COLUMBIA HIGH TEACHER ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED SEX WITH STUDENTS

From School District officials this afternoon:

September 18, 2014
To the SOMSD Community,

A teacher at Columbia High School has been arrested in response to allegations of having victimized students.  A comprehensive investigation by multiple law enforcement and other state agencies is ongoing. Columbia High School and district staff are cooperating fully with these investigations.

The CHS administrative team, guidance counselors, student assistance counselors, school social workers, and teachers are actively supporting students and staff impacted by events.  If your child is showing signs of stress in reaction to the events or the investigation, please reach out to his or her guidance counselor or a member of the administrative team.
We ask the community to remember that discussion of the allegations may compromise the ongoing investigations. We will therefore be unable to comment on these matters.
Our primary focus remains on the health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff.  This morning, Principal Elizabeth Aaron addressed the full school and asked the CHS community to stay focused on the important work of teaching and learning, throughout any distractions that may arise from the investigations.

Times of crises present opportunities to strengthen the fabric of our community, and to work together to ensure that all members feel safe, supported, and united in mutual respect and thoughtful action. We appreciate the partnership of our families, students, and staff as we support the growth and development of all students.
Sincerely,
 
James G. Memoli                                                       Elizabeth Aaron Acting Superintendent                                              Principal, Columbia High School


Associated Press reported the teacher is 34-year-old Nicole Dufault of Caldwell who allegedly had sex with three 15-year-old students at the school and in her car. She is being held on $500,000 bail and her children have been removed from her custody.

Dufault has been a teacher at the school for nine years.

Photo: CBS TV

Nicole Dufault, of Caldwell, was arrested Wednesday night for the incidents that happened inside Columbia High School in Maplewood and in her car since last year. - See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/news/essex-county-teacher-charged-with-sex-with-3-students-at-school-1.1091358#sthash.D4z7mIgt.dpuf

34-year-old Nicole Dufault, of Caldwell, was arrested Wednesday night for the incidents that happened inside Columbia High School in Maplewood and in her car since last year. - See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/news/essex-county-teacher-charged-with-sex-with-3-students-at-school-1.1091358#sthash.D4z7mIgt.dpuf

34-year-old Nicole Dufault, of Caldwell, was arrested Wednesday night for the incidents that happened inside Columbia High School in Maplewood and in her car since last year. - See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/news/essex-county-teacher-charged-with-sex-with-3-students-at-school-1.1091358#sthash.D4z7mIgt.dpuf

34-year-old Nicole Dufault, of Caldwell, was arrested Wednesday night for the incidents that happened inside Columbia High School in Maplewood and in her car since last year. - See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/news/essex-county-teacher-charged-with-sex-with-3-students-at-school-1.1091358#sthash.D4z7mIgt.dpuf

34-year-old Nicole Dufault, of Caldwell, was arrested Wednesday night for the incidents that happened inside Columbia High School in Maplewood and in her car since last year. - See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/news/essex-county-teacher-charged-with-sex-with-3-students-at-school-1.1091358#sthash.D4z7mIgt.dpuf

34-year-old Nicole Dufault, of Caldwell, was arrested Wednesday night for the incidents that happened inside Columbia High School in Maplewood and in her car since last year. - See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/news/essex-county-teacher-charged-with-sex-with-3-students-at-school-1.1091358#sthash.D4z7mIgt.dpuf