Well, things have improved alot on Ravi's school bus. I really didn't want to pull him off the bus because I feel he has a "right" to ride the bus, which comes right past our house.
I spoke to the new driver on the bus and the bigger kids (grades 4, 5 and 6) yelled, shouted and said they hadn't done anything. I instructed Ravi to sit in the very front of the bus where the bus driver could see him. I told him not to look at the kids or respond unless someone touches him. I gave him permission to defend himself if he had to, and reminded him as a rule for peace that to first try to get the drivers attention before taking matters into his own hands.
The bus driver told the kids to be quiet and not interupt our conversation, and he assured me that everything would be fine and if he had to some kids would not be riding the bus anymore.
The next day, the bigger kids were threatening Ravi and refusing to leave him alone. I went to the school and named off the kids who were bothering him, and they were written up, and parents were called.
Ravi's dad rode the school bus the next day with Ravi, and told the kids with the support of the driver, that they had better not bother him anymore!
A combination of everyone taking this bullying very seriously, has resulted in all the little kids being safe, and the big kids a bit mad. Peace has been restored on the bus again, and I hope that it remains that way.
Regardless, the kids will not ride next year. I will drive them...I am surely not letting my 5 year olds ride the bus!
Ravi is the only Indian kid on the bus, and I do believe race has an impact on this. Also, I am a white mama, and boy do we stand out. I hope these kids learn something!
Jyotsna
