Mr. Aylward is still my favorite teacher... love him!

Fire him.... No excuses

its really hard to believe seeing as he was one of my teachers in my years at MHS and he wasnt a bad person we'd all go talk to him when we needed and he was there to comfort us and NOOO not in any perverted wayyy !!!

After reading the Newport Daily News tonight, there is further evidence that this man is beyond a perv. It states, he physically abused a 17 year old, rented hotel room for both of them, and is supported by other activities that in the same fashion. This man should not be a teacher.

This is a amazing teacher right her and yes i somewhat agree with what the local leader said...Everyone makes mistakes though.

he is a really good teacher.

this is crazy, hard to believe, he was a great teacher and would help anyone!......hope evrything ends good

Who was the young lady?

Hey local reader, before you attack someone learn the proper use of "their" and "there". This man has impacted many individuals lives in amazingly positive ways. Why don't you let all the facts come to the surface and let the law do its work before you personally attack someone.

Local Reader and East side, I hope you are NEVER on the wrong side of accusations. These students, both current and former, of MHS are struggling with the fact that an adult in their lives that they trusted and respected may have violated that trust. These kids, and their parents are struggling to make sense in a nonsensical world. No one is condoning what happened, they are just expressing their feelings in a world of confusion. Please do NOT attack these kids, support them. Please remember that the foundation of our justice system is innocent until proven guilty. I am by NO means condoning his actions, or implications of very poor judgment, I am simply saying let the investigation go forth, and DO NOT alienate people, especially these young persons who need support the most.

Free aylward!!!!!

Nobody is saying its right or wrong but he's innocent till proven guilty and unless you know him like mhs students do you'll never understand its easy on the outside looking in

Mr. Aylward is my favorite teacher, he has been a great role model for me during my time at Middletown Highschool and I hate to see him get into a situation like this. This man is awesome and I hope he is accused of nothing and can get back to teaching and being part of MHS

I wish people wouldn't judge before all the facts are certain. We are only hearing one side and one side only. I am not agreeing or disagreeing with what has been said thus far in the paper, but everyone has their day in court. I do know this teacher and it is true that he has impacted many student's lives and is a very active individual. Let him have his day and for now keep your opinions to yourself.

I am astonished after reading this followed by the article in the Newport Daily News. I had Mr. Aylward for gym class and my health studies course. He was never anything but supportive. He was a great mentor and one of the many I looked up to at Middletown High School...

It's a really devastating thing that has hurt many of us students. No you don't know if it's true or not but either way it's innapropriate for him to be spending time outside of school with a 17 year old student...he is an adult who should know better. Any way you spin it it's a horrible thing that everyone should just let be delt with by the police and not make up our own assumptions out of respect for Mr.Aylward and the girl and her family

Don't @autumn time me, "middletown resident." He wasn't at any motel dumb dumb, and he didn't sleep with multiple girls. It sounds like someone's jealous because he's so well liked. Go dream up a better make believe story. Because that one was a little dull.

Stop assuming MR! And you said it, not me... You are the jealous one! Ha ha!

If you're anything but supportive of him until he is actually found guilty, you are ignorant.

The fact that people are making such offensive and uninformed comments based only on an article in the Daily News is ridiculous. If you know him personally, feel free to make a judgement call. If you do not know him personally, and are making a judgement based on the article alone, your opinion holds little to no value.

Since you're so upset, "Middletown Resident," maybe it's time for you to move out of town??

Again, any belief in anything created by the media today is subject to scrutiny. Media exists not to report the facts, but to sell advertising dollars. And the much of our media today has the reputation for sensationalizing pieced together strings of information that someone "thinks" may be true. And what kind of story pulls in more drama than a story like this. People should really think with their brains before making any assumptions about anyone. You can ruin someone's life with your feathers in the wind.

No, "Middletown Resident" he didn't put himself in any mess, it's just allegations from a troubled teen. So stop judging something you know nothing about.

Middletownian : Amen.

Im a former graduate of MHS and personally had Mr Aylward as a teacher. He is a great guy with a great personality. However, I hate to burst everyone's bubble but I must agree with others: this has been going on for at least 10 years. I know girls personally my age and younger. Now we just sit back and watch every other girl come forward from the past 10+ years. I know he has inspired many students through the years but everyone has a dark side and this is his. As for the road rage: I've witnessed that as well. I think this will be his wake up call to pump the brakes. My thoughts go out to the students and families affected. No need for negative responses; I've said my input.

