Suncoast Pasco News
Substitute Teacher Says Wizardry Accusation Cost Him Job
Pasco Tribune photo by ANDY JONES
Jim Piculas, a substitute teacher, displays the magic trick that he says cost him his job with the Pasco County School District. Piculas says a parent complained after he performed the trick at Rushe Middle School in Land O Lakes.
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Published: May 5, 2008
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LAND O' LAKES - The telephone call that spelled the end of Jim Piculas' career as a substitute teacher in Pasco came on a January day about a week after he performed the disappearing-toothpick trick for a group of rapt middle school students.
Pat Sinclair, who oversees substitute teachers in the Pasco County School District, was on the phone. She told Piculas there had been a complaint about his performance at Rushe Middle School in Land O' Lakes.
He asked what she meant.
"She said, 'You've been accused of wizardry,'
He said the statement seemed bizarre to him, like something out of Harry Potter.
Piculas said he replied, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
He said he also told Sinclair, "It's not black magic. It's a toothpick."
The school district puts a somewhat different spin on the disappearing-toothpick incident.
Performing a magic trick at Rushe Middle is just one of the reasons the school district gives for dumping Piculas from the substitute-teacher list. The others are: Piculas did not follow the lesson plans, he allowed students on computers even though another teacher said not to, and he told the fifth-period student peer that she was in charge.
Piculas said those other reasons are just window dressing. He said he believes it all comes down to the disappearing-toothpick trick and a student who may have interpreted the trick as wizardry.
The trick requires a toothpick and transparent tape. A sleight-of-hand maneuver causes the toothpick to disappear then reappear. At least, so it seems. In reality, the toothpick hides behind the performer's thumb, held in place by the tape.
"The whole thing lasted 45 seconds," Piculas said.
He said the students liked the trick. He showed them how to do it so they could perform it at home.
One student in the Rushe Middle class apparently took the trick the wrong way, Piculas said. He said he was told the student became so traumatized that the student's father complained.
Sinclair wrote Piculas a letter, date Jan. 28, to say the district would "no longer be using your services." The letter mentioned magic tricks at the end of the list of other classroom offenses he is accused of committing.
The word "wizardry" does not appear in the letter.
"I think she was trying to downplay it because it sounded so goofy," Piculas said.
Piculas said he has tried to get a hearing before Superintendent Heather Fiorentino with no luck.
He tried to enlist the assistance of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, whose office forwarded his complaint to Fiorentino, but that effort reached a dead-end because the federal government has no say over who the school district hires as a substitute teacher.
He said he also sought assistance from United School Employees of Pasco, only to learn that substitute teachers aren't covered by the union contract.
Piculas had worked as a substitute teacher for eight or nine months, spending time at 15 schools. He said he also was working toward teacher certification with the dream of being hired full time.
That appears unlikely now. Piculas said he tried to apply for a job as a GED instructor and wasn't allowed to interview.
"My whole career is in limbo," he said.
Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218 or rblair@tampatrib.com.
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Reader Comments
Posted by ( picogator ) on May 5, 2008 at 11:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Smart move Sinclair and Pasco County...another group of ill advised and mean spirited educators. Let's just chase away the talented teachers in this time of need for qualified and non-pedophile instructors and mentors.
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Posted by ( sanders ) on May 5, 2008 at 11:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
What is this, the Salem witch trials? Burn the warlock at the stake I say!
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Posted by ( abuela1942 ) on May 5, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is just crazy. Since when can't an adult do magic tricks for a group of kids? Is there anyone out there who DIDN'T see magic tricks as a child? If a student was really "traumatized" by this, especially after the method for doing the trick was explained, that student must have mental problems, and so do his/her parents.
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Posted by ( DoodleBugg ) on May 5, 2008 at 11:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I knew the time would come,that this world would start to CRUMBLE SEVERLY,
when somebody protested the simple joy of having a parlor trick like a quarter being mysteriously pulled from behind your ear/vanishing toothpick,was the work of the Devil...UNBELIEVABLE!!!!
