Here are the pictures from out trip.
Friday, February 24, 2023
The girl who got shoved into a locker
A group of ninth grade boys had been loitering by a certain bank of lockers in between classes all year long. On numerous occasions, I directed them to move elsewhere.
Some time later, a ninth grade girl who is new to our school went to her locker along that bank and opened her locker. It was a lower locker, so she was kneeling down. The boys -- none of whom knew her -- were congregating around as they always do.
One of them, likely on a dare, jumped over her. Either his leg or foot hit her in the back, propelling her face hard into the open locker. The impact bruised her upper cheekbone and left her ear purple. Hurt and embarrassed, she got up and walked away.
When the administration found out, we took action.
I called the girl's mother to assure her that we were aware of the situation, had administered consequences, and that I could give her the contact info of our school resource officer if she wished to pursue things further.
I braced myself for her reply. So many times throughout my career parents in this situation often go berserk, accusing the school of utter incompetence, demanding to speak with my supervisor, wanting to confront the parents of the other student, speaking about getting a lawyer, and calling the news. But this mother was different.
“I don't think that will be necessary,” she said. “We're not that kind of family.” And then she paused. “We just want our daughter safe.”
She continued: “This event has actually been a blessing for our daughter. When word got out that she was the girl who had been pushed into the locker, several students reached out to her and befriended her. Before this incident, she only had acquaintances at this school. Now she has friends. It has been a blessing.”
I was amazed at the mother's response. I was reminded once again about the power of forgiveness.
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