Anyone claiming to have known about this for a long time but did nothing to report it clearly is in no place to speculate on the morals of others.

Former MHS student, heed the words you sow, for as you write them, you hurt more people then you know. HS is all about drama and life is all about perception, so all need to stop judging and feeding into media frenzy.

Free him

One reason so many students like this guy is that he was an easy teacher; he gave out the anwers to his tests.

Even if the allegations of assault turn out to be false, if he was dating a student and got them a room at a motel (as the police report stated), he's taught his last gym class in Middletown.

There is no reason he should be seeing a student outside of school! He may be a great teacher and mentor but that does no excuse his behavior! Even if the accusations are false he was still seeing/ meeting up with a TEEN STUDENT at a motel! (and a troubled teen at that) YOU CHOOSE THE BEHAVIOR YOU CHOOSE THE CONSEQUENCES!

Everyone just needs to stop commenting on what they "think" is the truth. I've known Aylward for a while and we were pretty close and this just isn't him. The girl who he was supposedly "dating" is a psycho as stated by "Bring It On" I would know, because i went to school with her. She is a problematic child who does nothing but cause drama. Aylward is innocent.

And when i say close i dont mean in a sexual way either. I know someone will think that.

I've known Pat and his family for a number of years. I haven't talked to him actually in a few years. However, I'm just stunned by these charges and allegations.

i am so sending this to barstool

I agree with "Former MHS Student". This has been a long time coming for Mr. Aylward. You can only play with fire for so long until you get burned.

"Autumn time" you seem very defensive. It makes me wonder what why you are so loyal to him. Wether he is proven guilty or not the damage is done. A local teacher, a 17yr olf girl, three different town police departments doing investigations/incidents (Portsmouth, Fall River, and Middletown) and two motels..... something stinks.

Denial, Autumn Time, denial.

@Middletowner- Funny though if you turn out to be WRONG!!!

OK, first, I'll state that every single time that I have had first or second hand knowledge of a news story, the reported story has been wrong to some degree. Usually, it's wrong enough that it significantly alters the perceptions of the story. That said, I am inclined to say that there are too many components of this story which ring true which lend veracity to the allegations. It seems to me, however, that, at best, this teacher executed poor judgement. Teachers are advised time and again that they should never be alone with a student, if at all possible. When in a situation where they are alone, it should be as public as possible (i.e., keep the classroom doors open, don't give rides to students, etc.). As I said, however, there is too much here to be entirely wrong. As such, he should be removed from our classrooms for good. Anyone who stands up to say what a good teacher or a good person he is, keep this in mind. Every time someone is found out to be a major drug dealer or a murderer or whatever, the news reporters go to the neighbors. The one consistent thing the neighbors say is that, "He seemed like a nice, normal person." When have you ever heard, "He seemed like a homicidal axe murder" or, in this case, "He liked having inappropriate relationships with 17 year-old students"?

Wow... Justathought, look who's making assumptions now, even with me you are making assumptions. I don't even know the man, nor do I live in the state. So let's see if you can learn a lesson here and stop making assumptions re-re. You and Middletowner should become friends, just based on your false assumptions. Ha ha!

Aylwardusky

@ex MHS Studdent- You really shouldn't mention the girls name. Also, you're just speculating. You must have video or something of them having sex, or did you just hear it through the gravevine. So you also are stating that she cried 'rape" before and it wasn't true? What's not to say, this isn't the case now? Is it a crime for him to bring her lunch? I mean maybe he was being nice. Trying to be her friend or mentor. Adults do that you know. We mentor those younger to help them through tough times. If she is troubled and by some accounts it seems Mr Aylward helped out a lot of kids with issues they were having, what makes you think he wasn't doing the same here and that's all?

Haha all the people hating on alyward should say this to his face and see's what's happens

You tell us localreader... you're the one who likes to make assumptions...

I find this repulsive. Everyone is argueing over whether he is innocent or not. Why doesn't EVERYONE just calm down and wait to see what happens? The police are investigating everything and it's only a matter of time before everything gets sorted out.

As someone who has known Pat on a personal and professional level for many years, these accusations come to no surprise. Unfortanetly these high school students look up to him and it's sad that he never knew when to draw the line. It was just a matter of time and I have always said: "thank god my children do not go to MHS." I do feel bad for the parents and students that put their trust in this individual. The inappropriate relationship between him and the student is bad enough never mind the accusations that he head butted the student. DISGUSTING!

