Clancy

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 11:04 a.m.

Two years ago my grandson came home and told his mother that he had been suspended for two days from school for hitting his cousins backpack. At that time, he was in the first grade and attended Redner. They saw him swing at his cousin and that was enough for them. At the time my daughter could not be reached on her home phone so they left her a message about the incident and that was it. When she phoned the school, even though the kids were playing and hitting back and forth, and related, it was a zero tolerance for hitting. He was the one caught and he was out. But a few years back when my youngest daughter was in middle school and at a school dance, her best friend was tormented by another girl until she got mad and they got into a fight. But neither of them were suspended. So if one of Lincoln's schools has that policy, then why do they not all adhere to the same one? Especially on a middle school level where things just get worse?? The best way to handle this situation as Lincoln district parents is to show that we have a ZERO tolerance policy for bullying by showing up to the School Board Meeting on Monday, Dec. 6 at 6:00 pm at the Community Center in Brick Elementary School. Showing up and having your voices heard usually gets someones attention. That's the best way to let the school board know that parents really do care.

jcj

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 7:58 a.m.

@ Sally "racism is taught and learned." "Had my son of done something like this Al Sharpton would of been here in a minute." Take a look at your comments. Do you see some contradictions? Your second comment proves your 1st!

Sally

Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 6:43 a.m.

You know what parents Bullies do not come in sizes. My son was bigger then his bully. My son is on his 2 belt in one year in Capeoira. He signed a contract and followed the rules"No Bully contract" I wish after the 16 th episode with this boy he would of beat the crap out of him but what would I be teaching as a parent???? It also States if blood is drawn police are to be called. This is the Principals job. If she fails to follow the AAPS anti bully bull crap then he or she should be suspended without pay That contract that is on AAPS web page can be read.He never fought back the boy that split his chin open, busted out"only a baby tooth' according to the Principal. No the Principals, teachers and lunch staff need to be held accountable for not making choices We pay taxes for our school to go to these low life schools that really aren't teaching proper material.Get them in get them out and look the other way. I appreciated the 9 rules by Lori great rules.The young man that told what his day was like or could be.He was right they actually turn and look the other way. So it is now time to hold The Superintendents, Police, Teachers, Lunch Staff and the Parents accountable for there lack of or poor knowledge of parenting. I think CPS should investigate the parent(s) home. bullying and lying and racism is taught and learned. A child is not born with these. Not in my home.My son came home one day and had been called a cracker and all kinds of names also. Try explaining that one when it is not taught in the home??Had my son of done something like this Al Sharpton would of been here in a minute.Stop the violence. One planet One people Please.If you don't have parenting skills take the free classes offered in you community cause the foster system is full too.

CommonThought

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 11:16 p.m.

Bullying is wrong, no if ands or buts. This district has the resources to mitigate such aggressive types of bullying. I would take legal action against the district, and the childs parents if my kids were hurt like the child in this story

bgl_fan

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 10:40 p.m.

My son is a first grader at Model, so this is his second year in that school. I have always found Ms. Aldridge to be very insincere. We have not had any serious bullying issues, other than a mean kid on the bus, but my son has had a kid in class both years that is a major issue. I also agree with getting rid of School of Choice, although right now I'm not sure I want my kids continuing their education in the Lincoln schools.

JB

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 7:07 p.m.

I was contacted by my employer to read this story since she is aware of my problems this year with my son, who is currently a fifth grader in the Lincoln School District. Bullying has been a long standing problem everywhere and not just at Lincoln. Our family has been in the Lincoln District for more than 50 years. My oldest daughter dedicated the Brick building when they split into different elementary schools. I am saddened to know that Ms. Rush is no longer principal at Model. Had she been there, this would not have happened. I have recently been through the whole bullying mess myself in Brick (go figure). My son is currently in 5th grade and I have had issues with him and a classmate this year. I was dismissed at first and had to contact the principal. After that communication, things have improved to the point where I did not have to take it to the next level, which would have also been a call to Lynn Cleary. I personally know Lynn Cleary and have known her for MANY MANY years, I am positive that if she was aware of this issue she would of contacted the principal to find out what was going on. As an administrator, she would have to back her principals, but I know she would be checking all of it out herself. Don't get me wrong, I am not happy with the current school district. As a SOC school, the rating for Lincoln Schools has gone into the toilet. The once sought after homes in Lincoln School District are now a thing of the past. The high school is a mess, the middle school is not much better and now it is spilling into the elementaries. Our family has been thinking seriously of transfering our two remaining sons to Milan for middle school and high school because of this very issue. MS. Cleary if your reading this you need to get serious now....

jjc155

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 5:55 p.m.

I certainly hope that the young child with the concusion fully recovers and has no lasting affects. To bad the school does not seem to be doing what they should. That said I have been "bullied" once in my live. When I was a freshman in highschool I made varsity football and was a starter. The Senior whose spot I took, took exception to that. there were threats etc. First I tried to reason with him, no luck, then I told him just to leave me alone, no luck then I told him if he did not I'd take matters into my own hands. Well he did not stop. So one day, infront of all of his laughing and giggling friends in the cafeteria he pushed me once more and I blew his nose out with one punch. He ran crying to the office. I caught acouple of days in detention and he was suspended once I got to tell my side of the story. This is HOW I was raised. I was raised to stand up for myself and not to allow anyone to push me around. Incidentially enough I was never bullied by that guy or anyone else for that matter. Matter of fact he never said word one to me again and he quit the team, LOL. I agree with others who have said that there is no more bullying today as there was 20 years ago when I broke the guys nose, I just think that there is more awareness and quite frankly more whining about it. Both of my daughters, 8 and 5, have been taught the same thing I was taught by my parents back in the day. That is that they will NEVER get in trouble with me if they are standing up for themselves. It has been drilled into their heads they will not be someones punching bag and that they are in no way to start anything but if it gets to the point they ARE to defend themselves or eachother. According to some all of this makes me both a bad person and a bad parent, so be it.

jcj

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.

BTW One of the reasons there are more reports of bullying is that everything from sticking out your tongue to drawing a picture of someone is now called bullying!

jcj

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 1:33 p.m.

