Parent Meeting at Buster's School

Last night I missed the first 2 hours of the magic session as I attended a Parent Meeting at Buster's School. Only a few things on the evenings agenda. First, was a Teacher Spotlight, where we got to know one of the Nova staff a little better. His name name is Terrance and he teaches a few different classes. Buster is in is philosophy class "Who am I". He also teaches some other language arts classes, such as creative writing, a class on horror literature as well as a band class. I am so impressed with this school, their mission and their staff. I really feel like this is a great fit for my boy. He is active, engaged and excited about going to school. . . Imagine that!

The next topic of discussion was not so comfortable. Here is a snippet from an email that went out:

"As many of you are aware, we are experiencing an increase of violence in the neighborhood around Nova. Since September we have had five reported assaults on Nova students. Two occurred last Thursday. The principal at Garfield High School told me they have had reports of similar incidences as well. A group of 3-4 African American males between the ages of 15-20 are demanding money/possessions/backpacks from students. If they refuse, the students are assaulted. The police and district security have been alerted and students have filed reports with the police. We are very concerned about this increase and have done several things to try to ensure student safety."

No one wants to hear this sort of shit, especially from the school where your kid attends. It was a serious discussion with a couple of the kids who were mugged parents in attendance. Scary stuff. I remember being mugged at knife point 3 blocks away from Walnut Hills High School as a 7th grader, as I stayed after school to go to a play rehearsal.

I am sure that the proactive attitude of both Nova and Garfield High Schools coupled with increased Police visibility will help solve this problem.

I left before the PTSA made their report but took their handout and made my way home to the session.