J.R.
What school district are you in? Every parent should be given a handbook at the beginning of the year, if you do not have one, check the district website, or go into the office and get one.
I looked up what my schools policy was on this and i've pasted below
DISCIPLINE STEPS AND PROGRAM
We have steps to discipline that teachers will follow:
1. The teacher talks with the student regarding the unacceptable behavior.
2. The teacher contacts the parent via telephone or letter regarding this unacceptable behavior. The letter should be signed and returned for documentation.
3. The teacher requests a parent/teacher conference.
4. The teacher has additional contact with the parent, as needed.
5. The teacher refers the student to the Flex/PBIS team if the behavior(s) continues.
Any one or more of the above steps may be bypassed for serious infractions of school rules and/or regulations whenever deemed appropriate. Whenever a student violates
any school rule or regulation, depending upon the circumstances and/or previous infractions, the school principal and the Board of Education may impose severe
consequences. The following are considered infractions of the School Discipline Code:
*Fighting in school, on school grounds, on a bus, or at the bus stop.
*Frequent or continued disregard for school regulations.
*Possession of a knife, any weapon, or anything that could be used as a weapon.
*Theft or destruction of another student's property.
*Theft or destruction of school property or property of any staff member.
*Disrespect toward/for adults supervising students.
*Throwing rocks or other objects.
*Throwing snowballs while on school property or at the bus stop.
*Any action which could or does result in any harm to another student or adult.
*Threats made toward other students or an adult.
*Use of inappropriate and/or foul language or gestures while at school, on school grounds, on a bus, or at a bus stop.
*Possession and/or use of dangerous materials or objects (i.e. drugs, firecrackers, etc.).
*Lying or knowingly giving false information to adults.
*Inappropriate or incorrect use of school property; reporting a false alarm, etc.
In summary, it is expected that all students conduct
themselves at all times in a manner that is befitting an elementary school environment and in which we, as parents, would be proud. Obviously, children will make mistakes
and we will use those mistakes as learning experiences. It is very rare that serious consequences have to be imposed. However, the purpose of stating the above is merely to inform teachers, parents, and students that we have certain expectations that help in providing a learning environment where all can feel safe and secure.
RIGHTS OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
Every child has:
1. The right to an orderly, quiet place to learn.
2. The right to feel safe and secure from harm.
3. The right to have his or her feelings respected.
4. The right to a fair share of the teacher's attention.
5. The right to an education.
Every teacher has:
1. The right to do the job she/he was hired to do -- teach children.
2. The right to be treated with respect and courtesy.
3. The right to decide how to conduct her/his classroom.
Children who bother other children when they are trying to learn; who hurt, ridicule or threaten other children; or who monopolize the teacher's time so much that others
cannot have their own needs met -- these children are depriving other students of their rights.
Children who are rude and disrespectful to the adults in charge; who prevent the teacher from teaching; who try to be the boss of the classroom -- these children are depriving
the teacher of her rights.
I have the right to have my own needs met, but I do not have the right to deprive other people of their rights.
Absolutely bring this to your principle - and the teacher needs to step up, watch this kid closer, get the parents involved and get him into a disciplinary program -
Like you, I have told my kids to strike back if they are being pushed around. I have told them it is NOT ok to hit somebody out of anger, or to 'throw the first punch' - but I have said to them, I will absolutely stand up for you when it comes to you getting in trouble IF I KNOW that you were only defending yourself. It's great that he doesn't feel comfortable hitting... what a sweet kid... maybe enroll your son in Karate... it's not just a physical 'sport' - the instructors work very hard to teach the kids NOT to use karate on people... it's strictly for defense only, and to know the difference between the two.
Good luck,... clearly the teacher is not all that concerned - but your son is being forced to enter a threatening environment every day, that is eventually going to have a negative impact on him. get this thing brought to the principle right quick.