OK this story is lacking a bit of information, if he was mentoring her why the heck were they at a motel and if he was a "mentor" he sure as heck shouldnt have head butted her, for that he is 39 and she is 17 that is assault on a minor, may need to see the inside of a jail cell for a while!!!

Read the article. A 17-year old girl became violent with Mr. Aylward as he was giving her a ride because he "refused to console her". This sounds like someone who is not the most rational person, and who was most likely in need of help. I have witnessed firsthand the havoc that teenage girls can wreak when they have a grudge, so I am going to keep my torches and pitchfork in storage until all the facts (as opposed tto speculation and innuendo are in) are in.

A principle that requires the government to prove the guilt of a criminal defendant and relieves the defendant of any burden to prove his or her innocence.

The presumption of innocence, an ancient tenet of Criminal Law, is actually a misnomer. According to the U.S. Supreme Court, the presumption of the innocence of a criminal defendant is best described as an assumption of innocence that is indulged in the absence of contrary evidence (Taylor v. Kentucky, 436 U.S. 478, 98 S. Ct. 1930, 56 L. Ed. 2d 468 [1978]). It is not considered evidence of the defendant's innocence, and it does not require that a mandatory inference favorable to the defendant be drawn from any facts in evidence.

What Teacher Has A Relationship With A 17 Year Old Girl, Now I Could See If The Girl Was 18, Cause That Is The Age A Girl Can Have Sex With Anyone So it's still very wrong, but all defendents are innocent until proven guilty!

I find it very interesting that the comment that was made by "Pat Smith" @ 3:39 PM today was deleted......

We had a girls softball coach that had affairs with three of his players. They didn't put this on his record they asked him to resign. Now he is God knows where probably doing the same thing.

I know the man and I am aware of the way he acts towards girls. Like previous commenters have already stated, it's a well-known fact that he's had inappropriate relationships with students in the past. I can guarantee you'd be reading my name in the newspaper as well if this girl was my daughter or niece. He's a nice guy thats's creepy and disgusting. He shouldn't be teaching. And Ryan, correcting someone's grammar on an online forum is a pretty lame attempt at making fun of them. Come up with something better brah!

Is there a witness to the headbutt? If he is as great as the kids say and she is such a drama queen, could she have headbutted him?

Everyone here is an idiot the 17 year old girl made it up shes crazy she needs to start going back to therapy... She even broke into Aylwards house and yet she doesnt even get in trouble for that ... Mr. Aylward is the best teacher ever and hes innocent stop hating on him because some rumor this girl made up

I'm not saying meeting with a minor isn't sketchy but the possibility of what the girl said to authorities has a huge chance of being a lie because the she is a psycho. No doubt about it and a pathological liar at that too. She's been involved in other sexual relationships with other older men and continues to cause unnecessary drama with her allegations.

Madea Simmons : you are 100% correct

I can't believe that the finger is being pointed at the student. I don't care how troubled the girl is, he is the teacher, as well as the adult. He should have known better; bottom line. What type of appropriate mentoring happens at a motel between a male teacher and a female student? Nothing good is going to come out of this; very sad for everyone involved. Maybe not all the accusations are true but it was definately poor judgement on the teacher.

This teacher stepped way over the line when he and the 17 year old student shared a hotel room. Good thing for the teacher that wasn't my daughter!!!

The really sad part of this whole story is, even if he's innocent, he's a condemned man because his name was plastered all over the Daily Snooze. Personally, I don't read that rag as it has become entirely irrelevant these days.

Platonic my ass!

A grown man does not place himself in this type of a situation, unless he is doing something he should not be doing.

Good work on breaking this story.

Yes, burn him...burn the heretic!!! He is unclean and must be burned. We the sanctimonious Middletowners must be saved from the unholy beast. We must pull out our eyes from our heads as we have witnessed evil. Burn Him, burn him now.