Let me preface this by saying I am NOT placing blame in this situation! Bullying has always been a problem and I am not convinced it has gotten worse. It certainly has been brought out into the open more. This is in part because most parents do not tell their children to "stick up " for themselves. As in most of society, people expect to be taken care of by the powers that be and do not want to take responsibility for themselves. Don't get me wrong in most cases it is best to let the powers that be take care of the problem. @ERM Ghost "Hit the bully back as a solution? Tell that to a ten-year old? Can't help but wonder how many bullies' careers as bullies began with that advice. So much for "adult" advice. And we wonder why our children appear to be more violent that in years past." To insinuate that there is more violence now than in years past because parents are telling their kids to "hit the bully back" is ludicrous at best! 40-50 years ago the standard line from parents would have been to fight back! Now it would be a small number of parents that would give that kind of advice. So IF "our children appear to be more violent that in years past" you will need to find another reason!

Bob Needham

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 11:44 a.m.

(Comment removed due to unsubstantiated accusations)

limmy

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 8:55 a.m.

In AAPS grade and middle school, there were 3 instances that I reported -- 2 racial name calling and 1 sexual comments. I must say the principals and teachers got right on it and were very effective. We were very pleased. Now, high school is a different story.

Greggy_D

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 8:51 a.m.

"I would also like to include that I agree the SOC, needs to end!! Why should we pay the taxes for kids who bring a different element into our schools! It is not fair the in district kids." Because the district does receive extra funds for each SOC student. I do not know the exact amount, but have heard it is around $10,000 per student.

proudparent

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 6:46 a.m.

My son is in first grade at Model and we have had nothing but fantastic experiences there with both the teachers and admin. We had some issues with a learning disability in my son that was quickly addressed. Also anytime that he was even very minorly hurt (fell in gym class, bumped his head on the desk)we were notified right away. Even if this is something that the admin needs to address, it is really going to fall with the parents to help the bully stop being a bully. Even if the bully is moved to another class, how much is that going to solve. He will probably just bully a kid in another class.

Suzanne

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 12:46 a.m.

I would also like to include that I agree the SOC, needs to end!! Why should we pay the taxes for kids who bring a different element into our schools! It is not fair the in district kids.

Suzanne

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 12:16 a.m.

First of all I want to say my heart goes out to this little boy and his parents, this is terrible, no child should have to endure this. Unfortunately it happens all across the country. I am a Lincoln parent, I currently have a kindergartner at Model, and a 7th grader at LMS, who also attended both Model and Brick. I have always taught my children to stick up for themselves, and others. I will say that anytime in the 8 years my children have attended Lincoln, when I have had a concern, it has been dealt with quickly and to my satisfaction. Before we all jump to conclusions that the administrator (Mary Aldridge) does not care, or isn't taking care of the issue, possibly she is trying to solve the issue and just cannot openly discuss the issue because of confidentiality issues with the other child. Mrs. Aldridge is my daughters principal, and was at Brick when my son was there, I have always thought her to be a caring and active principal, she is not in her office at a desk, she is out with the children EVERY TIME I enter the building which is quite often. I hope things work out and this little boy can go back to school, play, laugh, be silly, make friends, and enjoy learning and life as every 5 year old should. I also think that the parents of the other child should be held responsible, if this were a teenager skipping school, they would be, a 5 year old should not be this angry. The kids are constantly taught at Model, "to be safe, be responsible, be respectful". So what is this childs parents teaching him at home, if he is causing a concussion in another child.

jns131

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 11:12 p.m.

The sad thing about this? The boy is under age 7. The law does not recognize this boy as a legal problem. So he gets away with this scott free. Sucks. We threatened lawsuit and things changed in Ann Arbor. The two are kept apart. So, maybe it is time to sue Lincoln into submission? If they want to stick their heads in the sand? Then maybe shaft em? Good luck to the parents. This is going on across the nation and still no one is doing nothing about it. Sucks doesn't it?

julieswhimsies

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 10:58 p.m.

When my children were in the Chelsea Public school system there was a zero tolerance policy for teasing and bullying. There were consequences for the bully.

C. S. Gass

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 10:26 p.m.

I remember when I was a boy and had to deal with an 'emotionally challenged' bully at my school. I did so with my fists. He had bullied several of my friends and me, although I was, at the time to thick to realize it for what it was, bullying. After the fight, he and I became friends. That is the way of the world. Like it or not. Teach your child tolerance, restraint and forgiveness, but lastly, teach him to defend himself, for one day, certainly. he will have need of that knowledge. I feel for this family, but I feel most for the children involved. Neither is getting what they need from the school system, their parents, or each other.

ypsicat

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 10:18 p.m.

I agree with Greggy for the most part. When my mostly normal but smallish son was the target of a bigger child with issues in 5th grade at King School, and day after day of him coming home and telling me about it, and day after day of my pleading with administrators at the school to do something, I finally told my son that next time this boy picks on him just go right ahead and punch him in the nose, as hard as you can. That he did, and I received a very outraged phone call from the school, at which point I asked them: What would you have me do? I've begged you to do something and my pleas have gone ignored. My son did not get expelled because the school blamed me, the parent, which was fine with me. And guess what? My son and the bully became friends after that, go figure. I understand all you dear people who want to resolve these matters in a more civilized manner, but sometimes the situation calls for a good old-fashioned punch in the nose.

tim

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 9:07 p.m.

Fire the principle! This is a when the teachers union are wrong.

robyn

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 8:29 p.m.

Very good advice Lori. You've made it a point to cover ALL of the bases.

Lori

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 7:51 p.m.

