6th Grade Revisited - The Sucker Punch!!

I had no idea when I began writing 6th grade revisited that my son would soon face his very own 6th grade bully. It happened this week during recess. Ah, recess where kids should have fun, run wild with reckless abandon. It should never be a combat zone. However on this day it was, just like it was for me so many times when I was in 6th grade. Except my son did something that I never did: he spoke up.

You know, I am not quite sure I want to call this person who sucker punched my son a bully – defined by Webster as someone who torments, intimidates or frightens. My son was not scared. This kid was being extremely aggressive on the playground with others knocking and pushing them around. When suddenly my son stepped in the child’s path and said, “Hey look we are not afraid of you.” That is when his face met the attacker’s fist. He and a group of kids immediately took this situation to a teacher, who swiftly escalated it to the principal. The call to our house from the principal was complimentary towards my son. He made it abundantly clear my son was not in any trouble, plus he was impressed by his calm demeanor finding his story credible. After interviewing several other witnesses including the playground punk, the principal made a suspension. I have a pleased little boy walking around the house feeling like a hero, hoping he will have a black eye before the weekend. He believes girls are more receptive to a battered and bruised hero than one who appears unscathed.

In 1982, tattle-telling was taboo, with no inclination there would be repercussions should you go to a teacher. I applaud my son’s school system, empowering young children to speak out. Not only do they encourage open communication, but they also make it very clear there is zero-tolerance for violent behavior in school.

It was an exciting day for my little 6th grader, an upsetting day for grandma (she wants to hunt the little brat down.) Hubby was proud and as for me…I could not help but marvel at the irony…his first adversarial peer in the 6th grade. Begs the question, will there be a 6th Grade Revisited Part Deux??...STAY TUNED!