This town is nuts, and apparently stuck in 1692

I have read the article and everyone's comments. I have concluded that, without a doubt in my mind, this is all the governments fault! Mainly Obama! Why didn't they see this? Why didn't they step in? Why can't we put aluminum foil in the microwave! Clearly, the government AKA Obama. Also, global warming or "climate change" some would say, if the weather was different maybe this could have all been avoided! Think about that next time you put on socks. Some of you may say "hey, John? What about gas prices?" I would say "right!". I say why even have teachers when everyone has a iPhone these days, google people! Why a motel instead of a hotel? Again economics! So, in conclusion, Bert and Ernie destroyed our youth, to males living together!! Obviously caused all the gay people of today. I believe this teacher is innocent of any crime that he hasnt commited! congrats to the new pope!! I see that failed to be mentioned in any comment above! Peace to the Middle East! JD out!

Disclaimer: arguing on the Internet is stupid. I would also like all spelling and punctuation errors to be listed in the comments below so as, I can learns. Everything i have said is true to me. Thank you

Sick - http://middletown.patch.com/articles/motel-staff-said-aylward-has-rented-many-times-since-last-fall

For everyone that is say Mr. Aylward is a great teacher and an overall good guy, honestly dont him well enough. I had him as a teacher at MHS and he was arrogant and had no respect for anyone, but the football players and wrestlers. Him being voilent and having a sexual relation with a minor comes as no suprise. He was always checking the girls out. He was a terrible teacher and should have been shown the door then

OK kids, this H.S. (does not stand for High School) has beaten a horse to death. This will be decided by the law and the school system and nobody else. The horse is on its back with the hoofs in the air. Can we all move on to something important like wait for the trial...if there is to be one.

Need to look into Eric Godin ( Coach ) another winner

Don't ask him to pick up the Chinese food either

The only legal issue here is if he head butted her or not as having consensual sex with a 17 year old is not a crime. The legal age of consent in Rhode Island is 16 years old.

I think that Jennifer, east side, and definitely Kay, should get a room together so they can put together what little brain cells they have and figure out that everything said in the article is alleged... That doesn't mean it happened. And coming from someone who has known the teen for years, she is a very unstable girl, who has made similar allegations in the past... This is nothing new for this girl. And for those of you who think teenagers don't lie... Guess what? Unstable, mentally ill teens, who have a DSM-IV diagnosis, and have also been to the training school on more than one occasion, LIE! Not only do they lie, they actually thrive on lying... Because they love the attention and will do anything to get that attention. So keep defending her people, because it's your tax paying dollars that will be supporting this girl for the rest of her life. So unless someone else would like to come forward, who actually knows this girl, and will attest to the fact that this girl is a great girl and an upstanding citizen... which will never happen. Keep your pathetic opinions to yourself

I promise that I will pardon Patrick him for his alleged crimes, or I will not run for reelection in 2016. #FreeAylward2013 get it trending America

@Portsmouth Resident, who claimed on the Portsmouth Patch to know nothing personally of this case, when accused of being either Patrick or a close family member. Yes I believe that was you because you used the same "guess what?" . . .how now do you know so much about the girls diagnoses and why do you feel it is okay to disclose such information? Seems you are VERY close to the case. Either way very mentally unstable teens may lie, I would venture to say most teens lie, most people lie at some point or another, but it doesn't mean everything a person says is a lie. If we shouldn't be making assumptions about Patrick, let's not be hypocritical and do the same about the girl.

Mr. Alyward should be locked up for abuse. Middletown Public Schools should can his ass and stop putting him on paid leave. This is why they're out of money, because they're paying douche bags and low lifes like Pat Alyward. People make mistakes, but it's complete bull shit what this guy did. This steroid abuser needs to be put in his place.

Why so judgmental Islander Al? Funny how some people are so quick to assume with the man, but don't want to assume with the psycho. Everyone knows she's crazy, get over, it's not new news chica.

Shady

Always has been shady.... Wonder what people say when the truth comes out.. So why rent a motel room over and over again and say for 2 people. Pretty sure it wasn't for him and his wife cause it does state he has a house on nancy st so why a motel and why pay in cash every time. Hmmmm maybe so his wife don't trace the transaction to a motel. I guess we have to wait and see..

@Portsmouth Resident, I am have yet to be judgemental at all. I have sided with no one. Clearly you already know everything about this case, and are able to exonerate Patrick, without any help from the judicial system. At the risk of fitting your discription of judgemental, deductive reasoning says you are either Mr. Aylward, or his wife. Why else would you continue to verbally insult a (in your words) very disturbed teen, and defend her alleged attacker? It's a rhetorical question, feel free to say less, your rants are doing nothing for your perceived intelligence.

