Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 My 9 yr old, PDDNOS, is fully included in the 4th grade. We are having MAJOR problems with some children teasing him. The things they do to him are not much different than typical children do to each other. However, a few have found his 'Meltdown' buttons and relish causing him anguish, then laughing in his face. They make sure the teachers are not watching, but this has gone on so much that all know it is happening. Several of the faculty are approaching me privately and telling me things. My questions are: Do children with a disability have any 'extra' protection against bullying than typical children? And, what would you do in my position? Being bullied in Burleson, Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 My 9 yr old, PDDNOS, is fully included in the 4th grade. We are having MAJOR problems with some children teasing him. The things they do to him are not much different than typical children do to each other. However, a few have found his 'Meltdown' buttons and relish causing him anguish, then laughing in his face. They make sure the teachers are not watching, but this has gone on so much that all know it is happening. Several of the faculty are approaching me privately and telling me things. My questions are: Do children with a disability have any 'extra' protection against bullying than typical children? And, what would you do in my position? Being bullied in Burleson, Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 Jack, have you talked with his teacher about it? It's apparent to everyone else, so why isn't the teacher taking steps to intervene? If that route doesn't end the bullying, you can write a Gebser letter. In short, you write a letter complaining that no corrective actions are being made to end discrimination against your child. That individual can be liable in a suit for monetary damages...what's different about a Gebser letter is that it puts the responsibility back on individuals, not the school district. In other words, the buck can't be passed. Go to this link to learn more about it: http://www.reedmartin.com/tenstepstoasuccessfulcomplaint.htm Best of luck. Geraldine RE: bullying; teasing My 9 yr old, PDDNOS, is fully included in the 4th grade. We are having MAJOR problems with some children teasing him. The things they do to him are not much different than typical children do to each other. However, a few have found his 'Meltdown' buttons and relish causing him anguish, then laughing in his face. They make sure the teachers are not watching, but this has gone on so much that all know it is happening. Several of the faculty are approaching me privately and telling me things. My questions are: Do children with a disability have any 'extra' protection against bullying than typical children? And, what would you do in my position? Being bullied in Burleson, Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 Jack, have you talked with his teacher about it? It's apparent to everyone else, so why isn't the teacher taking steps to intervene? If that route doesn't end the bullying, you can write a Gebser letter. In short, you write a letter complaining that no corrective actions are being made to end discrimination against your child. That individual can be liable in a suit for monetary damages...what's different about a Gebser letter is that it puts the responsibility back on individuals, not the school district. In other words, the buck can't be passed. Go to this link to learn more about it: http://www.reedmartin.com/tenstepstoasuccessfulcomplaint.htm Best of luck. Geraldine RE: bullying; teasing My 9 yr old, PDDNOS, is fully included in the 4th grade. We are having MAJOR problems with some children teasing him. The things they do to him are not much different than typical children do to each other. However, a few have found his 'Meltdown' buttons and relish causing him anguish, then laughing in his face. They make sure the teachers are not watching, but this has gone on so much that all know it is happening. Several of the faculty are approaching me privately and telling me things. My questions are: Do children with a disability have any 'extra' protection against bullying than typical children? And, what would you do in my position? Being bullied in Burleson, Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 Yes, I have spoken with his teacher (new and seems to be doing the best she can), principal, and anyone else who would listen. To make a long story short, the new teacher was stuck with all the Inclusion and behavior problem children. I have been documenting each day and sending it to the principal, but to no avail. I did not know about a Gebser letter. God bless you and thanks. Jack Jack, have you talked with his teacher about it? It's apparent to everyone else, so why isn't the teacher taking steps to intervene? If that route doesn't end the bullying, you can write a Gebser letter. In short, you write a letter complaining that no corrective actions are being made to end discrimination against your child. That individual can be liable in a suit for monetary damages...what's different about a Gebser letter is that it puts the responsibility back on individuals, not the school district. In other words, the buck can't be passed. Go to this link to learn more about it: