School bullying and threats - what would you do?

[SlugSlinger]

Unfortunately, one reason parents put their kids in private school is because they don't fit in public school. This fit could be because of intellect or behavior. It sounds like their are some behavior kids at that school.

The school has an interest to keep all the kids they can enrolled. It's all about the money at most private schools. My wife was a director at a private school until she got fed up with the politics and moved on to better things. She is now on the board of a home school COOP. If you want to get your kid out of the kind of environment you described, look into home schooling and a local home school COOP.

 

[Shootin 4 Fun]

Zero tolerance policies are a sham.

Pull your kid out of the school.

 

[tRidiot]

I wish I could. We are talking about our options. Obviously public school would be worse, I think, and certainly academically is much less effective. Home schooling has it's own very significant challenges.

We shall see...

 

[SlugSlinger]

There are challenges with home schooling, but the reward and opportunities for the child are unparalleled in either public or private schools. Imho, the commitment by the parent/s is the biggest challenge.

 

[druryj]

Just do what you say in Post #1 and see what action is taken to rectify the issue first. The school needs to act on this now, not after something really bad has happened.

 

[tRidiot]

Well, just found out they have as yet done nothing to the older child who assaulted my son last week. Wife says the principal was unaware of the handbook stating there would be immediate suspension or expulsion of a child who physically assaults another, and that they are talking with his parents. He is a "good kid" with "no prior history" and it wasn't a "serious assault" since my son "didn't fall down". He was karate chopped spontaneously and with no previous interaction in the throat by a student at LEAST 2 years older than him - maybe as much as 3.

Furthermore, due to privacy issues, we will not be notified what actions will be or have been taken.

 

[Okie4570]

There are challenges with home schooling, but the reward and opportunities for the child are unparalleled in either public or private schools. Imho, the commitment by the parent/s is the biggest challenge.

That's the problem with public and private as well.

 

[Wheel Gun]

Mr. Karate Chop's parents may be connected somehow to higher-ups. Or, they may just be more worried about his parents than you.

I'd make it clear that you expect to see ramifications applied. The consequence involves your family's departure, the police and the newspapers.

In the old days, I'd advise a meeting with the young thug's parents, but that is dangerous these days and would probably get you threatened and sued. Sadly, demanding the school's involvement is about the only thing that you can safely do.

 

[Eagle Eye]

In the old days, I'd advise a meeting with the young thug's parents, but that is dangerous these days and would probably get you threatened and sued. Sadly, demanding the school's help is about the only thing that you can safely do.

I feel like it is not out of the question to contact the other kids parents. Ask them if they are aware of the incident. Do they think their child did something wrong? Ask them what their child told them about the incident. If that is a problem then this society is completely effed up. Since when can't people talk to one another without suing or threatening each other. WTF!

I realize it does not solve the problems with the school, and i think you are doing the right thing by documenting these events.

Edit: I suppose there lies the problem. If the parents open up about the incident then they fear repercussion form the school.

 

[tRidiot]

Well, I just got back from the police department. Filed a complaint. Officer went to the school. Apparently, more info has arrived at this point, this 12 y/o has made threats to take some of his father's guns and come to the church and shoot the place up. These statements were made to a police officer. Subsequent investigation did reveal many firearms in the home, many not locked up. He was subsequently evaluated and allowed to return to the school and church.

Now he is gone. Superintendent just let us know.

Mr. Karate Chop Badass 8th Grader, we have no other knowledge about - but I think contacting his parents is a very good idea. Since the school is obviously not living up to their "no tolerance policy" in a vast number of ways. It's a pathetic circumstance, and a pathetic society we live in.


<edit> Don't get me wrong... not all my firearms are under lock and key - but my son is disciplined in firearms training, respects firearms absolutely and he would never play with one or touch one without me being with him. My son is not a deranged, angry, violent kid who is threatening others.