A father from Pennsylvania is speaking out after a troubling incident at Valley View Elementary School involving his young son’s schoolwork and a teacher’s harsh critique. Chris Piland, the father of a second-grader, took to social media to express his shock and frustration after discovering what he described as an unnecessarily cruel remark written by his son’s teacher. The note, scribbled in red ink at the top of a math assignment, read, “Absolutely pathetic. He answered 13 questions in 3 minutes! Sad.” The comment quickly sparked outrage from fellow parents and community members, raising serious questions about the teacher’s approach to education and student support.
The assignment in question was a timed subtraction quiz meant to test how many problems students could solve in a three-minute window. While Piland’s son completed only 13 problems in that time, his father believed that the teacher’s response went far beyond constructive feedback. Instead, he saw it as a direct attack on his child’s self-esteem and intelligence. The teacher, identified as Alyssa Rupp Bohenek, has gained attention for what many now see as a problematic and overly critical style of instruction. Highlighting the student’s performance in red pen with phrases like “absolutely pitiful” and a hand-drawn frowning face, the note left little room for interpretation—it was humiliating.
Piland didn’t remain silent. Disturbed by what he saw, he posted a photo of the assignment online, which quickly went viral. Parents, educators, and concerned citizens flooded the post with comments, many sharing their own stories of similar classroom experiences and expressing solidarity with the Piland family. What may have started as one isolated case soon became a larger conversation about how children should be treated in the classroom—especially when it comes to assessments and feedback.
Fueled by this groundswell of support, Piland launched an online petition calling for Bohenek’s removal from her teaching position. The petition’s goal was not only to seek accountability for the specific incident involving his son but also to prevent future students from facing similar treatment. As the petition gained traction, it gathered thousands of signatures, signaling widespread support for a change in how educators interact with their students.
In response to the growing controversy, Valley View School District Superintendent Rose Minniti addressed the issue publicly. She confirmed that the matter was under investigation and that school administrators had already begun discussions with Bohenek to fully understand what had happened. While Minniti acknowledged the intense emotions surrounding the case, she emphasized that decisions would be based on facts and a thorough review, not public opinion alone.
Minniti also made it clear that the rights of the teacher would be respected throughout the investigation, in keeping with school district policies and due process. However, she reassured parents that the district’s top priority remained the well-being and development of its students. “We are committed to creating a supportive environment where all children can thrive,” she said, adding that the school is taking the situation seriously.
Bohenek, who has been a member of the school’s teaching staff since 2013, is now facing intense scrutiny about her conduct in the classroom. While some colleagues and former students have come to her defense, arguing that she is simply a strict but effective educator, others argue that her comment crossed the line and failed to encourage growth in young learners.
This incident has sparked a broader dialogue about the role of teachers in nurturing not only academic success but also emotional well-being. Critics argue that children, especially at the elementary level, need encouragement and positive reinforcement to build confidence and resilience. Comments that feel judgmental or dismissive can discourage students and make them fearful of learning.
On the other hand, some have suggested that the teacher may have intended the comment as motivation—albeit poorly delivered. Even so, the overwhelming response from parents and the wider community shows that there is little tolerance today for teaching methods that don’t align with compassionate and supportive practices.
As the investigation continues, many are waiting to see what action, if any, the school district will take. Regardless of the outcome, the story has already made a significant impact, encouraging schools and educators everywhere to reflect on how they communicate with students. One thing is clear: the days of harsh red ink and blunt criticism are being re-evaluated in favor of empathy, understanding, and constructive feedback. For parents like Chris Piland, the goal is simple—to ensure that every child feels valued and supported in their learning journey.
