I was faced with the decision to pull him out of an organized school setting and begin a new road, homeschooling. He began his education as a first and second grader at a catholic school where bullying became a huge issue that was not being addressed. Bullying was foreign to us as parents but soon found out, he was verbally harassed and pushed on the playground. Another student slapped him across the face and was called to the office to explain himself. The following day he had to apologize to our son in front of the entire class and our son said, "I forgive you." We felt as Christian parents his self esteem was more important than anything else. We opted to teach at home vs the public school.

We began this unknown territory with anticipation, excitement, and mystery of the unknown. Having not gone to school for teaching education, I was told by many homeschooled mothers to just follow the Bible based curriculum we purchased. It would all work out. Reading with my son was base to his learning, as we chose not to use the internet for any teaching. He excelled in reading and comprehension and we whizzed through third and fourth grade. Math was taught by my husband and I did the other subjects. Field trips with other kids were once a month and there was no bullying. He felt safe, comfortable and he was learning. My anxiety level was subsiding but the pressure from outsiders was mounting. I often heard, "he is not in a social environment like other kids".

As fifth grade approached we enrolled him in the public school. The initial first couple weeks went smoothly, with many welcome responses. The classroom environment at first was a bit challenging for him, having to raise his hand to answer the questions. The atmosphere was unlike that of homeschooling, no one must be called on. Academically, he was about a year ahead of the other students, so fifth grade would be a refresher course. But after some time the bullying began again. Rules for the playground workers were set up. He was to be monitored to see who was doing the bullying. Everyone knows bullies are sneaky and are seldom caught. On more than one occasion our son and other students were called into the office to apologize for their behavior. He always forgave them and never held a grudge. Our son has a gentle, sweet spirit and is not aggressive. He just wanted to be accepted by his peers.

He wanted to be in the band in the fifth grade. The music teacher suggested the mallets since he already was playing the piano. It worked out well and he was accepted, he made friends with other musicians. Sixth grade the bullying escalated. The students grew stronger and taller over the summer. It was a stressful school year for our son. Telephone calls to the principal and my tearful visits to her office made for an unbearable year.

I had lost all hope, in my weakest moments, all I could do was lie still and trust God to make the right decisions. I had given Him my problem and once again He was about to direct and guide me. Our son did not deserve to be treated in the fashion in was treated. Homeschooling would be our solution for the following year. The realization that seventh grade boys at age twelve can be pranksters was not comforting. We were apprehensive about sending him to the junior high where it is a tri-town regional school district, we were concerned for his safety. As a homeschooler, in seventh grade, he continued to be in the band. He took Spanish with a tutor and did very well. As parents, we were very proud of his achievements.

Eighth grade arrived and after meeting with the school authorities hoping the boys had matured and being assured for his safety we reenrolled him, praying all would go well. We constantly were trying to keep him in the school setting to be with his peers. He quickly acclimated. The band was natural to him and the students welcomed him back. He has a good sense of humor. However, the bullies hadn't matured and quickly began harassing him in the gym and in the corridors. Anger arose in me and after homeschooling off and on it was time for the school to do their part. We were able, after meeting with the school, to have an aid shadow him from class to class and that worked.

He has been very privileged to travel with us each year as a homeschooler and see many countries which has added to his education. He loves history. He began his freshman year at the high school and was academically placed incorrectly. He was given very little homework which resulted in numerous parent conferences requesting a higher level. It was to no avail. So as a family we agreed after the Christmas break in his freshman year he would be homeschooled once again. Homeschooling for us, has worked the best. The upper grades have become more challenging, but with the help of tutors, he will be entering his junior year in September. Homework is always a struggle but with some screaming, coaching and reminding the work gets done. Organization is not one of his greatest assets.

Bullying is a huge issue in every school system. The students must be taught the seriousness of bullying and how it affects not only the target but their families too. There needs to be more funding and emphasis on training how to defuse it. Appropriate discipline must be administered promptly. Education and training at the elementary level must be reinforced for this horrid behavior to stop. There have been too many fatal tragedies. The new Legislative action in Massachusetts is just the beginning and will force schools to report instances of bullying and how school officials respond to them.

Our sons entire school life has been affected in some way by bullying. Dropping him off for school and hoping not to hear the phone ring from the principal has been so stressful on our entire family.

We were rewarded as parents last summer when our son completed a fourteen day Outward Bound Sailing trip with twenty other teens, including a two day Solo, off the coast of Maine. He was acknowledged by his peers as an outstanding leader. His tolerance level had been strengthened through many trials in school. He is currently enrolled as a 'dual enrollment student' at Bristol Community College looking ahead to his future.