Is Your Child Being Bullied? 9 Steps You Can Take as a Parent 1. Listen to what your child has to say: Being a good listener is an important piece of your role when your child is being bullied. One of the best questions you can ask your child is, What can I do to be helpful? When your child tells you whats going on at school, as much as it hurts to listen, be open and able to hear what he has to say. Try to be supportive but neutral when hes talking. When you react too strongly to what your child is saying, he might stop talking because hes afraid hes going to upset you. The other side of listening is not blaming your child. Dont put the responsibility for the bullying on him or try to find a reason for it; there is no good reason or excuse for whats happening. If your child is being bullied, he is the victim, so trying to find a reason for why hes bringing it on himself really isnt helpful. Never blame your child because it makes him anxious and reduces what hes going to tell you. Your goal is that he continues to communicate whats going on. 2. If you were bullied as a child, try not to personalize what is happening. If you were bullied when you were younger, the same situation with your child will most likely bring up painful memories. Its okay to connect with your child about how it feels to be bullied, but dont take the problem on as if its yours alone. I think the most important thing to do when your child is bullied is to remember the responses you received from others that wereor werenthelpful. Use what worked and avoid doing what was unsupportive or hurtful. 3. Dont retaliate against the bully or his family. As tempting as it might be to take matters into your own hands and retaliate against the bully or his family, dont do it. This is where you have to set some examples for your child on how to problem solve. Its very difficult to hear that your child is being threatened; of course you want to immediately stop the hurt. But remember, retaliating wont help your child solve the problem or feel better about himself. Instead, take a deep breath and think about what you can do to help your child handle what hes facing. 4. Coach your child on how to react: Bullies tend to pick on people who they can get a reaction from; they choose kids who get upset and who take the teasing to heart. They also look for kids who wont stand up for themselves, or who they can overpower. Its important to teach your child how to react. We coached our son on how to avoid bullies at school and who to go to if he felt unsafe. We also did role plays together where we practiced not reacting to what the bullies said. Another part of what we did was set it up so that our son had some control over what was going on. He couldnt stop the bullying right away, but he could get himself away from it and he could find someone to talk to about it. 5. Find a teacher or administrator at your childs school who will help: Remember, it is the schools responsibility to stop bullying; I think most take that seriously. The saving grace for our son was the guidance counselor at his school. She provided a safe place for our son to go when he was being picked on. The guidance counselor wanted him to feel like he had some control over the situation, so our child was the one taking the initiative to talk with her. (While we didnt openly discuss this with him, he knew at some level that we were also talking to the guidance counselor.) We felt it was important for our child to have some sense of taking this problem on and solving it by going to the guidance counselor on his own. After he started talking with her, she let him know that he could just sit in her office, even if she wasnt there; the school allowed him to basically take a time out or break to get away from the bullying situation. Again, that gave him some control over what was going on. It gave him a source of support and made him feel like he wasnt powerless. By talking to the guidance counselor and using his pass to go to her office, it showed him that there were some solutions to the situation. Its also important to make sure your child keeps talkingwhether its with you, a guidance counselor or a trusted teacher, its important that he keeps communicating about whats going on. 6. Take your childs side: When our son was being bullied, we constantly reaffirmed that there were things he could do to handle the situation, and that he was in fact doing them. We let him know that we were going to get him help and that we loved him and we were going to support him. We also said that there was no excuse for what was happening to him. Make sure to let your child know that youre on his side; he needs to understand that you dont blame him and that you will support him. We also let our child know that if he retaliated against the group, by swearing back or even fighting, that we wouldnt punish him at home. Our son was bullied physically and verbally, and we told him that he could do what he needed to do to protect himself. We told him that he would still have consequences at school for any misbehavior because that would be against the rules, but we didnt add to them at home. 7. Get support: Be sure to talk to your spouse or to supportive family or friends. Sometimes I would burst out crying after hearing about what had happened to our son. There were definitely times when James and I got angry. I think the bottom line is that this situation can really bring out emotions from parents. We found that we needed to talk with each other about this as a couple because it was so hurtful, and because we wanted to be clear in how we communicated to our son. I recommend that single parents reach out to somebodya family member, friend, or someone at the schoolanyone who can help you help your child. We reached out to friends and colleagues as well, and asked how they handled it when it happened to their kids. If nothing else, it helped us feel like we werent alone and that there wasnt anything wrong with our child. 8. Teach your child to name whats happening: For younger kids, its important to be able to name whats happening as bullying. For a child whos feeling picked on, its empowering to be able to really name it. Theyre teaching a lot about bullying prevention in school these days and bully is such a negative word that its good for your child to be able to attach it to the behavior. This is truly empowering for many children and can work with older kids, as well. 9. Find something your child is really good at doing: Help your child feel good about himself by finding something he can do well. Choose some activities hes good at and reinforce it verbally. Our son got involved in swimming and it was very helpful for his selfesteem.

average joe

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 7:42 p.m.

Ypsineighbor- I would encourage you to question anything that the Lincoln superintendant says. How do you know for a fact that she turns away students for the SOC. Just because she says so in a meeting?... She has a record of not being perfectly honest, and rather being very misleading in informing the public. Remember the "Lincoln, the best schools in michigan" program? How about this past may's bond proposal, was the public informed about spending $1.4 million for a cosmotology "academy", among other questionable high school programs at Bessie Hoffman? In all of the bond info supplied by Lynn C., every building was listed except this one, even though it was included on the state bond application which was filed four months prior to the vote. She chose to keep this from the public. Other Lynn C. ideas for this "academy"-teaching students how to create 'on-line'gaming programs, instruction on pet care/grooming/leader dog..., & "massage therapy".... So, Ypsineighbor, one can reasonably question some of her statements, and goals. She only is concerned with 'her ideas', and SOC. Did any one check out the latest test scores shown to the school board 3 weeks ago? I think there should be some administrative vacancies after seeing these low scores. Virtually every catagory dropped. The incidents involving these two 5 year-olds is something that has happened over & over for years. However, the way the district is handling it is quite troubling. Why was this "bully" allowed back in the same classroom? someone dropped the ball. As for the lack of response from Mary Aldridge, it is quite obvious that she has been told to keep hush-hush. But Lynn C.'s lack of response to AA.com for over a week kinda "speaks volumes", after all, she is supposed to be the spokesperson for the district.

townie54

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 7:06 p.m.

you people saying fight back doesnt work if the kid being bullied is slower than most or puny.All kids cant fight or are outnumbered and would get hurt bad.Most kids that can fight will but the ones that cant have a right to learn too

Soothslayer

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 7:06 p.m.

@Top Cat: AMEN BROTHER. Our children deserve the best education options wherever they may come from. Either stop taxing everyone or provide vouchers NOW so the students have a chance to thrive and succeed. Enough of this system already, it doesn't work.

townie54

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 6:55 p.m.

Its not just Lincoln schools.More schools than not seem to just hope it goes away.My girlfriends son is big,awkward and gentle too.He goes to one of the Ann Arbor elementary schools which I wont mention by name.He was bullied too by one of the boys and they kind of act like they wish she wouldnt have said anything.A lot of schools need a change of attitude on this.No kid should have to go through this because they are dufferent or slow

Greggy_D

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 6:30 p.m.

WDIV's story: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/25951735/detail.html

Greggy_D

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 6:28 p.m.

