need some advice (a letter from school!)

In My Humble Opinion
1

(apologies if this is in the wrong forum)

My younger brother (he’s 12) has had a letter home. It seems that schools think this is the Ultimate Threat, but the kicker is that it is from the local Primary school – one that he left coming up to three years ago.

I present the letter in its entirety, with names, places etc removed.

This snide and patronising letter irritated the living hell out of me and my parents (more on them later…)

The bridge that is mentioned is next to a farm owned by the mother of one of the listed children. She was supervising them the only time they have been down there, and they were just sitting around and talking.

The reason they go there as opposed to the playing field is that they feel intimidated by older children, and additionally, the mother can keep an eye on them. Apart from that, there is no reason they chose the quiet bridge to hang out. No drug dealing etc :slight_smile:

My brother spoke to me honestly, not in a parenty way, but in a brother-to-brother-if-I-find-out-you-are-lying-to-me-I’ll-kick-your-ass way. He assured me that they were not dropping things on trains – and hell, if they were going to do that then they’d at least be clever enough to do it when nobody is around. As for walking on the parapets (with a good 30ft drop to the track), this is surely stupid but not illegal?

The school acquired the names by threatening the only member of the group still at the school with detentions every lunchtime / after school until he told the truth, plus Bringing His Parents Into School and every other bullshit tactic they know. He gave them up, although protested the innocence of them all.

I’m not denying this behaviour doesn’t go on, (although not from that particular group) - I have witnessed it myself. But these boys (and two girls) have nothing to do with it – they were being watched by one of their mothers (she’s a take no shit from no one kind of person)

The school also didn’t ask these children what had happened, and assumed their guilt. I can only assume myself that the reason the younger child didn’t deny being there was because he was – although not performing the activities listed. He was also scared of being shouted at by the principal, and didn’t want to get into any more trouble by arguing (how many 9 year old argue with their head teacher?! [and I know it happens, but not him, ok!)] )

So, what do I do? My parents are going to do nothing, as they don’t feel anything will be achieved, but I think that something needs to be done? I’m not quite sure what though. Or do my parents have it right (for once!)?

2

I don’t think I’d do anything unless I was contacted by the police. It doesn’t sound like the school is taking any action on it, aside from the letter. I’d just let it go.

3

Pick your fights nikjohns and know which ones aren’t yours.

It took me too many years to learn that.

pan

4

do nothing learnt it the hard way
until authorities are called dont worry about getting shit from the teachers tell ur broher to keep going their if he fells he needs to and becuase their not doing anything illegal
well the school/police cannot do anything
jared

5

wow, how to top the previous post…

What surprises me is that the school listed all names! When I was a teacher, I once had parents ask me to give them the names of their son’s friends who were bad influences. I felt for them and their desparation, but I could never have given them a list and kept my job.

As far as advice, I have to respect the schools position on the inherent danger of their actions, but I agree with the others that this is a CYA move.