Continuing along the theme of advocating for our children, Israelite P.R.I.D.E. would like to recognize Charline Grant for fighting a good fight on behalf of her son, Ziphion.
Ziphion, who is in the 5th grade, over the past few months at his French immersion school, has felt isolated, unwelcomed and had a feeling that no one liked him. Ziphion felt he was being picked on for the simplest of things and when he voiced his concerns, he would either be ignored or his teacher and/or assistant principal would be slow to justice.
Charline constantly received phone calls from the school accusing Ziphion of being a bully and being too aggressive and when she visited the school to follow up on their alleged claims, the child they described sounded nothing like her Ziphion. Charline felt the reason why he was being picked on was because Ziphion is one of the approximately 50 black students attending this school of over 800 students.
The complaints became so overwhelming for her and especially Ziphion, that Charline called a meeting with the principal, assistant principal and his teachers. Charline stated that during the meeting, “I laid the law down. I told them I’m aware of what they are doing to my child and that I will be monitoring the situation a lot closer.”
Charline couldn’t be happier about the progress that has been made as a result of the meeting. “Apparently the school board has a mediator that acts as a liaison between the school and the black parents. The assistant principal suggested I speak with the mediator and after my first conversation with the mediator; she invited me to speak at a parent/school board forum on November 18.”
Charline further explained that, “The mediator stated she had never met a parent like me before and she invited me to share my story and methods with other black parents. Priest Garth [Charline’s husband] and I will be going to the forum and I’ll be sure to update Israelite P.R.I.D.E. on the outcome.”
Also since the meeting, “I have to admit, I have also changed my approach on how I discipline the children. I have monitored the way I speak to the children and I’m in turn doing less yelling and more listening. I’ve noticed Ziphion is not as fearful and his trust level with me is a lot better which means a lot to me.”
Since then, Ziphion was chosen to assist children in grades 1-3 with problem solving. He is one of the students that have been chosen to be a role model and he’s excited to have the opportunity.
This is a great example of being an advocate for our children....without the involvement of Charline....this story could have not turned to so positive for Ziphion. Unfortunately school officials assume parents of black children are not involved. We as Israelte parents have to keep these people IN CHECK and let them know we are not the ones to be messed with.
ReplyDeleteOne other suggestion that I've learned (per the advice of my hubby/school teacher) always document your complaints and outcomes of meetings with school officiails in an email.That way you have a paper trail should you need to take your complaint to a higher level.
The fact that they have a mediator at the school for black parents should tell you something. Obviously this is not the first incident of it's kind at the school. Which brings up a dilemma...you want your child to go to the best schools, which unfortunately usually means a school that is predominantly white. But, we have to also consider the psychological toll on our children in sending them into "hostile" territory. Unless that child has a strong support system, like Charlene and P. Garth, it can be a damaging experience to the child's psych and identity.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you Charlene and P. Garth for being an advocate for your child. Our children need more parents like you. Godspeed with your presentation at the forum and don't forget to plug EyeSeeMe products as a way to help bring diversity and culture to the school. :)