WDIV just reported on its newscast the school district characterized the situation as "accidental bumping" and not bullying.

Greggy_D

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 6:18 p.m.

@Ghost "THE MOST EXTREME OF CIRCUMSTANCES." Getting bullied IS the most extreme of circumstances. Have you ever been bullied? Have you ever felt a complete wave of fear overtake you as you saw your attacker in your path? Have you ever broken out in an instant sweat, knowing what was about to happen? Have you wondered which attack your bullier will use this time? Will I get pushed into lockers? Will I get tripped? Will I get punched? Will I get a pile-driver elbow into my spine? Will I get an Indian Burn? Will I get all of my books knocked out of my hands? Will I get my underwear pulled so hard it makes me bleed? Will I get held down in the locker room while having a certain body part dangled above my face? All of this happening while teachers and principals turn the other way. This IS the most extreme of circumstances. @Alan.....the bullies already broke the law by committing assault. But go ahead....blame the victim for protecting themselves. More power to the victims for putting the bullies in their place, the nonsensical regulations and law which punish the victim be damned.

jondhall

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 6:13 p.m.

Just put the kid in martial arts. The principals have a 'union " that protects them, this child needs some protection also! SOC is not wise pay taxes in one district, while others are bused in, did not work in the SIXTIES

Greggy_D

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 6 p.m.

@Ghost..."Aside from the fact that your examples are ludicrous in the extreme in comparison to bullying" Says the man who compared bullies and those who defend themselves to the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Danah Greer

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 5:38 p.m.

I think Mason's parents should contact Social Services, and perhaps the juvenile authorities. Any time a parent has to take their child to emergency, only to have him return to school for the same abuse from the same kid; Legal action should be taken immediately. The bully should be removed from the school, not the abused child. Some kind of lawsuit should be filed against the Lincoln School District, and the abusers parents. Don't tell me they don't know!!

Sally

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 5:28 p.m.

THIS IS A LONG STANDING PROBLEM EVERYWHERE!!!!I to have a beautiful wonderful at the time 6 year old young child that was bullied over 16 documented times plus by the same boy. My son followed the rules and stated he signed the bully contract was not going to break the rules.The first day of school your child is given a bullying contract by the principal in auditorium.The finale was a letter handed to me. That my son was punched in the face "just a baby tooth knocked out "and "a permanent one" Oh a split open chin". I was not called one coming in damaged. His chin split open!It was too late to stitch. I finally made a police report the school principal never commented. The police officer never followed up.I involved the Federal Government the State everyone. My son the victim was not allowed to eat in the lunchroom, recess etc. The principal decided my son would not be allowed in the yearbook.I was told I had to pick him up at lunch or he had to eat with the teachers I felt bullied I went to 6 meetings and no parents showed no show no show, excuse after excuse from Ann Arbor Public School The Superintendent didn't care. I called my son in everyday for failing to provide a safe learning environment. i began homeschooling him, consoling to put him back together that is how traumatizing these blows are I as a parent was bullied by this so called No- bullying tolerated program that I found out does not exist.His new principal Naomi is on it 24-7. You really don't see any of that going on it's amazing. I hope that all parents come together and this stops. It starts with a bunch of gossiping lazy workers and Principals that make 160,000 plus a year doing nothing but bullying themselves to us the parents with here lazy excuses.I would also like to see CPS services step in when a child continually does acts inappropriate and the home investigated.after 5-6 years of age if this is not nip in the bud this child will end up in our systems. State data base and merit system against principals, permanent pupil records and dock of pay if situations are not followed to the T. No child will be left behind ( a Law ) well there are 1000's of home schooled children with Washtenaw County alone.For the ones that have taken their lives my heart goes out to those families also. This is a serious situation and it is no different from criminal activity to strip one of one's innocence.So if the Police can't handle the time. The administrative staff, teachers a were welcoming, caring and committed His teacher Josh (Priceless) young but oh so wise in helping my son in his recovery. I hope you all take time out of your lives to get to know your children speak to them daily and have that bond. When I took my son to school he would say momma am I gonna be alright today? No! I don't lie to children like the teacher, Principal and bully Jerry did with his I am sorry letters That my child I carried and gave birth too and I entrusted you with and you lied you failed!The Principal has now sent messages to say hi to my son which I found totally inappropriate bully Principal.Upon enrolling him his records were all found erased he never attended any school?HMMM that funny have all the letters, school Id school pictures, homework. Letters and report cards but he never went to school.Well he does now!!!!

grye

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 5:11 p.m.

Ghost: I like it. You seem to be advoating: when enough is enough, a good thump on the nose may solve the problem. Shouldn't be the first answer to the issue but also shouldn't be discaded as a possibility.

luckykash

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 5:08 p.m.

My niece had to leave Lincoln because of issues with another student. The school (Lynn Cleary) was aware of it. She never did graduate.

Alan Benard

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 5:05 p.m.

Permitting Greggy_D to advocate physical violence between students is an encouragement to violate every school districts' regulations, and the law. That AnnArbor.com permits such speech on its pages identifies it as part of the problem, junk culture which appeals to the lowest-commond-denominator in search of page views for advertisers. We need a better newspaper.

ladydi

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 4:32 p.m.

@nekm1 - I'm starting to think you must be the parent of a bully! For your information, I've been happily married for 15 years and everyone in my family is accountable for their own actions. My tax dollars pay for my son's public education, and, while he is in their care, I expect him to be safe and learn so that when he becomes an adult, he doesn't feel the need to attack people on A2.com! P.S. My screen name has nothing to do with Diana, so take your ball and go home!

ypsineighbor

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 4:29 p.m.

Retiredteacher wrote: "Sp buulys, thugs & whatever you want to call them are bused in & we pay for it." Schools of Choice allows participating school districts to turn down applicants with a history of disciplinary problems. And I understand Superintendent Cleary regularly does so.

nekm1

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 4:24 p.m.

ladydi, you are exactly what is WRONG with our system these days. Push everything off onto someone else to deal with it. How about the Parents deal with it (that is if there are parents -plural- and I am guessing only one). How old is the "bullied" child? He doesn't know the name of the bullying kid? You couldn't find out who the parents are? It is the administrations responsibility? put on your "grownup pants" and take some responsibility. Even your name screams not being responsible (did Lady Di put her life in jeopardy because of her lifestyle, or is the the FAULT of the media following her get-a-way car?)

ladydi

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 4:13 p.m.

