Scolding over hug leaves hard feelings

MAYNARD -- School officials are defending their decision to have a 5-year-old girl write a note of apology for hugging a classmate on a playground this week.

School Superintendent Mark Masterson said at a press conference yesterday that the district was concerned about a ''safety issue" the hug had presented. One girl picked another girl up and hugged her, which was considered roughhousing by a teacher's aide, Masterson said.

''This is not an issue about hugging. This is an issue about safety," said Masterson. ''Hugs are fine."

Brenda Brier, the mother of 5-year-old Savannah Marino, the girl who gave the hug, said officials at Greenwood Elementary School overreacted. Brier said she is upset that officials are trying to make the issue about safety.

''I want them to tell Savannah that it's OK to hug. That's all I want," said Brier.

Masterson said that prior to the incident teachers had explained to the kindergartners that they were being too rambunctious at recess. When students continued to roughhouse, teachers made six students, including Savannnah, write letters to their parents explaining their behavior. Masterson said the exercise helps students think about what they did wrong. But that lesson may have been lost on little Savannah.

''She said 'Mommy, I am really sad, and I hope you are not mad at me,' " said Brier. ''It's a mess. She should never have been made to feel like hugging is wrong."