DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

This is my letter to the Department of Education after they said they were sorry that my son did not feel welcome at "The School" (Name Censored).

2008 November 10

 

Dear .....,

I did receive your letter. In paragraph two, second sentence, you state, “I regret that your son experienced situations at school that made him feel excluded and unwelcomed in a new school.”  Interesting how you do not mention a word about my son experiencing acute psychological trauma as a result of a student “No Name” who has been allowed to bully for a number of years at "The School".

Also, in paragraph two, you mention how the school had taken immediate action when they became aware that there was a problem concerning my son.  Did the school take immediate action when “No Name” slapped a fellow student across the face on the bus?  This had taken place in front of me.  If you look at the paper trail, there was no action taken.  Ironically, there is no paper trail either.

Teachers and administrators are made to stop the bullying by reporting, documenting, and punishing, expelling or correcting the bullying situation.  Nothing was done concerning the slap across the face as nothing has been done concerning many situations with “No Name.”

Also, if you look at other school district’s policies from other states, a slap across the face to any student would result in some kind of noticeable action.  As a parent, I was mortified by this allowed behavior.

You mention to me that, “No additional remedy to offer for the initial bullying complaint because that matter is closed.”  Interestingly, I was not made aware of that situation being closed.  As a result of my son telling the first time, he experienced retaliation from “No Name”.  My son verbally told me that he was scared that "No Name" was going to hurt him physically because of the threats “No Name” made to him. 

Unfortunately, my son experienced 6 months of psychological abuse because he told the first time.  My son was terrified to tell the 2nd time.  Lord only knows what has truly taken place between this allowed bully and my son.  You are telling me that the incident of bullying is closed.  The incident of bullying, lasting 6 months, during the time my son attended "The School" is not closed nor resolved.
I am aware of 6 other kids who have been tormented by “No Name” in the past 4 years.  I know of a few incidents that have been brought to the school’s attention.  As a parent, it is shocking to hear what some of the other victims have stated.  In my opinion, kids, in early elementary, should not be talking about suicide.  I have also listened to a number of parents who are too scared to say anything because their kids still have to go to "The School".  That is beyond pathetic. 

No child should have to go to the hospital for psychological abuse as a result of an allowed bully.  I hope “No Name” does not find anymore victims and gets the help he needs.  I also hope that New Hampshire can come up to speed concerning the Anti Bullying Laws that have been passed in a good portion of the states in this country.

Mary Michel
Bully Police., NH
Co-Director