PARMA Two Hillside Middle School teachers who allegedly used acupuncture needles on students have been placed on paid administrative leave.

Superintendent Jeffrey Graham said the social studies teachers Douglas Ziemianski and Gail Tatoczenko demonstrated acupuncture Oct. 26 as part of a lesson on Chinese culture. Ziemianski demonstrated on him own arm first, then on Tatoczenko’s arm, then on a student, Graham said. Ziemianski repeated the lesson later in the day, without Tatozcenko, he said.

Graham spoke to the Sun Post by phone from Columbus, where he is attending the Ohio School Board Association conference.

“No needles were used more than once, and the teacher did use alcohol swabs to make sure the area was clean and sterile,” Graham said. “Neither teacher is a licensed acupuncturist.”

A parent reported the situation the next day to Hillside Principal Jeff Cook. He talked with the teachers that day and sent them home, Graham said. The principal has since talked with all the parents.

“There are still some parents who are upset, and rightly so,” Graham said. “He (Ziemianski) is a fantastic teacher; he just made some poor decisions.”

Graham said he is still investigating the incident. He plans to meet with the administrative team Friday, and hopes to have a meeting with the teachers Monday. That meeting could be a pre-disciplinary hearing, he said.

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Contact Ketchum at (216) 986-5861.