I am a resident of Jefferson County, West Virginia. I was born, raised and have lived here my whole life. I recently read an article in our local newspaper, The Journal, titled: "In Search Of Answers" - "Parents concerned with school district’s response to complaints." I was very angered and saddened to hear that this was still happening 20 plus years after the same thing happened to me on a bus, with very little change in the outcome. It is a vicious cycle that continues to play over and over, and will countinue until change happens, let's break the cycle!
This is a life changing event that someone decided to force upon another and will forever have a lasting effect. We as parents, students, classmates and school personnel, need to make a stand and work together. These acts of bullying, sexual and physical assaults need to be dealt with and not just swept under the rug. Much of this could be prevented if prior actions were taken within the schools, this needs to be a joint effort made by everyone coming together.
We should feel some kind of security in sending our children off to school, yet they are the ones that seemingly have to protect themselves. I'm hearing that if they have to stand up for themselves, then they are the ones that get punished for doing so. Our children should not have to just stand there and take it. I do not believe that fighting will solve the solution, but standing up for yourself is a completely different story. We are in need of a big change in the School System (B.O.E); and the rules and regulations that govern our county schools.
As I said, this has been ongoing for years. I was also extremely bullied and also sexually abused on a bus over twenty years ago. The events were reported to the school, yet no action was ever taken.
These acts are very serious and are not pleasant to hear. But they do happen and will continue to happen. We need to make a stand and give our hard working teachers and bus drivers more ability to make more actions and help them stand behind their actions and their abilities to act.
In 2007, prior to my second pregnancy with twins, I decided to apply to Jefferson County Schools Transit System as a Bus Driver to supplement my families income. I went through all my training and was certified in 2008. I was a substitute driver and I was blown away by the lack of control I had on the bus and the over-whelming responsibilities and duties. I felt as if my hands were tied, I was against the odds.
I'm also very sad to say, that dealing with the behavior of some of our children, mostly middle school aged, was not at all easy. They were very creative in their word choices and actions towards me as a driver. Here I am, a grown adult and I felt like I was back being bullied in school. So I have seen it through the eyes of our bus drivers and have walked a mile in their shoes.
I have seen both sides, neither which are easy or acceptable to say the least, but something has to give. Regarding the children that are making these horrible decisions, they need to be held accountable for their action regardless of whom they are related. And, classmates, if you know or even think that something is going to happen, tell a parent, a teacher or someone within the school that you trust. As parents we need to become more aware and talk more with our children, get inside their heads and see the real picture. It is amazing how many sexual acts, both consensual and non-consensual, are happening while our children are under the eyes of our schools. There is a good chance that they will not tell you unless you dig deep within them.
As of today, I have four children, three that attend our public schools. I now transport my children to their school and will do so as long as I am able. It is not because I do not trust our bus drivers but because I feel the system does not work for either party, teachers included.
I feel this is will not be a quick resolve and will take the efforts of all involved. I do applaud those parents that have and continue to step forward for their children. I believe, if we as parents are aware of the actions happening, good or bad, to our children, we can make things different for them and the outcome of their well-being. But, we also need to be heard and not taken for granted by those who can help the most, The School Board (B.O.E).
The Answer Is Within Us, Lets Step Out Of The Shadow Together.
Dana Hunt-Me