http://www.reedmartin.com/tenstepstoasuccessfulcomplaint.htm Best of luck. Geraldine RE: bullying; teasing My 9 yr old, PDDNOS, is fully included in the 4th grade. We are having MAJOR problems with some children teasing him. The things they do to him are not much different than typical children do to each other. However, a few have found his 'Meltdown' buttons and relish causing him anguish, then laughing in his face. They make sure the teachers are not watching, but this has gone on so much that all know it is happening. Several of the faculty are approaching me privately and telling me things. My questions are: Do children with a disability have any 'extra' protection against bullying than typical children? And, what would you do in my position? Being bullied in Burleson, Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 Yes, I have spoken with his teacher (new and seems to be doing the best she can), principal, and anyone else who would listen. To make a long story short, the new teacher was stuck with all the Inclusion and behavior problem children. I have been documenting each day and sending it to the principal, but to no avail. I did not know about a Gebser letter. God bless you and thanks. Jack Jack, have you talked with his teacher about it? It's apparent to everyone else, so why isn't the teacher taking steps to intervene? If that route doesn't end the bullying, you can write a Gebser letter. In short, you write a letter complaining that no corrective actions are being made to end discrimination against your child. That individual can be liable in a suit for monetary damages...what's different about a Gebser letter is that it puts the responsibility back on individuals, not the school district. In other words, the buck can't be passed. Go to this link to learn more about it: http://www.reedmartin.com/tenstepstoasuccessfulcomplaint.htm Best of luck. Geraldine RE: bullying; teasing My 9 yr old, PDDNOS, is fully included in the 4th grade. We are having MAJOR problems with some children teasing him. The things they do to him are not much different than typical children do to each other. However, a few have found his 'Meltdown' buttons and relish causing him anguish, then laughing in his face. They make sure the teachers are not watching, but this has gone on so much that all know it is happening. Several of the faculty are approaching me privately and telling me things. My questions are: Do children with a disability have any 'extra' protection against bullying than typical children? And, what would you do in my position? Being bullied in Burleson, Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 I found this when I looked to see what a " Gebser " letter was. It was at http://www.reedmartin.com/tenstepstoasuccessfulcomplaint.htm The ten steps in making a successful complaint, as described in the Supreme Court cases of Gebser v. Lago Vista Indep. Sch. Dist. (1998) and v. Monroe County Sch. Dist. (1999) are: One, to show that you have notified a school person about the problem (we would suggest the notification be in writing-- so that you can prove the date of notification, the person who was notified, and what they were notified about). Two, you indicate that the school district (or state education agency) is a recipient of federal financial assistance. Three, you show that the person you complained to has the authority to investigate your complaint and has the authority to correct the wrong when they investigate. Four, you state what the discriminatory activity against the child was (or is, if it is still continuing). Five, you state that the school district exercises control over the site where the discrimination occurred (or is still occurring) and state that the school district exercises control over the personnel who committed the discriminatory acts (or continues to commit them). Six, you explain that the discrimination was not a single act but was severe and pervasive. Seven, you show that the discrimination excluded the student from continuing their participation in school, or denied the student the benefits of what the other students in school have access to. Eight, you indicate to the degree that you can, what you would like the school to stop doing wrong and/or what you would like the school to start doing right to stop this harm or to remediate its effects on the child. Nine, you indicate that the school district or state education agency does not have the required " grievance procedures " available to you under Section 504 (even if your child is on an IEP under the IDEA) that would allow you the " prompt and equitable resolution " of your complaint, with the result that the discrimination continued to harm the child. Ten, you state that if the recipient of your complaint letter does not investigate, or that if the recipient of your complaint letter does investigate but takes no corrective action based on their findings, or takes action but it is ineffective in ending the discrimination, that you are entitled to claim that it shows deliberate indifference to the discrimination which can make the individual liable in a suit for money damages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2003 Report Share Posted August 19, 2003 I found this when I looked to see what a " Gebser " letter was. It was at http://www.reedmartin.com/tenstepstoasuccessfulcomplaint.htm The ten steps in making a