I'm almost scared of you people....
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Posted by ( DoodleBugg ) on May 5, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
REALLY!.............SCARED.
I Crap you not
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Posted by ( RobKay ) on May 6, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This sounds more like a case of a poor trash parent trying desparatly for an excuse to make a buck with a lawsuit. Personally I'd be too embarassed to have anyone think my kid was that stupid but if the parent's that stupid too I guess he'd figure it was worth a try. Guess what, looks like the school district isn't that bright either - they bought it. Maybe Hillsboro should start sending their pedophile teachers to Polk county. They might like to hire teachers who love children???
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Posted by ( relichunter ) on May 6, 2008 at 3:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think the parent and kid need mental health counseling if they believe in wizardry.
As for the school board to let go of a qualified teacher for getting kids attention in education it clearly shows why our education is declining, these administrators are clearly out of touch with educating our kids today.
Most of these administrators are over paid do nothing drain on our educational system and it's time to abolish most of these positions and put the money towards educating our kids.
Teachers educate, administrators don't.
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Posted by ( slow2anger ) on May 6, 2008 at 3:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think the comment earlier from this article is really important! Many schools have classes watch "magic" shows. I know in Sarasota County we just finished a magic show for our school.
I said before, and I say again, what is the parent of this kid going to do in science when a caterpillar "magically" turns into a butterfly. What about the magic of water turning into ice! Don't forget the "magic" when this man's dumb son "magically" learns to read.
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Posted by ( timinfla ) on May 6, 2008 at 4:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
they didnt want him as a teacher because he didnt meet the criteriam he wasnt a child molester
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Posted by ( WenMark ) on May 6, 2008 at 5:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Here we go again! Parents I'm going to tell you again. STAY OUT OF THE SCHOOLS!!!!! DO YOUR JOB AT HOME & Leave the schools to do theirs. Your job is at home to discipline your kids. Enough of this crap!
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Posted by ( lwhitman ) on May 6, 2008 at 6:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Many schools in Pasco County utilize "Windy" the balloon clown during the circus themed week. I know of many magic shows that we attended as well as an entire school together. Wizardry! I think this is a little far fetched. There must be more to this story that we are not hearing.
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Posted by ( mooshu ) on May 6, 2008 at 6:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The stuff they kicked him out for sounds like the stuff my very favorite teachers did...you know, the ones I actually learned something from because they knew how to get and focus my attention on the material...I'd so much rather have this guy teach my kids than some sub who would just make them put their heads down til the bell rang.
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Posted by ( GatorsFan ) on May 6, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Pasco County. Isn't that a place where they want to teach "intelligent design" alongside evolution? You know. . . Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, creating world of millions of life forms in six days. And these clowns call a magic trick involving a toothpick "wizardry?" Considering how wonky the adults are, it's little wonder some doofus kid was traunatized.
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Posted by ( slappy ) on May 6, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Oh come on.This parent that complained needs to get a life.
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Posted by ( beachbum08 ) on May 6, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Do only dumb people become school administrators? Thank God for the public sector because these people couldn't make it out there in the real world.
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Posted by ( richyrich ) on May 6, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
another one bites the dust. i say they fired the wrong one..they should have fired the administrators. keep up the good work pasco co. no wonder kids in hillsboro co. make fun of you.
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Posted by ( Irish_5150 ) on May 6, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
WIZARDRY?! Are you kidding me? It's a "MAGIC TRICK" Next thing you know Chemistry is going to be falling in the same theme. This is ridiculas, to the Parent that complained; if you pulled your head out, maybe you would think for a second that your child was actually paying attention to a substitute teacher! They are the backbone to the men and women charged to teach and inspire your child to think creatively! Now, you are going to have teachers all over the country questioning their methods. WAY TO GO!
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Posted by ( GF ) on May 6, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Traumatized???? by a slight of hand trick? Sheesh, this kid, the parent and the administration need some head trauma.
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Posted by ( mcox567 ) on May 6, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Wizardry is very serious and scary. That's why I don't have an Alltel phone...
