Friend's daughter attacked on school bus--what to do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you involved at all?

Yeah, this. Why the hell would you come here and post this? Stay out of it. It's not your responsibility or your place to be involved, much less broadcast it in a forum like this. Boy are you out of line.

You both sound like wonderfully loyal friends.

[Anonymous]

If your friend wants to get the press involved, email Jen Bondeson at The Gazette -- she recently wrote a piece about cyberbullying and is the schools reporter.

[e-mail]

http://www.gazette.net/article/20130410/NEWS/130419782/cyberbullying-at-montgomery-schools-raises-alarm&template=gazette

[Anonymous]

I'm shocked that people are telling you not to get involved! First, the parent may be beside herself and need guidance. Of course, she would turn to a friend!

Contacting the police was key. I would contact the principal, transportation for MCPS and the Josh Starr's office (she obviously won't speak to him, but will be directed accordingly). She should also contact the principal and complete a bullying report. The principal is required to follow-up once this report is completed. It's important to get everything documented in the event it happens again or if other students have been targeted by the same people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm shocked that people are telling you not to get involved! First, the parent may be beside herself and need guidance. Of course, she would turn to a friend!

Contacting the police was key. I would contact the principal, transportation for MCPS and the Josh Starr's office (she obviously won't speak to him, but will be directed accordingly). She should also contact the principal and complete a bullying report. The principal is required to follow-up once this report is completed. It's important to get everything documented in the event it happens again or if other students have been targeted by the same people.

This. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to FILL OUT the form and document everything. I would also ask around to see if the bullies have hurt other kids. If so, get in touch with them, have them document & fill out forms & request a group meeting. I did this in a lower MoCo elementary school and got the kid (who also had special needs) removed from the school. It took a lot of effort - your friend, as a foreigner, may need more assistance with this. I'd also suggest you talk to the PTA. In my experience, the teachers wanted the kid out but the principal & administration downplayed it because they are under so much pressure to be inclusive and accommodate all kids, and it costs the schools money when they have to kick kids out and send them to special schools.

In our case, lots of documentation, forms, parent meetings and finally, threat of a lawsuit / police involvement wore down the principal.

Good luck - not for the faint hearted to take on MCPS. (Note this was prior to Starr, maybe things are better now?)

[Anonymous]

I'm sure everything is better with Starr Mr. 2.0.

[Anonymous]

""In my experience, the teachers wanted the kid out but the principal & administration downplayed it because they are under so much pressure to be inclusive and accommodate all kids, and it costs the schools money when they have to kick kids out and send them to special schools. "" (said previous person)

Um. Many special needs children are expensive to educate whether they are in their home school or a separate special education school or a nonpublic special education school. The problem isn't that special schools cost money (they do) but that often MCPS isn't adequately staffing the special needs child in the inclusive setting.

The principal has the duty to ensure the safety and education of the regular students AND the special needs ones. Therefore, if a child is being bullied by anyone, regular or special needs student, it is of utmost importance to fill out that bullying report form for every incident.

Some parents of kids with SN may not even want their kids in the inclusive setting but were forced into it by MCPS. Only with documentation of incidents will they be able to have their child moved to a more appropriate placement. (MCPS can't "kick out" a SN child out of school for behaviors related to their disability).

[Anonymous]

Call the police. Tell the school that unless they take this as an absolutely serious matter (meaning expel the offender(s), etc.) then you're going to the press and name the school. This behaviour absolutely needs to stop right now.

[Anonymous]

Good for your for wanting to help your friend with advice. I'd have done the same.

I'd say don't involve the press yet, since at this point there hasn't been time for the school to respond. They may respond to this in a very satisfactory fashion - at least give them the benefit of the doubt. Definitely document everything, file the forms, etc.

[Anonymous]

Dear 15:48 - I am the poster you responded to. Thank you for your response. You enlightened me. So refreshing to have a courteous, non-snide remark on these boards. I bet you are lovely in real life too!

[Anonymous]

OP, you sound like a good friend. Bullying is serious business, especially when it turns into physical battery. Ignore the cranky PPs who tell you to stay out of it.

[Anonymous]

When you lodge a complaint with MoCo police you are talking about assault. When you are talking to MCPS use the word "Bullying" to get any response.

If it was posted online you can get the Attorney General's office involved too. Happened in our MS.

At the very least I would get Videos of whatever has been posted online. Even if you do not have access to the other video.

Talk to the media, make a huge noise. You can also file felony charges.

I would see a lawyer as well.

You have recourse, don't let this get unpunished.