His first year at Pleasant Valley Intermediate (4th grade) has been very challenging. Probably one of the worst school years so far. And part of that involves some of the kids who are turning into bullies.

There is one boy that has been distracting him for over a month now – Lucas. The boy is not in his class, but in a nearby 4th grade class. Something happened during recess where Lucas took the balls Ryan and his friends were playing with. Ever since then, Lucas makes it a point to say something mean to Ryan anytime he sees him. During lunch has been especially hard. The boy sits at another nearby table and always says things to Ryan that make him upset.

Ryan wants to fight him. But he knows he’d get in trouble at school, and here at home we’re trying to teach him alternatives to fighting and the reasons why fights usually don’t solve problems. But i understand his feelings. I totally get it, because I was in the same position many times at school. Difference being Ryan is willing to stand up for himself. I wasn’t. And that I am super proud of.

The teachers and guidance counselor Mrs. Romanisko seem to have a ‘hands off’ approach. In a meeting, she told Ryan the past is in the past, that it won’t happen again, and to just move on. But how can Ryan move on if this boy continues to pester him?

As of today (March 1, 2018), this still isn’t resolved. Yesterday I wrote yet another email to the counselor asking for further action. I also spoke with Nicole, the counselor who comes to the school once in a while, who will hopefully meet with Ryan and discuss it with him.

Sorry you’re dealing with this Ryan. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and to speak up. You will ALWAYS have a voice.  Love you dude