Grandmother Responds to Comments

Wednesday's story about the bullying of Monique McClain has elicited dozens of comments.  Her grandmother Alexa has asked that we deliver her reply in a post.  Here it is:

I am overwhelmed by the support from all of you. So many of you have shown such keen insight and plain common sense, even when laced with sarcasm to build the strength of your message.
I will try to respond briefly to several points made:

*Thomas Edison Magnet: Alycia was told by TE that Dr Frechette is the one who handles that. When asked, Dr Frechette told Alycia "There are no options"... Other Magnets are only by Lottery and many do NOT take in students mid-year.

*Emboldened: You are absolutely right! Had this been taken care of in September when we complained and pleaded, I doubt that the bullies would now have the hard contempt they hold for authority.

*Chain of Command still growing but Dr Joanne Freidberg of the CT ST Dept of Ed has been sent many documents and an appt will be made. I have already spoken with Gov Malloy in the past and am waiting for another response.

*'One good punch': Monique is a respected student of the Lion's Den Boxing Team. She knows the power of her punch but she chooses not to use it outside the facility.

*Tutoring: This is only meant to be a temporary fix until we and/or the BOE can secure another school.

*Security Guard: Monique did feel that she had a 'back-up' when SRO Puorro was at WWMS. As you know, the SRO's were removed and WWMS did not get one back.

*Charges: Numerous charges have been filed. The MPD have been right there for us. So was the Mayor. They do what they can but the system is a maze ... and it's worse when they are Juveniles.

*Removal of Bullies: We pleaded to have them expelled, suspended, etc. Did you know that as of last year suspensions MUST be held IN school?..per a new law ONLY "In School Suspension" aka "ISS".

*Parents: One parent was so appalled by the child's actions that she is no longer a bully. Another parent was in denial with an attitude. Alycia decided to let the Police contact the rest.

*Exploitation: I'm sorry you feel that way. We have done everything possible to keep this out of the media. The "Eye" is not quite as big as the New York Post or even Oprah...though at this point our Family will expose the truth in whatever manner necessary. As you can see, we don't even write via "Anonymous"...never have... and we never will. This issue is NOT just about Monique, though she happens to be the little soldier on the front lines for today. It will hopefully help the child who has no voice.

*The 2ft Rule (loved it): When I was in school, the disruptive student had to sit only right in front of each teacher and had a monitor walk them to classes. Maybe the school's 'teacher/pupil' ration wouldn't allow that based on the number of bullies......
which leads me to this:

My Daughter, Alycia, has limited access to a computer but I read your comments to her. She was overcome by your support as I was. She will be posting her thoughts as soon as she can.

In the meantime, Alycia wants me to update you .... Apparently, 'someone' saw the BOE broadcast and 'someone' saw Monique on TV. The number of active bullies instantly grew in the school hallways from 9 to 11. And the word is that they are seething with hatred for Monique because she 'snitched' again.

If I missed a point, please forgive me. I do get confused. But I'm sure we have covered them all. Let me know if I am wrong.

Thanks to all of you again.
Gramma