Catchy title huh?
But, I’m serious. This issue with my Munch being bullied has been pushed until April 5th because of conflicts with the school and Spring Break so although I’m not thrilled, I’m understanding. You know by now that I am dealing a lot with issues from my Munch’s school and my Munch’s mental health so I wanted to share with you what I’ve learned about my district’s bullying policy.
Now, before you all say that “T, you know he’s going to have to stand up for himself right?” Yes, I know, but I don’t want my son to be labeled. The angry black boy that uses his fists instead of his words. Many people don’t have to think about that but as a mother to a black son that could follow him throughout his school years in a file. He’s not angry at 7. He’s sweet. He’s innocent. He wants everyone to be his friend.
Everyone will not be his friend. I’ve tried to teach him this since he was in kindergarten. Kids are fickle and they like you one day and not the next. Don’t worry about it baby. I reassured him as only a mother to a 5 year old can do. But, what do I do now? He’s older. A little wiser, but he still longs for friendships. Me? I could care less whether someone likes me or not. Why? They don’t pay none of my bills so kick rocks and move out of my way if you don’t like me.
However, I can’t teach my 7 year old that words don’t matter. That words don’t hurt, because they do hurt. I know. I’ve heard some horrible s*** in my life that still stings. Like “You’re a poor excuse for a mother”, “You’re a b**ch”, “Nigger” and many more f*cked up things that left scars. So, you know what? Words do hurt and we need to teach children how their words impact others. Just like their actions.
We have this meeting scheduled on April 5th and there are apparently some things that I discovered in my district’s school policy that we will be discussing at this meeting.
Schools are required to conduct developmentally appropriate prevention activities such as:
a. Holding regular classroom meetings with students to discuss safety concerns.
b. Clarifying and reinforcing classroom rules against bullying, harassment, or intimidation.
c. Conducting classroom lessons on sensitivity and tolerance.
d. Forming an Anti-Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Committee to assess the nature and prevalence of bullying at the school.
e. Celebrating the annual national anti-bullying week.
f. Conducting grade level focus groups or a school-wide survey to identify problem areas in the building and the level of bullying, harassment, or intimidation within the school.
I actually want to know when this was done this school year since when we return to school it will be 4th quarter. I’ve never seen nor heard of them conducting classroom lessons on sensitivity and tolerance when I told you that his teachers are upset because my Munch is crying all the time. Really? Umph, read your own dang policies.
The second thing is that the school counselor should have filed a bullying report. Which I want done and documented and an outline of what will be done to ensure that the children understand what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Break down bullying for a 7 year old. For example, If I call someone a “stinky head cry baby” and then I get punched in the face which one of us is wrong?
If you answered the one who called the name you’re only partially right, but I like where you’re going with this. We need to reinforce that verbal intimidation and name calling are just as bad as physical conflict. Whew! I feel like I’m making this dang school work this year.
You mad huh? Oh well. Stop messing with my Munch because this bullying has to stop. I’m screaming “Hell No, Bullying Has Got to Go” because all of us are responsible for the behaviors of our children.
A Thomas Point of View 
The act or action of a bully should be a crime, punished by fines and jail time, nomatter the age. This has gotten out of hand. Our Politicions do not bing this up when it comes to election time. Maybe its time for parents to step up to the plate and take further action on this matter.
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Yep, and I’m starting with the educators. They need to get it together.
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Thats great, I was a victim of bullies but overcame with self defense..
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I am so sorry that you have to deal with this. Lucky for Munch that he has a supportive Mother who knows how to handle these kinds of things rationally.
Good luck!!
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Thank you Lori. I’m on it. I want the school to tighten up.
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This is a serious matter, all over, no matter what country. From what I can see, you are doing as much as you can right now…will be interesting to see how that meeting in April pans out ! People need to take responsibility of their actions, they need to be accountable…kids are no different. If they were to take responsibility and be held accountable, maybe this bulling would ease. They are never to young to learn!
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Absolutely. The adults should be talking to the kids about what is acceptable and I think this school is kinda laxed and I’m hot about it.
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My Bella bee has a great active no bullying policy.It should be dealt with properly at school. There is more to this picture. I know I wouldn’t be happy if I found out soemone was bullying my child BUT I woul also expect an enquiry into the bullies life. Kids are not born nasty.
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I’m going to expect that the school handle it appropriately. It needs to stop immediately. I want them to follow the district’s policy.
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Great post! I’ll have to go back and read the previous one. I’m glad that you’re an informed parent. Always get the playbook up front. As an assistant principal in my day job, I conduct the investigations and exact punishment for all infractions — including bullying/harassment. Parents of bullies don’t like me much, but they must respect that I’m fair and I play by the book. Ultimately, safety and emotional well-being should be priorities in all school. 🙂 Best wishes!
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Yes and I’m concerned that the counselor didn’t take it seriously.
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Thank you
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Hi Tikeetha:
Both you and Munch are in my prayers.
Honestly, one of the first things that came to mind is how jacked up it is that most organizations, schools included, write policies for compliance purposes only. Oftentimes, the folks who are supposed to be implementing them probably haven’t really read them.
Munch and other kids in his position are relying on mothers like you to hold schools to their own words so hang in there and keep pushing!
I certainly will be keeping watch to see how things turn out.
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Thank you. That’s exactly what I’m thinking. You write policies but don’t enforce or know them.
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Wow, great post and I am sorry you are having to deal with this. I really hope the situation works out for you and there is some impact made against this issue in schools. Also, thank you for following my blog – I hope your day is a happy one. 🙂
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Thank you
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Good for you for holding them accountable! Your son deserves the system’s support, and he sure doesn’t deserve to be bullied. Go, mama, go!!
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