By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

The safety of my children is the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning, and the last thought that runs through my head before I fall asleep each night. Like all of us, the disturbing allegations against a former Somerville Public Schools teacher that we learned of late last week have left me shaken, angered and heartbroken.

This individual is accused of videotaping young children in various states of undress, and of viewing and sharing child pornography. These sickening allegations are the most egregious betrayal of trust. That the exploitation of children involved an individual entrusted with the care of our children make these allegations all the more disturbing.

This is an active investigation handled at the federal level, so at this time, what limited information we have is what has been released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We also can confirm that the individual, Josh Wairi, is a Somerville High School graduate who was a teaching assistant intern at the Lincoln Park School during the 2004-2005 school year and then a substitute teacher in the district from 2005 to 2009. During the 2008-2009 school year, Mr. Wairi  was a student teacher at the Kennedy School, and from 2009 to 2012 he was a fifth and sixth grader teacher at the Healey School.

Somerville Police detectives and the School Department are continuing to work with our state and federal partners, providing any and all information to assist a thorough investigation into these allegations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has stated that the case is a priority. They have made clear that there is no information that is too small or too old that you should hold back if you believe it is related to this case. If you believe you have information that could assist in this investigation, please call 311 and we will connect you with Somerville detectives. Or, call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 617-748-3274.

Because federal investigators first received evidence last Thursday, this investigation is still in its early stages. There is a large amount of evidence, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office told parents at our Parent and Guardian forum last week that even though multiple federal investigators are assigned to the case, sorting through the evidence and investigating every last possible aspect of the case will take a long time. Know this: We too have many questions. When we learn any answers to those questions that we can share without compromising the investigation, we will immediately inform the public. Superintendent of Schools Tony Pierantozzi will also reach out to families through the schools, and law enforcement agencies will reach out directly to families who may be affected.

Families will need support too. The Somerville Health Department’s Trauma Response Network and Riverside Trauma Center are providing support to our community, including counseling and resources for parents and guardians, children, teachers and city staff. These counselors can also talk to parents and guardians about how to talk to their children about this news and how to watch for signs that your child may need support. They will also be active in our schools once they return from vacation. The Trauma Response Network can be reached at 857-221-0942.

We will be scheduling another forum for parents and guardians for next week, after April vacation for the schools is over. We will let everyone know when and where that forum will take place, so we can update you with what we know, take any questions you may have and provide any support you need.

For more information, please visit a Q&A posted on the City of Somerville’s website at http://www.somervillema.gov/alerts/wairi-arrest-info-parentsguardians. Support services will be available for as long as needed. I know that, like me, our community is shocked, confused, worried and angered by these allegations. As we grapple with the knowledge of these deeply upsetting allegations, please reach out to us for any support that you need.

Important phone numbers:

• Somerville Trauma Response Network: 857-221-0942

• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 24-hour hotline: 800-841-8371

• Somerville Police Department: 617-625-1600

• U.S. Attorney’s Office: 617-748-3274

• Clinical Youth Specialist: 617-625-6600 ext. 4325

• Somerville Teen Connection at SHS: 617-575-5690

• Guidance Center Referral Line: 617-354-2275

• Cambridge Health Alliance Referral – Adults: 617-591-6033

• Cambridge Health Alliance Referral – Kids: 617-665-3458