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Posted by ( cjwpirit ) on May 6, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Chalk this one up for a media swing, there is a laundry list of complaints on this letter but the one they pull is at the bottom of the list..."Wizadry" I can't even believe somebody at the School Board even used that word. Let's see what the rest of the letter said, or have a comment from an official at the school board. Sounds to me like a bitter employee wanting to blame somebody else for his incompetence.
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Posted by ( GoofBall ) on May 6, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I wish we the people could petition for this guy and get his job back. But alas, I don't think the high and mighty school board will hear us or even care to. Shame on all those involved in helping take this man's dream away. Shame on them for effecting not only him but his family too. And a BIG SHAME on those who have the ability to help him but are REFUSING to do so. God Bless America and the Almighty Dollar! Ahmen!
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Posted by ( luckydog5533 ) on May 6, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
GF that is to funny.. THE POOR KID WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO LOOK AT A TOOTHPICK AGAIN.. Not only that, his dad is a NUT CASE. No wonder the KID is so SCREWED UP..
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Posted by ( ToTheBeachWeGo ) on May 6, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
It sounds to me like the magic trick is just one issue. I used to teach in public schools and if that was the only problem, he would have been told to not do that trick anymore. But if he's getting complains from teachers about not following the lesson plans left for him, then he won't be asked back. Even if he was hired back as a sub, that does not guarantee that he'll be called to sub. He needs to give this up and move on and quit drawing attention to himself.
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Posted by ( SaveFerris ) on May 6, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
mcox567, seriously funny! LOL!
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Posted by ( boston85 ) on May 6, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
christians............
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Posted by ( Elijah ) on May 6, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why don't they print the name of this loser coward POS dad who called the school and effectively hurt another man's career and ability to work?? His MIDDLE SCHOOL student is just as much a POS as he is. I really would like to know who it was so I can call his job and complain and get him fired!! Ugghghhhh....
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Posted by ( GoofBall ) on May 6, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I read the letter in PDF Format at the top of the page. The only crime that I can see this guy made is making learning fun and enjoyable for kids. Which is in fact a proven way to get kids to learn. I think all the school administrators trying to make good by posting their comments in favor of his dismissal should be ashamed of themselves. Making learning fun and enjoyable is a positive aspect. Raping our children is not. Get a clue.
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Posted by ( bafish ) on May 6, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
As a middle school teacher I would just be happy to have a sub who was able to keep the kids focused on something. Most of the subs I have either had or seen in the classrooms do not follow lesson plans, do what ever they want and let the kids go crazy. This guy actually taught the kids something and got them interested in learning...yeah let's fire him! Sadly parents will find every reason to complain, but I bet the first answer when a teacher calls home about the kid is "My son would never do that you must be lying or making up stories...."
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Posted by ( Oops ) on May 6, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I can hear the banjos and rocking chairs from all the way over h'yar!
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Posted by ( rjclark2 ) on May 6, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
They should have compared the teacher's weight against that of a duck. If they weighed the same, he's a witch (warlock) and if they don't he's not. This was the logic taken during a scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. And you thought this movie wasn't about real life!
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Posted by ( altedbaseball ) on May 6, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
hey pasco..............
i have your WIZARD right HERE!!!
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Posted by ( ernstruntz ) on May 6, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Wizardry? Dis is true cause i seen it on Harry Potter and also many times on that thar cell phone ad on TV mak'in that thar guy disappear. An i seen it a bunch of times. Next thing you now this here sub teacher el be makin our chillin disappear. Them school board did the right thing before he made them'ens disappear two. i been hid'en under the bed ever since someone read me this story to me. HHHmmm think maybe he could make the tallyban en binlauden disappear?? Maybe they need to git this here guy over there in a hurry.
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Posted by ( ad ) on May 6, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"It's ok little Johnny, Mommy who is a Sunday School teacher, will home school you. There is no reason why you should be subjected to any influences you may find and we do not accept out in the world". Daddy is going to build you a walled off room in the basement and you will always be safe.
