Theresa Marchetta, Investigative Reporter for Denver ABC-TV station, KMGH-TV reports on the response of the principal of Roxborough Intermediate School, Douglas County, Colorado to a serious case of bullying. “Irene Rockwell reports that her 6th grade daughter, who had been a peer mentor, choir member, A+ student and student body representative, was made to sit in the hallway so she could hear the lessons while the bully was allowed to remain in the classroom.”
“That was four months ago and until the investigative broadcast, nothing was done to remove the bully from school even though there were many further incidents.”
“The Rockwells said they were in constant contact with Ashley’s teacher, school principal Rick Kendall and other school officials, as the bullying continued. Yet all along, the Rockwells said Kendall allowed the bully to remain in the same class with Ashley.”
"[Ashley] was sitting outside her class for almost 30 percent of the day hearing instruction because she could not sit in class without being tormented and harassed by this kid," Rockwell said.
“Rockwell read the instructions her daughters received from the school, Ashley and Victoria will sit on the north side of the cafeteria and will sit so she is facing the north wall."
“Soon, Rockwell said, the situation escalated from verbal assaults to physical threats. My husband and I talked about it and quickly decided we'd be calling the police the next day, Rockwell said.”
If you find this hard to believe, see the video and read the article. Of course, when principals like Mr. Kendall don’t stop bullies, the bullying and violence increases.
Obviously the principal has not resolved the situation effectively. Why does the target have to be the one to make all the adjustments and the bully get away with the harassment, taunting, abuse and bullying?
The Rockwells will have to work hard to keep their daughter’s spirits up. Principal Kendall’s approach makes the targeted children feel helpless and that their situation is hopeless. It starts them down the path to being victims for life. It destroys self-confidence and self-esteem. It stimulates anxiety, stress, guilt, negativity and self-mutilation. It starts children toward isolation, depression and suicide.
Whatever Mr. Kendall’s reasons, excuses and justifications, would you want to pay him to be responsible for your child’s safety? I wouldn’t.
Oh yes. Remember that the Colorado legislature is now considering a bill to raise public and private funds to educate teachers in how to stop bullies and bullying. I strongly support the measure, but it’s a drop in the bucket. It doesn’t require principals like Mr. Kendall and school district administrators to stop bullies. And there are no penalties for principals like Mr. Kendall who allow bullies to continue attacking our children.
If your children are the targets of bullies and school officials who aren’t protecting them, you need to take charge. With expert coaching and consulting, we can become strong and skilled enough to overcome principals and other officials who won’t do what’s right. We can plan tactics that are appropriate to us and to the situation.
“How to Stop Bullies in Their Tracks” and “Parenting Bully-Proof Kids,” have many examples of children and adults commanding themselves and then stopping bullies. For more personalized coaching call me at 877-8Bullies (877-828-5543).