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Local student says she was bullied at school
Posted: 10.14.2008 at 11:09 PM
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School is supposed to be a safe place for kids to learn. But one mother questions her daughter's safety at Caughman Road Elementary.

She e-mailed WACH FOX News saying, "My daughter was attacked by a 10-year-old. Her attacker took a jacket and choked my daughter, then tried to stick my daughter's head in the toilet. After my daughter screamed to stop, her attacker squeezed her hard and took her to the sink where she tried to stick her head in it as well. I am afraid and concerned that they [meaning school officials] will allow her to come back and the safety of my daughter (and any other student) will be in question."

A fearful 9-year-old girl talks about the day she was bullied, "I didn't want her to do it again because she'll make me bleed."

That's why the 9-year-old, who we'll call "Jill Smith," finally came forward and confessed this wasn't the first time it has happened.

Her mother says, "There aren't enough words to express how hurt and angry I am."

"Mrs. Smith" understands kids can say and do hurtful things, but she says this is too much.

"We try very hard to make sure that it doesn't get out of hand, but it does happen," says Principal Jane Wyatt. She tells WACH FOX News she can't legally talk about disciplinary actions for a specific student, but says physical violence can lead to an expulsion hearing based on Richland One's code of conduct.

Violence is not allowed, but Wyatt wants students to feel comfortable enough to tell someone if it does happen.

Resource Officer Trobathian Johnson goes from class to class teaching students about bullying.

"I tell them to treat someone how you want to be treated," says Johnson.

But teaching safety shouldn't end when students leave school. Principal Wyatt says parents should be involved, too. She says, "We have to all work as a team if team doesn't work together probably not going away."

By no means is bullying exclusive to Caughman Road Elementary. It happens at a lot of schools. Deputy Johnson says participating in parent-teacher meetings or calling school administrators with questions or concerns are the best ways to know how your child is doing in school.

We learned of this story from an e-mail message. If you have any questions for us... Send them to news@wach.com.

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