Despite a plea from the family’s doctor, city educrats have refused home instruction for a 9-year-old girl whose sister is suffering from a rare bone disease.
Christina Tavolacci was supposed to start fourth grade at PS 199 in Queens, but when her 2-year-old sister Sophia was stricken with the life-threatening illness, the doctor sent a letter to the city asking for private home schooling.
“Sophia’s immune system is very low,” said the girl’s mom, Catherine.
“If Christina gets sick at school, it can be very dangerous. So she can’t be around other kids, for her sister’s health.”
But the Department of Education denied the request, explaining that its own doctors believe Christina will be fine if she takes such precautions as washing her hands.