My son was bullied today, but here is the difference.

[RandySF]

As many of you know, my then kindergartner son had a terrible year of bullying in his old school. Today, a kid in his new school hit him and few others. I was furious. I was about to say that this place is no better than the school I pulled him out of. That was until my kid opened his backpack and showed me the cards drawn (at the request of the teacher, I'm sure) by his other classmates showing their support and telling him how sorry they were that it happened. In the old school, we might hear something from the teacher or principal after I complained loudly enough about not being informed. And yes, the Dean told me there is a meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning with the bully's parents making it clear that it will end. But I was most impressed by the show of support by the school and his classmates.

[Angry Dragon]

1. Good

[mjrr_595]

9. +1

[Suich]

2. That's great news, RandySF!

I love the idea of the classmates making cards...I hope the idea catches on!

[chalky]

3. I love the way that handled this! If you don't mind, I think

I'll be sharing your story with parents that I know. Maybe putting a flea in a few parents ear will help this idea take off.

[RandySF]

4. I had been reading about this kind of thing.

I've been reading that peer support is more effective than anything else that's been tried.

[Democratopia]

5. That is fantastic

Not the bit about your son being bullied, but that the school is being responsible about it and what a great lesson in respect for his classmates. I wish your son all the best.

[Smarmie Doofus]

6. Good teacher. ( Most of 'em are, ya know.)

Sounds like your boy's in good hands.

K and R

[RandySF]

7. Of course.

But even the best teacher is ineffective without backup from administration. Last year at the old school, if something happened during lunch recess, teachers were never informed and I never knew what happened unless my son told me. It changed after I got on the principal's ass. But still, nothing changed at all unless I dragged them kicking and screaming.

Yesterday at the new school, the teacher sent me an email attached to the principal and Dean of Students. The Dean and teacher talked to me as soon as I arrived to pick up my son. They informed me that they were meeting the parents and issuing a written warning. And, as I mentioned, the teacher asked the students to make cards expressing their regret over what happened and support. The old school made us feel like we were on our own. This school seems to have our back.

[Smarmie Doofus]

8. Administrators set the tone.

Sounds like you've got a good group now.

Teacher's really don't have much power or discretion any more... at least not in any of the schools I know about.

But I gotta tell ya: the way your son's teacher handled it was right on the money. Utterly pitch-perfect.

He feels supported and appreciated and they learn compassion. Win-win.

I don't think that would have occurred to me in a million years.

Hang on to that teacher like there's no tomorrow.