successful complaint, as described in the Supreme Court cases of Gebser v. Lago Vista Indep. Sch. Dist. (1998) and v. Monroe County Sch. Dist. (1999) are: One, to show that you have notified a school person about the problem (we would suggest the notification be in writing-- so that you can prove the date of notification, the person who was notified, and what they were notified about). Two, you indicate that the school district (or state education agency) is a recipient of federal financial assistance. Three, you show that the person you complained to has the authority to investigate your complaint and has the authority to correct the wrong when they investigate. Four, you state what the discriminatory activity against the child was (or is, if it is still continuing). Five, you state that the school district exercises control over the site where the discrimination occurred (or is still occurring) and state that the school district exercises control over the personnel who committed the discriminatory acts (or continues to commit them). Six, you explain that the discrimination was not a single act but was severe and pervasive. Seven, you show that the discrimination excluded the student from continuing their participation in school, or denied the student the benefits of what the other students in school have access to. Eight, you indicate to the degree that you can, what you would like the school to stop doing wrong and/or what you would like the school to start doing right to stop this harm or to remediate its effects on the child. Nine, you indicate that the school district or state education agency does not have the required " grievance procedures " available to you under Section 504 (even if your child is on an IEP under the IDEA) that would allow you the " prompt and equitable resolution " of your complaint, with the result that the discrimination continued to harm the child. Ten, you state that if the recipient of your complaint letter does not investigate, or that if the recipient of your complaint letter does investigate but takes no corrective action based on their findings, or takes action but it is ineffective in ending the discrimination, that you are entitled to claim that it shows deliberate indifference to the discrimination which can make the individual liable in a suit for money damages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2003 Report Share Posted August 23, 2003 Jack, Maybe this article will help. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/new/releases/bullies.cfm Bullies, Victims at Risk for Violence and Other Problem Behaviors Bullying is not just a normal, if unpleasant, part of growing up, according to Federal researchers. Rather, children who bully other children appear to be at risk for engaging in more serious violent behaviors, such as frequent fighting and carrying a weapon. .................... We too had a bullying problem last year that school didn't seem able/willing to resolve with our son who is 9. Finally got to the point that he refused to go to school and if I forced the issue, he melted down and attacked. We tried all the usual methods with no success. Anyway to shorten this, I ended up telling him, in front of the counselor, to tell the teacher or adult in charge ONE time what was happening, make sure they heard you and wait for their answer. Then if it doesn't stop, deck the other kid. Counselor went ballastic, said I couldn't tell G that. Told them I done did, and since he has autism, he won't forget it, so they better get a grip on the situation. She wanted to know what all this would accomplish, so I told her it would stop the bullying, or the principal would have to call me in everytime G hit the other kid and that would document how frequent the bullying was. This is not an approach to use just anywhere! We're in a VERY small rural school, under 850 kids Pre-K thru 12. I know the folks well and they know I have the time to come several times a day if necessary and that's the LAST thing they want. Tonya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2003 Report Share Posted August 23, 2003 Jack, Maybe this article will help. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/new/releases/bullies.cfm Bullies, Victims at Risk for Violence and Other Problem Behaviors Bullying is not just a normal, if unpleasant, part of growing up, according to Federal researchers. Rather, children who bully other children appear to be at risk for engaging in more serious violent behaviors, such as frequent fighting and carrying a weapon. .................... We too had a bullying problem last year that school didn't seem able/willing to resolve with our son who is 9. Finally got to the point that he refused to go to school and if I forced the issue, he melted down and attacked. We tried all the usual methods with no success. Anyway to shorten this, I ended up telling him, in front of the counselor, to tell the teacher or adult in charge ONE time what was happening, make sure they heard you and wait for their answer. Then if it doesn't stop, deck the other kid. Counselor went ballastic, said I couldn't tell G that. Told them I done did, and since he has autism, he won't forget it, so they better get a grip on the situation. She wanted to know what all this would accomplish, so I told her it would stop the bullying, or the principal would