You know, ita lives in L.A. Maybe you can work something out with her.

It's so very tempting at the moment, but somewhere in the back of my brain I know that the shit kicking isn't the answer.

And, of course, my legal skills and my access to all the pretty databases are so very handy at the moment.

Bullies suck, as do schools who don't deal with them properly.

Actually, schools who don't deal with bullies properly are leaving themselves open to lawsuits. Sparky's nephew was physically injured as a result of something that should have been prevented by the school. Part of the tacit agreement when you send your child to school is that your child will be safe -- not from all possible injuries, because obviously bones get broken from sports injuries, and it's hard to be preventative about SkyLab falling -- but from injuries that can reasonably be prevented. And bullies who break other kids' bones are included in that category.

t edit I should really estimate how long it takes for someone who has actual knowledge of legal issues to come along and point out exactly where and how I'm wrong. My guess: 3-8 minutes.

Sparky, your sister should call the principal ASAP.

I know, because last week I had to call the principal about bullying. He came down like the wrath of God; some kids were suspended. He says California law does NOT allow this behavior.

Any sane principal who is confronted with a kid with a broken leg is going to be afraid enough to take action.

Maria, you were a gorgeous bride! I love the color of the bridesmaid's dresses also.

Healing~ma to your nephlet, Sparky. And I'll be wishing fractured bones for the bully too (because I'm that kind of person).

The actual ankle fracturing took place on Friday, so my sister has been in touch with the Principal and the school has told her they are investigating. My guess is the lawyers spoke with the school parties involved while my sister was in the ER with my nephew, so no one is going to say much of anything at the moment.

Just so I'm clear, I'm not scared that my sister will get steamrolled by the system. She's not going to go away quietly.

If anybody makes any attempt to say "kids will be kids", hit 'em with this:

[link]

The school is required to have a school safety plan, and that plan is required to include

(A) Child abuse reporting procedures consistent with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code. (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.). (C) Policies pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 48915 for pupils who committed an act listed in subdivision (c) of Section 48915 and other school-designated serious acts which would lead to suspension, expulsion, or mandatory expulsion recommendations pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 48900) of Chapter 6 of Part 27. (D) Procedures to notify teachers of dangerous pupils pursuant to Section 49079.

I'm upset about this because it could have been my kid, and because the protections available to kids in 2006 are much better than those available in 1976. Your nephew has grounds for a police report.

[xpost: Sounds like you have it under control. I'm overreacting because I'm white with rage.]

Any sane principal who is confronted with a kid with a broken leg is going to be afraid enough to take action.

Yep. If nothing is done, it won't get any better. The original teacher, the late gym teacher and the principal should all get to share the fun of an angry parent face-to-face.

eta: x-posty. Good for your sister, Sparky

sending healing ma~~ to Kyle and some take the responsibility ma~~ to all involved teachers, principal, bully and parents of bully.

Plus, I like all the in laws too. However, when we all lived within spitting distance - it was all crazy. really crazy. If I hated them - it would have been easy. The best I could do when we were near family - was to make sure it wasn't going to kill us - and make sure that no one ( including DH) tried to change the schedual. Being the hardass around the holidays - less fun than you'd imagine.

Exactly!

There are so many times I'd like to drop Annabel off at one of her grandmother's houses for the evening, but that's hard to do with the closest one being two flights and 2000 miles away.

If it helps, it's not a sure thing with them in the same city, either. My mother's a little easier than finding an outside the family babysitter, but she's made clear that she's not going to be on call for it, and that as much as she loves us and Lillian, she'd prefer to be asked as rarely as possible. My in-laws work--nights for my FiL--so they're also not an option most of the time. Your Parents May Vary, but I've found they're on par with friends when it comes to time and willingness to kidsit.

These are the questions I would askabout the job. (to dw)

Also, what are their benefits like? Retirement as well as medical. Are you vested in your University pension plan thing already? I can't remember.

Healing vibes for Kyle.

Maria, your dress looks incredible. Your family looks incredible. That food looks incredible!

The bully should be suspended -- literally.

I just purchased a bag of "fun-size" packages of mini Oreos in case I get any trick-or-treaters. I had to eat some, to make sure that there weren't any poison Oreos. I'd like to report that the quality control in terms of how many Oreos get in a package is very poor. One package had only one mini Oreo in it. Do you know how pathetic one mini Oreo is?