Farewell, San Francisco USD

[RandySF]

We tried. We really did. We enrolled our son at the local public school for kindergarten because we believed in the concept of the neighborhood school. We volunteered every chance we got for the regular student body and after-school program. We love our teacher who cares deeply for her kids and we love most of the kids and parents. But from the beginning of the school year right up to this point, administrators have been unwilling and unable to do anything about a small but significant core of students who bully my son (among others) and make it their mission to disrupt class. The principal is a foot-dragger who refuses to address issues until you go directly to the school board. The after school was a blessing and the best part of his day, but it was too small a portion to justify continuing to send him there.

SFUSD claims to have a anti-bullying policy, but their solutions based of "social and restorative" justice guarantee that the school day will be dominated by those who have no interest in learning or getting along with others, and the rights of others come second. So, we reached the VERY painful conclusion that a local parochial school will provide the environment the kid needs to focus on working in class without having someone grabbing it away, damaging it and coming back the next day to do it again. Yes, kids have a right to an education, but it should not supersede the rights of those who want to learn. SFUSD doesn't grasp this concept, so we are bidding them adieu.

[CreekDog]

1. does this have anything to do with not wanting the teachers to strike?

and their solidly pro-strike 1st vote just days ago?

as you mentioned about a week ago when we were posting about a potential strike?

[RandySF]

3. This has nothing to do with the strike.

It has everything to do with kids being disciplined when they defend themselves while bullies get the run of the place.

[RandySF]

6. I should also mention

the teachers at the school are as frustrated as we are. One of the worst bullies in my son's grade punched his pregnant teacher at the beginning of the school year. But their hands are tied by the principal and district.

[CreekDog]

7. but SFUSD does expel/suspend students

it sounds like they aren't in this case, but it sounds like your post is saying they don't expel or suspend.

but they do.

i'm not understanding.

[RandySF]

8. It's not happening at our school.

The district has a policy of "restorative justice" so suspension is a last resort, and no matter what measures they do take, the same kids keep doing the same things.

[elleng]

2. Sorry you have to, but glad you are.

[riderinthestorm]

4. My niece is a HS senior and has been bullied her entire school career. Nothing my sister did worked

She's not going to her high school graduation because she doesn't have a single friend there. She's vowed to NEVER enter another classroom again in her life and I believe her. She's had counseling but I'm not sure these scars will ever heal.

I tried to get my sister to move my niece out of this school district but she kept on thinking her daughter would finally find a way to integrate. She never did.

You are making the right choice and I completely support your decision. Some (many? most?) school systems are simply not prepared to address bullying and solve the problem. Do what you must to protect your child and get them out.

So sorry this is happening to you...

[RandySF]

5. It's possible another public elementary school will be better.

But he might be eligible for a scholarship, and we want to pursue it.

[JDPriestly]

10. If you are Catholic, it will probably work out.

But I have to warn parents who are not Catholic about sending their child to a Catholic school. Some of those schools really put pressure on a child to become Catholic. This happened to one of my daughters in a Catholic kindergarten. At five, she came home and told me about a theological discussion she had with the nun in her kindergarten. Apparently my little five-year-old had held her own quite well, but I know of at least one other case of a teenager who ended up quite confused due to the fact that he was attending a Catholic school and learning a different theology at home.

That's my only cautionary word. Just be sure that your child's religious training will be consistent at school and at home.

[mahina]

9. I had to do the same,

will always fight for public education but I won't stand aside when my only kid is bullied.

By a teacher.

Adios, kealoha.