have to call me in everytime G hit the other kid and that would document how frequent the bullying was. This is not an approach to use just anywhere! We're in a VERY small rural school, under 850 kids Pre-K thru 12. I know the folks well and they know I have the time to come several times a day if necessary and that's the LAST thing they want. Tonya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2003 Report Share Posted August 24, 2003 Doesn't your school have a bullying policy in place? I do believe a LOT of the bullying would go away IF the child being bullied had the freedom to fight back! Bullies know that the obedient child will restrain themselves, so the bullying continues. Once the child being bullied fights back, then they can BOTH end up in alternative school. We had problems with kids in the neighborhood - some even girls - and my husband went to the families and told them it would stop or my sons were told to haul off and slug the kid smack in the face!! The expression on the parents' faces!!! We never had any problem with it again. I don't condone violince, but what you told your child was great!! I hope the situation gets resolved soon for you. > Jack, > > Maybe this article will help. > http://www.nichd.nih.gov/new/releases/bullies.cfm > Bullies, Victims at Risk for Violence and Other Problem Behaviors > Bullying is not just a normal, if unpleasant, part of growing up, according > to Federal researchers. Rather, children who bully other children appear to > be at risk for engaging in more serious violent behaviors, such as frequent > fighting and carrying a weapon. .................... > > We too had a bullying problem last year that school didn't seem able/willing > to resolve with our son who is 9. Finally got to the point that he refused > to go to school and if I forced the issue, he melted down and attacked. We > tried all the usual methods with no success. Anyway to shorten this, I > ended up telling him, in front of the counselor, to tell the teacher or > adult in charge ONE time what was happening, make sure they heard you and > wait for their answer. Then if it doesn't stop, deck the other kid. > Counselor went ballastic, said I couldn't tell G that. Told them I done > did, and since he has autism, he won't forget it, so they better get a grip > on the situation. She wanted to know what all this would accomplish, so I > told her it would stop the bullying, or the principal would have to call me > in everytime G hit the other kid and that would document how frequent the > bullying was. This is not an approach to use just anywhere! We're in a > VERY small rural school, under 850 kids Pre-K thru 12. I know the folks > well and they know I have the time to come several times a day if necessary > and that's the LAST thing they want. > > Tonya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 24, 2003 Report Share Posted August 24, 2003 Doesn't your school have a bullying policy in place? I do believe a LOT of the bullying would go away IF the child being bullied had the freedom to fight back! Bullies know that the obedient child will restrain themselves, so the bullying continues. Once the child being bullied fights back, then they can BOTH end up in alternative school. We had problems with kids in the neighborhood - some even girls - and my husband went to the families and told them it would stop or my sons were told to haul off and slug the kid smack in the face!! The expression on the parents' faces!!! We never had any problem with it again. I don't condone violince, but what you told your child was great!! I hope the situation gets resolved soon for you. > Jack, > > Maybe this article will help. > http://www.nichd.nih.gov/new/releases/bullies.cfm > Bullies, Victims at Risk for Violence and Other Problem Behaviors > Bullying is not just a normal, if unpleasant, part of growing up, according > to Federal researchers. Rather, children who bully other children appear to > be at risk for engaging in more serious violent behaviors, such as frequent > fighting and carrying a weapon. .................... > > We too had a bullying problem last year that school didn't seem able/willing > to resolve with our son who is 9. Finally got to the point that he refused > to go to school and if I forced the issue, he melted down and attacked. We > tried all the usual methods with no success. Anyway to shorten this, I > ended up telling him, in front of the counselor, to tell the teacher or > adult in charge ONE time what was happening, make sure they heard you and > wait for their answer. Then if it doesn't stop, deck the other kid. > Counselor went ballastic, said I couldn't tell G that. Told them I done > did, and since he has autism, he won't forget it, so they better get a grip > on the situation. She wanted to know what all this would accomplish, so I > told her it would stop the bullying, or the principal would have to call me > in everytime G hit the other kid and that would document how frequent the > bullying was. This is not an approach to use just anywhere! We're in a > VERY small rural school, under 850 kids Pre-K thru 12. I know the folks > well and they know I have the time to come several times a day if necessary > and that's the LAST thing they want. > > Tonya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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