My family relocated to Philadelphia for my sons 4th grade year. During his 1st year of attendance I had little to no issues or complaints. During his 5th grade year is when the bullying started. For a school that claims it is strict with their "no bullying" policy I was in awe. My son was pushed down steps and later threatened by another student. When addressed with his teachers we were assured it would be handled and that they would stay on top of it. Needless to say his 5th grade year was a mess. The school staff failed to provide proper assistant and follow through to assure his safety. The lack of communication among the administrative staff, teachers, Dean & Principle is disgusting. No one had any idea what was going on and they failed to schedule a requested meeting with the parents and child who threatened my son to resolve the issue. My husband and I spent the entire school going back and forth to the office to no avail. We finally took matters into our own hands and approached the issue on our owns.
We started to watch our son change before our eyes. Uncomfortable with the idea of returning to the following year we had choice but to return because of our address and district. We sat our son down and explained to him how he was expected to behave and carry himself on school grounds. Issues should be reported to the teachers immediately. He was told that if that didn't work to let us know and we would go back to the office. With fingers crossed and prayers we started 6th grade. Its only January and I'm searching for immediate transfer solutions. My son found a weapon in school and instead of investigating he is pinned with possession and suspended. Dealing with the ramifications of the suspension and attempting to get the school to properly investigate and follow up with my sons claim is like trying to win the lotto.
Since his return from suspension we are still dealing with the bullying (the teachers are still doing nothing) and now we have teachers calling us and complaining about my son wearing a sweater in class in the middle of January that he has been wearing all year!!! Does this sound like harassment? Yes! It appears the 6th grade teachers pick and choose which policies to follow and the school admin office and staff just ride the wave unaware due to lack of communication. We have yet to have any follow up in regards to last years threats and bullying and this year is no better. Do I expect different? No. The principle is always "tied up" and no one ever calls back of reaches out to ensure the resolution. If I don't push I get nothing.
Disston creates problems. They have taught my son "see something, say something" only gets you in trouble. To hear your child say "the teachers and office don't care" breaks my heart. We have punished him, lectured him and stood on defense of the school only to learn they are not doing their jobs and taught my son that he is the problem. I am disgusted and will be taking further action with the State Reps office, Board of Education and the news if I have to. Take my advice and start getting on some waiting list for charters school. Go somewhere else. They focus on immediate appearance and a band aid method at Disston.