@nekm1 - I'm curious to know what school district YOU graduated from to make such an uneducated comment. When our children are at school, the school is responsible for their safety. And, how are we supposed to know how to contact other parents - for privacy reasons, the school isn't going to give out phone numbers.

dading dont delete me bro

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 4:13 p.m.

i feel for the boy and his parents. i have two in lincoln schools and they both love it. HOWEVER, how can you confront the other kid's parent(s)? i'd be livid at the school's administration. you have proof that SOMETHING happened. the hospital's diagnosis is a concussion. yes, this concussion happened somehow, but HOW? are you sure it was 'that' kid (the bully?) unless the teacher, other playground supervisors, or a video camera spotted it, it's 'your word vs their word'. how can you confront the alleged bully's parent(s) via word vs word? i've put my foot in my mouth more than once, so i am speaking from experience. i would be asking the school administration for answers. put the burden on them. they are responsible to safely watch your kids when in their possession. g'day

nekm1

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 4:03 p.m.

Since when is the school responsible for raising your kid? How about you contact the other parents and tell them to parent their kids. Whatever happened to responsibilty as a parent? Maybe, just maybe, the kid being bullied isn't helping his cause. Maybe, just maybe, the kid is a bad egg himself? Not enough info here. Also, how about we let teachers teach?

Atticus F.

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 3:39 p.m.

It would be dangerous to punch a bully in the face who is bigger and stronger than you. However, a black belt stands a better chance of defending themselves against a larger aggresor than a child with absolutly no training. Martial arts teach children self respect, respect for others, self control, and self confidence. Not to mention being good exercise. There are also martial arts programs that teach children how to deal with bullies, that use violence ONLY as a last resort.

retiredteacher

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 3:34 p.m.

Well that is one of many reasons the more "traditional" teachers have retired or quit. The concept of SOC is IMMORAL. we in Augusta stupidly vote millages for this gulag. Sp buulys, thugs & whatever you want to call them are bused in & we pay for it. we 2 things we need to do. 1) vote out anyone from school board who has ever been on it, & refuse to elect anyone with a financial involvement to school. 3) stop SOC, you don't reside in augusta, you don't go to school here. Since when did school districts stop being LOCAL? 3)yeas I said 2. but THE MILLAGES. no more until the school system returns to augusta totally. If it is not safe (& I know it is not) then clean it up with massive firings or shut it down & we'll start a bunch of private schools. I'll work in one of those.

81wolverine

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 3:14 p.m.

I agree with Ghost and the others who promote a non-violent solution to bullying. And this has nothing to do with being "weak" or "soft" or unwilling to stand up for yourself. It has everything to do with preventing a child or adult from mentally and physically abusing another human being. When spineless school administrators turn their backs to it, they are effectively saying it's fine for one student to violate the rights of, and hurt another student with no repercussions. I perfectly understand and agree with any parent who would want to move their child to another school when their efforts to solve the problem have reached a brick wall with the school district. It's just sad to me because the school system in this case is NOT dealing with the problem which will ensure it will continue to happen.

Life in Ypsi

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 3:03 p.m.

I too have a child at Lincoln who is being bullied. She's in high school and a girl who has been in many fights who comes from out of district (but uses a relatives in indistrict address) continues to harass and shove my child. She continues to challenge my child for a fight. My child does not engage her because she doesn't want to be suspended too. The zero tolerance policies work against the victim because both parties get suspended. We are an out of district family and I chose this school district after an awful so called education in another district. My child doesn't want me to contact the principal out of fear she won't be able to attend the school anymore. I just don't know where to go from here. I'm strongly considering just going right to the police and file a report.

cinnabar7071

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 2:27 p.m.

Greg lets hope Ghost's wife never has to face that, doesn't sound like it would end well for her. My God defend yourselves or someone else will be eating your lunch for the rest of your lives, your choice.

Greggy_D

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 2:19 p.m.

So Ghost, hypothetically if you arrived home and a criminal was in the process of assaulting your wife....how would you respond? Would you talk to the criminal? Would you sue the criminal hoping that he stops? Or would you respond physically in order to defend her?

bunnyabbot

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 2:13 p.m.

@greek god. it DOES NOT take a village to raise children, it does however take a village to not put up with lazy parenting. The parents of the agresser should be stepping up and asking the school what kind of resources are available to them to help them deal with their childs issues if they have exhausted the means to be able to help him themselves.

M. South

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 2:12 p.m.

I had the same problem in the A2 school system. I wound up moving my son to a private school at $3600 a year. Try pressing charges against the bully. That would be more effective than dealing with the school system.

Greggy_D

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 2:12 p.m.

"It takes policies of zero tolerance, " Don't even get me started on zero tolerance. This removes all common sense from the equation as well as all authority/accountability from those who need to make decisions.

Killroy

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 2:06 p.m.

It is a double edged sword, right? If we demand that our kids defend themselves against bullies and fight to protect themselves, then we are in fact saying that the bully doesn't deserve a second chance and we then readily accept violence in our schools! My son takes self defense courses not to protect him from bullies, but from adults. In this instances as well, it appears that all the school employees, the bully's parents, have failed the victim and aggressor. Folks, it take a village! It takes policies of zero tolerance, but most of all it takes love and counseling to assist our kids in overcoming anxiety and abuse that seems to be starting at home and manifesting itself in our schools. Parents and school administrators need to meet.

bunnyabbot

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 2:03 p.m.

while bullying is a hot topic now it is not the whole issue b/t these two boys. These boys are in kindergarten, so they are only five and six years old. As the mother pointed out she understands that the boy who has pushed her son on more than one occasion has behavioral issues and isn't mad at him, nor with the teacher, she is upset with the school. However, personally, I don't think a six year old agressor can understand the concept of what bullying is. Perhaps the boy with behavioral issues needs more time spent with him to help him formulate how to communicate his feelings, how to get along with others etc without outbursts. But I do see that if it is just ignored it could continue and can effect the whole classroom enviorment for the other students which is not fair to anyone, the kid will just move on to the next kid to terrorize. Addionally, the aggressor and not the victim should be removed from the situation first.

glimmertwin

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 2 p.m.

From the advice here, it sounds like we are raising a bunch of run and hide children. They will grow up to be run and hide adults. Too bad you can't invest in a "criminal" ETF or stock. It sounds like criminals that plan on victimizing people are going to have bounty of victims that just "want to talk".

robyn

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 1:50 p.m.

