Bullying front and center in North Syracuse schools
A bullying incident in the North Syracuse School District has become a topic of controversy as the student accused of attacking a seventh grader gets ready to return to school. Our Iris St. Meran was at the board meeting where the issue came up and has more.
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ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- Community members in the North Syracuse School District voiced their concerns about an incident involving two students. The incident occurred June 14th at Roxboro Road Elementary School.
Marcia Tschopp says her daughter, Anna, a seventh grader at the time, was attacked by another student after she defended a friend. Tschopp says Anna was beaten and dragged by her hair, causing her to have a concussion, post traumatic stress and other injuries.
The student was suspended and is expected back in school November 15th.
Tschopp was given the option to change districts and the family also considered homeschooling. The 13-year-old wants to stay in school with her friends, but fears seeing her attacker in the halls.
The Tschopp and others think the attacker's punishment is not good enough or long enough and they made it clear Monday.
The Superintendent couldn't comment on this incident in particular, but says bullying is taken seriously and all students will be protected.
The victim says she still lives in fear.
"I 100 percent feel there's going to be danger for me and others and including my attacker," Anna Tschopp said.
"If there's anything else that we can do, we will do to ensure that the student, the victim, that we ensure that she feels safe. And the student who made that mistake understands what are expectations are as a district," said North Syracuse Superintendent Kim Dyce Faucette.
The superintendent says there are a number of resources and staff available for students to report bullying and they are encouraged to do so and the appropriate actions under the Dignity For All Students Act will be taken.