Also there is no school in July so why is he still seeing her in the summer time when school is out over summer vacation. To much of the story does not add up and why does she have his personal phone number to call him. I have never had any of my teachers personal number and they counselors at school who get paid for that if she is troubled and his job was to go to them with any concerns of a student. And to add to that why always in front of a hotel or motel. Why not a class room or the gym room if she needed his mentoring???? Many questions people are not answering here. Just saying!!!!

That's right Islander Al, I am a genius, and clearly you are not.... Pathetic. Like I said, no one will come forward to defend the psycho... Oh well chica... Get over it.

Garrenteed that is Patrick talking!!!! Very offended over the comments. Truth hurts. Feel sorry for his wife.

A little late in the game to be commenting, Naomi Lixes, Islander Al, and Ri Crew. What rock did you three just crawl out of? This is like beating a dead horse... Get over it. Stop assuming and acting so defensive, it really makes you three sound guilty. And please stop being so sensitive Naomi Lixes... It sounds too personal. FYI

Naomi Lixes. Who the hell are you? Way too judgmental yourself ? Did you fail gym or something? As for naive, ha, believe in fairness that r judicial system is supposed to be,just because a patch headline says it, does not make it true. Did you miss the earlier post about the news being in business to make money.... Oh that is right, you were late to that class too. Who the hell would even want to be a teacher these days, easiest job.... Right ok, they get accused of everything, dogged by parents who don't raise their children correctly anyway, hung out to dry in the public forum .... Oh yeah and shot to death.....

Oh and loads of people are doing time or convicted of crimes they don't commit, and if you don't believe that you are naive

To, For: The 'Pro' Alyward, 'Anti' Victim Crew,
Scenario ~> Your father comes home to tell you, your siblings, mom, & family that he was Arrested. His 'mentoring' of one of his female High School students went horribly wrong at an area Motel, Is now under investigation in (2) addt'l towns for 'other allegations' involving the SAME female student . That this will be posted on the internet, in the news, tweeted about. YOU and YOUR MOM'S friends & neighbors will read/hear.
Please believe him, she has anger issues & it was for HER health & well being!
Reaction: Please tell me You, Your Mom or Your families questions & or gut feelings would not include any/some of these 'normal' thoughts: (1) Mentoring someone with anger issues? Why husband/dad/brother would you not have 'mentored' her to an Anger Mngt. Class in lieu of a Motel? (2) What do you mean 'Mentoring'? When did you sign up for 'Big Brothers/Sisters', 'Girl Scouts', etc.. (3) You had a 2nd job as a social/mental health aide/case worker? What have you been doing with the extra income? (5) What the hell is wrong with you? You KNOW there is no fraternization w/students outside of school/school activities!! (6) OK, so she needed help Dad, could you have not 'mentored' her whilst walking a Beach? In a Public Park? @ an appt. with a Mental Health Professional? (7) How did HER family feel about YOU being her self appointed Mentor? (8) Were they aware?

Insert your own mom and yourself into this scene!!!!

@Autum Time, do tell, how does chiming in late make any of us sound guilty, and guilty of what exactly? . . . .on another note saying things like "guess what?" and "get over it" make you sound very young . . .perhaps you are the Mrs., because from what I have been told she is relatively young. I can't say that for a fact, to be clear, it is just one of the many things that his students are saying and since I have a child who is friends with those students, I hear a lot. I am smart enough to realize they may be very misinformed.

I grew up with Pat, I know & love his family & his beautiful wife..... I truely hope this doesn't end horribly for everyone involved. It's a shame. It doesn't sound good in any light you look at it.

As for this site, why do posts keep getting deleted and some responses to conversations remain...making no sense......

And yet you promulgate your assumptions based on "misinformed" sources.
Anyway, on to more important matters. Taxes in this town are too high. If as many people voices their displeasure to the town as they do on Patch, we may actually get lower taxes.

Now you are starting to sound defensive Islander Al. And what's up with inquiring about my age? I think you're on the wrong website... this isn't dating.com. Maybe it's time for you to crawl back under that rock...

Funny thing,,, The other day it was a female teacher with a 17 year old male student and evey woman posted was fine with that,,, whats the difference here?

And what about these teachers:

http://www.wnd.com/2012/11/39783

If these "pervs" were men they would be seeking, as some here are,, death!!!