@ Ghost: My 10 year old has a saying - "You may think you want to hurt me, but I will defend myself. You may win but I guarantee that you will NEVER want to fight me again." Even at the age of 10 he knows that he will not always win, what he does know is more important and that is the fact that he can defend himself and he doesn't have to let anyone hurt him. In that aspect, he's already won.

robyn

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 1:40 p.m.

The schools can only do so much. They can pull the parents in and discuss the problem with them, they can boot the kid out of school for a period of time. Unfortunately - that does not address the far bigger issue of what is going on in that child's home that causes or allow a child to behave in such a manner. While our kids should be safe at school - they are there to learn. On one hand parents will not allow a school to punish their child - yet on the other - the parents expect the school to 'parent' their children. You can't have it both ways. While the school does assume partial responsibility for what takes place while our kids are in their care/under their supervision. PARENTS are fully responsible no matter where their child is. Parents set the rules and boundaries within the home - and those should be the foundation of the limits that the child abides by everywhere. As far as suing the parents of a bully - if the behavior continues and your child is injured - I would not think twice about tking that step if the parents continue to ignore the situation. People like that will only ignore it until it affects them - financially. They will have a much more difficult time turning their head to their child's actions when those actions have financial repercussions. They start paying a lot more attention at that point.

ypsineighbor

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 1:29 p.m.

My heart goes out to the parents involved and I hope the situation is amicably resolved. To Lincoln's credit, discipline and bullying are goal 5 in their 5 year strategic plan. Perhaps the plan needs to be better monitored or reviewed. http://lincoln.k12.mi.us/vnews/display.v/SEC/District%20Administration|Strategic%20Plan I am uncertain how it came to be that a single case of bullying is published in the AA News. Lincoln lacks any real media/press relations function, unlike Ypsi and AA, so maybe that has something to do with it. It begs the question of how this is newsworthy at all.

RuralMom

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 1:23 p.m.

Right on Robyn! Also when it gets this far, why can't the offender be charged with assault? I realize our Law Enforcement has other more heinous crimes to attend to, however why can't the parents file a report with the Police and then if there isn't appropriate action by the schools and offenders parents, have the offender charged.

Buster W.

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 1:19 p.m.

@Robyn...Amen!

Buster W.

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 1:18 p.m.

@EDG.."As for school bullying, there are almost always other alternatives, up to the point where the school and the children's parents get their pants sued off." Yeah, let's just sue everybody, tie up the courts and raise our taxes. The only winners would be the attorney$. Great solution.

robyn

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 1:15 p.m.

My husband and I have taught our kids to stand up for themselves (and for other kids if they are being picked on). We have told them that we will back them up 100% if they ever have to physically defend themselves. While we have a zero tolerance policy in our home against hitting or bullying - we also want our kids to have the means to defend themselves too. A concussion is a bit too late, telling your child that he or she must stand there and 'take it' if another kid is physically assaulting them is wrong. You can teach your child how to defend themself without telling them - or teaching them - that you have to beat someone up. There are different types of self defense courses that teach a person how to defend/restrain without violence and these methods can be very effective. My kids also know that verbal bullying is not the same as physical bullying... And reacting to verbal bullying physically is a no-go. It's probably more psychologically damaging for a child to not believe that they can stand up for or protect themself and know that their parents will back them up if they do than the damage a bully can do to them. combine the bully factor with the 'ya just have to take it' thought process and you have a child that has no confidence or self worth. A child that can't set boundaries as far as what they will allow others to impose upon them. Teaching your children to defend themselves and allowing them to do it if it becomes necessary is not teaching them to be violent - it is teaching them that they do not have to accept the violence of others toward them. Under any circumstances.

Top Cat

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 1:01 p.m.

One more reason that parents need affordable choices for their children's education including the ability to opt out of government unionized education.

Lori

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 12:51 p.m.

The real problem: - no one will take ownership. Parents of the bully are not taking responsibility for their child misbehaving. The school not taking responsibility for providing a safe learning environment. It is not illegal to move the problem child to a different classroom and instruct him not to go near the other child during recess. If he does, suspend or give him detention. repeated offenses should lead to expulsion. Plain and simple!

Greggy_D

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 12:49 p.m.

"Telling your child to hit back is making the problem bigger and likely creating a new bully who has learned that fear and violence gets them what they want. And, best of all, they have their parents' assent to practicing fear and violence." So appeasing this bully is your solution? If memory serves me correctly, appeasement didn't work in Europe during the 1930's.

ladydi

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 12:46 p.m.

My son attends Redner Elem. and has been bullied by a female student that attends the LMA (Lincoln Multi-Age). Both children attend the same before/after school daycare and the bullying occurs on the bus, where the female child was in the role of Bus Safety! After continued bruises on his legs and fingernail marks on his arms, I took pictures and emailed the person in charge of the buses, the principal at LMA, the person in charge of assigning children to bus safety roles, the principal at Redner and his teacher at Redner. I reminded them that I was aware of the Zero Tolerance Bullying rule and everyone acted IMMEDIATELY! She was removed from her role as a safety and given an assigned seat on the bus and was told that there would be consequences if any bullying occured again. After a couple of days, the bus driver let her sit in any seat she wanted, and she started verbally abusing my son. I wrote the same individuals again, and, there is now a new bus driver and the bullying has subsided, for now. I am very appreciative of all the professionalism that I experienced and only hope that the family involved in the incident at Model experience some sort of resolution. I do not agree with the comments encouraging our children to defend themselves, as they will be punished and the parents could be sued. We need to educate our children on kindness and conflict resolution. I always tell my son, "If I get upset with someone at work, do you think I just punch them? No, I use my words and find a solution that we can both live with." Perhaps a meeting should be called when bullying occurs that involves the children and their parents along with representatives from the school district. This could help educate the children on conflict resolution and end the bullying between the children.

glimmertwin

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 12:39 p.m.

I wonder what would be cheaper - the legal fees to sue the school or hire a body guard for the little tyke? Amazing. Let the kids duke it out and this would over with. They will be sitting at the lunch table together within a couple of days. It's only when the parents get involved that it gets ugly. Teach this kid how to stand up for himself, and the problem will solve itself.

bs

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 12:30 p.m.