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Posted by ( midnightone ) on May 6, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
You have no idea what this state and Hills. county can do to someone that practices other religions! Believe me I've been there. Wait till my story breaks. The Trib. wouldn't listen before but they will be soon enough.What they have done to this teacher is horrid. If it scares you, read up and educate yourselves. His was just an old parlor trick.
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Posted by ( ocean ) on May 6, 2008 at 11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is just another example of how crazy religion has gotten. It's not healthy to close the minds of our young. They should be taught how the world words and not just Christian ideology. These kids are our future and deserve to be taught everything they need to know to get a good job. Also learning about the arts including magic is a good thing.
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Posted by ( AngryKreyon ) on May 6, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
does his mean he is available in Hillsborough county now? My kids could use a teacher that is Fun and different!!! too bad learning has to be so Dull and pointless, and people have to be Idiots about everything!!!
all I can say is you can thank "political correctness" for the US's Downfall and all the bad that is coming out now, Just think about it. before we were woried about hurting everyone's feelings, we were a strong Nation! now we are losing ground in a hurry! we are getting laughed at by other countries, who see us as week!
That being Said "I HATE you All!" the whole Human Race! bunch of Losers! and I don't care if it makes you mad, upset, sad or whatever! Deal with it!
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Posted by ( time4change ) on May 6, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Many people complain about the quality of the public schools but I believe they are wrong. It has become readily apparent that the problem is not with the schools. The problem lies with the raw material with which the schools have to work. It is sad but true that half of the children who come to the schools are way to the left on the Bell Curve and their parents are even further to the left.
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Posted by ( Nature_Girl ) on May 6, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Maybe the traumatized kid was poked with toothpicks and had a flash back? Get real.
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Posted by ( mbrown3 ) on May 6, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This poor kid was probably tortured and traumatized at a young age with the got your nose routine and the magic trick was just the toothpick that broke the camel's back. Good thing it was'nt the pulling his thumb off trick it would have sent kid screaming out of the classroom. lol
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Posted by ( lornoborno ) on May 6, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
"accused of wizardry" ?????
WHAT IN THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THESE RELIGIOUS FANATIC SCUMs?
I've had with these "Christian" fanatic, evil pigs interfering with our schools.
Let's build a stadium and buy some lions - time to get rid of the FREAKS!
And throw in the incompetent Paso Cracker school board too.
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Posted by ( wsteigler ) on May 6, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
What I think is really sad is how all the ones who are supposed to help in this situation turned their back on this. Perhaps the union doesn't support substitute teachers, but they should at least try somehow to help in this matter. I guess it's easier just to turn your back when it doesn't involve you.
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Posted by ( Reality ) on May 6, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sir Bedevere: There are ways of telling whether she is a witch.
Peasant 1: Are there? Oh well, tell us.
Sir Bedevere: Tell me. What do you do with witches?
Peasant 1: Burn them.
Sir Bedevere: And what do you burn, apart from witches?
Peasant 1: More witches.
Peasant 2: Wood.
Sir Bedevere: Good. Now, why do witches burn?
Peasant 3: ...because they're made of... wood?
Sir Bedevere: Good. So how do you tell whether she is made of wood?
Peasant 1: Build a bridge out of her.
Sir Bedevere: But can you not also build bridges out of stone?
Peasant 1: Oh yeah.
Sir Bedevere: Does wood sink in water?
Peasant 1: No, no, it floats!... It floats! Throw her into the pond!
Sir Bedevere: No, no. What else floats in water?
Peasant 1: Bread.
Peasant 2: Apples.
Peasant 3: Very small rocks.
Peasant 1: Cider.
Peasant 2: Gravy.
Peasant 3: Cherries.
Peasant 1: Mud.
Peasant 2: Churches.
Peasant 3: Lead! Lead!
King Arthur: A Duck.
Sir Bedevere: ...Exactly. So, logically...
Peasant 1: If she weighed the same as a duck... she's made of wood.
Sir Bedevere: And therefore...
Peasant 2: ...A witch!
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