There's some confusion among students at Tottenville High School after word spread that their principal, Joseph Scarmato, plagiarized an inspirational letter sent to teachers at the beginning of the school year.

"We're taught to be these great independent students, people in the future and here you are setting a negative example for yourself and for us,” said senior Victoria Shatkin.

The letter Scarmato is said to have poached from appeared in a Huffington Post blog written by Dean Shareski titled "The Back to School Speech Every Teacher Should Hear.”

It contains encouraging lines like, "We know not every day will be awesome. We work with kids. They are much like us only at the beginning of their learning journey. It's our wisdom and care that they need.”

The fact that Scarmato "borrowed" most of those exact words? Not so encouraging to students who are taught never to steal other people's works.

"It's pretty funny how he doesn't want us to actually plagiarize but he does it himself,” said senior Adam Lleshi.

In a statement, Scarmato said "“I admit that this was a bad judgment call and that I did not set a good example for my students and staff. I apologize for my mistake and remain committed to serving my school community.”

That apology is enough for some parents.

"I can speak for what I know, for what he does do for our children and for our community, he turned Tottenville High School around,” said Linda Schiro.

But not enough for others.

"I'm completely shocked that this would happen with a principal, it's appalling, very very appalling, and I think disciplinary action should take place,” said Victoria Pisano.

So what's going to happen to the principal? It appears nothing. The department of education tells NY1 no disciplinary action will be taken.

"Everybody thinks that there should be some type of discipline, this shouldn't be a slap on the wrist,” said Shatkin.

As for students who plagiarize, the Department of Education said punishment can range from a parent conference to suspension.