A one sided story. A poor idea to begin with, AA.com, but I'm sure it will garner some page hits. Folks... how about reserving opinions until both sides are heard? Of course the school hasn't commented, this parent seems ready to sue, the district isn't going to say anything without the advice of an attorney, and, if they have any sense, they won't try this case in a forum on the internet, they will keep quiet and let the attorney do his/her job. But, hey, jump on the bandwagon... go for it.. but, to save time, could someone blame this on lazy, overpaid teachers and get that part out of the way????

noma gaedt

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 12:27 p.m.

forgot to mention my daughter was in 6th grade at the ypsi middle school.

Greggy_D

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 12:26 p.m.

Sorry Ghost...violence is OK if you are defending yourself from physical attack. My kids are smart enough to comprehend that fact and not use violence in a "first attack" scenario. Maybe the real reason bullying is on the rise is because parents are no longer teaching their kids how to defend themselves. The bullies know there will be no repercussions from either the school district or the victim. So it is Open Season on the weak.

Lovaduck

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 12:24 p.m.

The problem is not new. 50 years ago I was pushed into lockers, and bullied. My father went to the school through appropriate channels. The teacher denied that it could have happened and took it as an affront to her self. She then took it out on me for the rest of the school year and passed it on that I (not the bullies) was the troublemaker and that it came from my being a "spoiled only child" (a common attack in the '50's). The principle suggested to my Dad that I hit them (on the QT of course), but had I done so I would have been in as much trouble as the bullies. Only going to a different school in high school helped. The bullying then was not as severe as today's bullying. When it's done by athletes, the school often defends THEM since the school teams, etc. depend on them. This is a really serious issue, even today.

noma gaedt

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 12:19 p.m.

well I have to say that this happens in every school that I know. I don't condone fighting but a person can only take so much. After 3 weeks of my daughter coming home complaining a honor roll student kept picking on her and finally stabbed her in the leg with a pencil. I took my daughter to the Dr. She said I'm not going back to school. I'm afraid of what I will do. I told her I was tired of it and she was going back to school. That day she returned to school> I got a call from the school saying that my daughter was being suspended for 10 days for fighting. I went straight to the school with all of the complaints that she had come home with for the last 3 weeks. I told the principal that she would take the 3 day suspension for fighting in school but she WASN'T taking the other 7 days for defending herself. He would give her that or we would be in court with the school district trying to keep his job. Greggy D i sort of understand. she never got messed with again. PERIOD

dogpaddle

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 12:06 p.m.

Shame on Lincoln for not addressing this issue appropriately. What will it take? A law suit? It distresses me this family thinks they need to pull their child out of school and find another. Everyone has the right to a free public education and in an environment that is safe and free from harassment (bullying), fear and violence. This problem, though,is bigger than Lincoln. Tireless activists and people involved in education have been trying for over 10 years to get the state to pass an anti-bullying measure. Some narrow-minded legislators have killed it because many versions of proposed bills contain "sexual orientation". Newsflash - everyone has one. I wonder how those same legislators would feel if their kid got beat up for being perceived as a heterosexual or an asexual. We all need to flood Lansing with demands to quit stalling and pass an anti-bullying bill that includes ALL people. We have zero tolerance when it comes to weapons. Why not bullying?

ViSHa

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 12:05 p.m.

maybe this parent should call Ellen and try to embarrass the school into doing something! seriously, "bullying" has been such a hot topic lately that i am surprised by the school's lackadaisical attitude toward it. it would be interesting to know if the bullies' parents are doing anything proactive to stop the behavior.

Greggy_D

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 11:55 a.m.

@grye I agree 100% with you. What if the same situation happens at the new school that you run to? Are you going to run away again? The blame needs to be placed on the aggressor PERIOD. If the school district is only going to take action upon my child for defending themselves, then I can play the legal game also.

grye

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 11:47 a.m.

Bullying has been around for ages, be it in school, in business, or other aspects in life, and fankly it is not going to go away, no matter how much effort is put into erraticating it. Running from the bully is not the answer. Dealing with the bully will solve the problem. Taking the non-physical road is often preferred but at times, a punch in the nose is sometimes needed to solve the problem. Identifying the bully's weakness and exploiting it can be the answer. If others are told of the bully's weakness, he becomes less of an icon to others and will be taken down several notches. Running away only promotes your weaknesses. It is a shame our liberal society will put blame on the last person to attack instead of assessing the prior instances that brought the situation to its current status.

OldRUSHfan

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 11:41 a.m.

Is it possible to start a civil suit against the School District? Or sue the parents of the bully?

PaperTigerSaline

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 11:28 a.m.

It's so sad, but probably the best thing for you todo is to just find another school. Obviously, the Lincoln administration is not too concerned about dealing with this issue, and in the long run, it's probably better for your CHILD to just not have to deal with the administrators who obviously are not concerned about it. Wait until they ask for ANY millage and vote it down.

Buster W.

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 11 a.m.

@Greggy_D...Wow, I did the same exact thing when I was a sophomore in high school. I was punched and shoved almost daily by a much bigger junior as I walked by his locker. Finally, one day I said to myself 'enough is enough' and laid a right punch into him. I will never forget the surprised look on his face...he never laid a finger on me again. I tell my 10-year old to watch out for bullying and to stand up to it (even on the behalf of others).

Greggy_D

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 10:55 a.m.

"Greggy_D, so your advice would be to teach a 5 year old that he should just punch the kid in the face and that would make it all better? How does more violence solve anything? " Yes, that would be my advice especially since the district will not do anything about it. More violence you call it? I see it as self-defense and it also sends a message to the bully.

Wondering

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 10:45 a.m.

Bullying is a huge issue in our society--beginning in K-12 schools, and continuing on to universities and workplaces--often with lifelong consequences for those bullied and also for those allowed to continue bullying. Punching a bully out often only makes the bullying worse.....because bullies feel successful when they create a ruckus and draw their victims into stooping to their level. And bullies are often very adept at ensuring that the retaliation is the only part of the interaction that is observed. There are better ways to teach children to stand up to bullying than punching a bully out. I'm not familiar with any of the local karate/tae kwon do programs for children, but it seems like a "gentle giant" wearing his black belt to school might be very helpful in managing this situation.....calmly and quietly......from the high road.

Siobhan

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 10:42 a.m.

