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Bullying.
Sure, it’s the age. Many of us put up with it in our school years. When it comes to being attacked by a gang there is another name for it: assault.
When you walk in to Floyd C. Fretz Middle School in Bradford you will immediately see posters against bullying. Impossible to miss, they’re posted right outside the glass enclosed office. Ask any Fretz student and they’ll tell you, that as far as it goes, posters.
On February 14, 2005 the Bradford Area School Board adopted the following policy:
249. BULLYING
The Bradford Area School District is committed to providing a safe and productive learning environment within its schools. Bullying of a student by another student is strictly prohibited on school property, in school buildings, on school buses, and at school-sponsored events and/or activities whether occurring on or off campus. The Board of Education shall require the prohibition of bullying along with the range of possible intervention activities and/or sanctions for such misconduct to be included in the district Procedure Manual… [Full Text]
This revision to policy was meant to send a message to students and school staff alike. The Bradford Area School District was recognizing that bullying had a significant effect on students and the schools were to take it seriously. Apparently the message didn’t get through to the staff at Fretz. Bullying, including physical assault is still a way of life there.
In 2005 my son was viciously assaulted by a group of Fretz students. The assault began in front of the school in view of the principal, and continued for three blocks. Fortunately an adult passing in his car stopped and aided my son. Charges were filed against the boys. Fretz staff assured us this would be taken seriously. The boys were “suspended” for three days according to policy. After two days they were back in school. I was assured privately that the old principal was retiring and that “things would change”.
Fast forward to today. A group of girls surrounded a female student right in front of the glass enclosed office while classes were changing. None of the office staff saw anything. The ring leader physically attacked the victim, who successfully defended herself. She went into the office to report the incident, as she has on each occasion these girls have harassed her.
The incident was referred to the Vice Principal, Mr. Benson. He “began an investigation”, but was busy with other duties which he attended to. The parents weren’t notified of the assault. As to the bully, Benson said that “law enforcement was involved.” When pressed as to whom he had notified about the assault Benson admitted that he hadn’t notified anyone. The bottom line, according to Benson is, “We have 270 students, and there’s only so much we can do”.
People who wander into dark alleys at night shouldn’t be surprised if they are attacked. Children who attend Fretz Middle School should be able to attend without fear of being attacked and harassed every day. Especially when they have reported the incidents to the school officials who are supposed to protect them.
Charges will be filed by the parents over this latest incident. They weren’t filed before because Fretz officials told them this would be dealt with.
The School Board has stated the policy that is supposed to be filed. The Police will do their part too. But nothing will really change until Fretz officials decide to take the District’s Anti-bullying policy seriously.
As parents, we can’t go to school each day to protect our kids. When will the Fretz staff realize we entrust the safety of our children to them? How can a student concentrate on school when they are afraid to change classes?
It’s time they realized there is more to an anti-bullying policy that putting a poster on the wall.
