I shared your concern with Adams Principal Beth Nye and Elementary
Director Jennifer Keck. Jennifer said, “It’s important when a student sees something concerning to share it with a trusted staff member. The adult can then address the concern directly or seek further assistance from the administrative team. If there are further concerns, parents can call their school’s principal for clarifications.”
Beth agreed and added:
“We do encourage students to determine if it is a big or little problem. They should see themselves out of little problem or, better yet, encourage or support the students to solve the problem on their own, or tell an adult on their own or together (this allows it to remain a first-person account rather than a second- or third-person account).
If it is a big problem that a student can’t walk away from (someone is getting hurt emotionally and/or physically), and the person cannot speak up for him or herself, then students are encouraged to tell a trusted adult on their behalf. If they don’t feel heard, then they are encouraged to tell another adult.
If a parent does not feel like their child is being heard, I would encourage them to call the principal (me). This provides another layer of communication to make sure the situation is addressed and followed up upon.
My wondering is if this student/parent is feeling like students are not being looped back to. That one is tricky. We certainly want folks to know that issues are being addressed, but, if the information does not pertain directly to them, that may not happen, and many times should not due to privacy. A quick outreach to concerned individuals saying “Hey, thanks, we got this” is always our goal, but may not always happen.
We all have the common goal of communication and keeping kids safe!”