Greggy_D, so your advice would be to teach a 5 year old that he should just punch the kid in the face and that would make it all better? How does more violence solve anything? We live in the Lincoln district and my 5 year old son was going to be starting kindergarten at Model this year until we decided to do school of choice so we he could go to Ann Arbor schools. Our decision was mostly based on academic reasons but seeing this I'm very happy that he is not at Model. There are bullies at every school but it's how the school handles it that makes a difference. I live five minutes from Lincoln but instead I drive 20 minutes to the west side of Ann Arbor to take my son to school. This just reinforces that I'm doing the right thing for my child. I hope this little boy's parents can find somewhere safe for their child to attend school. If it's this bad at the kindergarten level I can't even imagine how much worse it could get by the time they hit high school.

girlhunter

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 10:32 a.m.

I have 2 childern that are in Lincoln schools.. My Freshman was bullied earlier this year..by a girl who told her that she should go and Kill herself and make everyones life 10,000 times better. When this was brought to the attention to the powers that be.. only one administarer was willing to deal with it.Even the parent of this little girl could not belive what was going on. The councler at the high school told my daughter to "forgive" this girl and it would go away. My daughter looked at the councler and said.. who do you think your dealing with? she told me to kill myself and you are telling me to forgive her?" so much for protecting the student! If I could get my kids to MIlan.. that is where they would be.. Maybe Lincoln should spend the $2500.00 on Bullying projects, and not paying to become a AAA schools!

glimmertwin

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 9:34 a.m.

Yet another black eye for an inferior school district. Unfortunately, I believe moving the child to another class may not do it. Recess is shared by classrooms. Not all classrooms all the time, but my kids shared playground time with other kids. I would have to say, especially since this child is supposedly a "gentle giant", that it's time for his dad to teach him how to defend himself. Sorry, but it's a fact of life. Those that allow themselves to be victims, will continue to be victims. Even kindergartners.

Tammy Mayrend

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 9:32 a.m.

A friend of mine with a Lincoln middle schooler had problems getting bullying to stop as well - They went elsewhere for high school to avoid further incident. It's sad that this is becoming such an epidemic.

L'chaim

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 9:29 a.m.

So much for local control of schools. Parents and workers seem to have no real way of addressing what's happening in classrooms and board rooms. Telling your kid to fight at school is bad advise, as rational as it seems in life. Organizing parents, students and others to pack Board of Ed meetings until the situation is resolved is the best, most proactive and empowering way to move forward.

A2K

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 8:36 a.m.

Heh...the problem with telling your kids to "fight" the bully, is: 1. the bully's parents may sue YOU, as they usually have self-righteous/loser/anger-issues 2. Your son/daughter will get seriously hurt.3. Suspension of your son/daughter.

ViSHa

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 8:34 a.m.

i would recommend pleading your case to South Arbor Academy or get on their waiting list. and @ greggy _d, that may have worked in the past, but i bet if you tried it today, your family would be hit with a lawsuit and YOU would be the one expelled from school.

Greggy_D

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 8:16 a.m.

Whatever happened to teaching your child to defend themselves? I was also bullied as a child. One day I had enough and landed a right hook against the bully's head. From that point on, I had absolutely no trouble from him. Bullies only pick on those that they think will not fight back.

Momma G

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 8:10 a.m.

Our grandson had problems with a student last year at a different Lincoln elementary school. He is now on a waiting list for a charter school. I know AA received a number of Lincoln students thru SOC this year. Evidently the Supt. doesn't care if they lose money from students leaving. Get these bullying students help before it's too late.

emu2009

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 8:05 a.m.

I agree that this is a long standing problem with Lincoln Schools. My children have experienced bullying on the school buses for the past 2 years. When you try and solve it through the appropriate channels you are constantly brushed off and if you persist, then your child becomes the "problem." I will say that my children haven't experienced this problem in their school, Brick. It has only occurred on the buses. The drivers aren't sufficiently trained to handle large groups of children and are overwhelmed much of the time. The problems with Lincoln are with the people who are higher up in the district. I too tried to get in contact with the superintendent and NONE of my calls were returned and I was actually told at one point by her secretary that my call would probably never be returned. Whenever dealing with them DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT! I can't stress this enough! I will say that we never had any issues at Model and the teachers there were WONDERFUL. Lincoln has seemed to have high turnover with their principals, its been hard to keep track at times. I wish you luck and whatever you do, don't back down. Go to the board meetings and speak your piece, especially when they won't listen otherwise.

TaxPayer

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 7:30 a.m.

I feel very bad for this family, this child. I am no expert but I wonder how the "school of choice" (SOC)affects these districts and this particular topic (bullying). Is the school overcrowded? Are the teachers overwhelmed? From dealing with a bully in a different school district, my experience was this young lady who was bullying my child was a SOC child. She transfered to our district because she couldn't go back to the district she lived in. I hope Lincoln finds a solution for this family and KUDOS to the mother for being her child's biggest advocate.

Angil Tarach-Ritchey RN, GCM

Mon, Nov 29, 2010 : 7:05 a.m.

This is a long standing problem at Lincoln Schools. My son was injured in 3 unprovoked incidents where he was bullied by students until the 3rd incident when he left in an ambulance, requiring plastic surgery to his face and surgery on his arm. It took a huge toll on him and our family with Lincoln denying any wrong doing and actually tried to say my son was the dangerous one, even though the 2nd incident resulted in court charges for assault on that student. The administration claimed the last and most serious injury was an accident. I say take your son elsewhere now! You will experience nothing but grief and problems since you are a vocal parent, like I was. We battled for a safe education for over a year, represented by a wonderful attorney, and Student Advocacy. I could've never gotten through it all without their support, and still had to move my son to a safe school. Our experience in the Ypsilanti Schools was far superior to Lincoln! The administrative staff, teachers and athletic coaches were welcoming, caring and committed to helping my son recover from the Lincoln nightmare. Subsequently the damage was too much and my son left school without graduating. I know of more incidents like this with other kids and families at Lincoln. I have lost touch with other families who came to me at the time we went through all this, because this happened 7 years ago, but I hope those kids and families do not continue to be affected the way we still are. I do recommend writing the State Board of Education, even though they did nothing in our case. They need to be aware of this continuing problems in the Lincoln School District. Student Advocacy in Ann Arbor is an amazing organization that works tirelessly on behalf of students to receive an adequate and safe education. You may want to contact them for recommendations. I really wish your son and your family well, and hope you will heed my advice and move him to a safe and caring school district.