessary support and information, as the community navigates the implications of this incident on both student safety and the school’s environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Behavioral Specialist Arrested for Biting Student
Behavior Interventionalist Arrested for Biting Student
Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 News
- Wikipedia: School Interventionist
- GoLocalProv
- Google Search: Providence school behavior interventionist incident
- ABC6 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Education
- GoLocalProv: New Teacher Assaulted
- Google News: Providence teacher arrested
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
