Half day

      Today is a half day of school.  I think this is a good thing for my kids.  See, on Wednesday at school my special needs son was physically punched out by another student.  This person my son named is also a special needs student.  

       The student who allegedly punched my son has a history of violence.  The problem is that there was only one witness to this attack and he is denying it.  He is also special needs and my son states that the witness is afraid of the attacker.

     Unfortunately, the attack happened on the outside steps to the HS.  There are no video cameras out there.  My son was sitting on the stairs and this student approached him from behind and started punching him.  My son alledges that the student also threatened him with greater violence.

     The teachers that were made aware of the problem have been working digilently trying to get to the truth of the situation.  My son is still, unfortunately, having to deal with this person in the classroom and on a bus route, to another building, because our school is not large enough to have more than two special needs classrooms.

     So, we continue to try to get the truth from all the parties.  I just pray for safety and peace.  The problem is that the students must continue to be in the same environment together.  In the meantime, i tell my son to stay in areas where there are adults and to stay in areas where there are lots of people.  It doesn’t feel like enough.

       But, without sincere witnesses our hands are tied.  My son had visible marks on his face and a lump on the skin behind his ear along the hairline.  I do believe him. 

       I can usually tell when he is being untruthful.  I believe him not just because of the fact that he is my son…but because, i don’t see him admitting someone punched him and is intimidating him unless it is true.  He did have injuries.  I know enough of the history of the other party to understand that this behavior is not outside of his normal behavior. 

       Also, over the weekend past…this person had called here and threatened my son.  All things put together…make me believe that this incident happened as my son said.  Plus, the witness is a “friend” of my son.  He is very small and semi- quiet.  The type easily intimidated.  So, do i believe  that he is afraid to admit what really happened?  Yes, unfortunately i do.

       I have talked with a couple of the dedicated teachers who directly work with these boys.  They are aware.  I have talked with the assistant principal.  She is aware.  I expect that eyes will be watching to prevent further incident.