On My Bandwagon

I haven’t mentioned an incident I was made aware of last week, because until today, I didn’t think I would be ignored. My son’s friend told me of a disciplinary action taken against him last year after he helped my son.

After emailing the school superintendent and several other board members without a response for over a week, I posted the following on a community board on facebook. Read on and tell me what you think. I apologize for the length of the letter, but I get verbose sometimes.

I emailed this to Splendora ISD, and got no response. I would like our community to know how our kids are treated at times; with a lack of consideration and little to no compassion.

To Splendora ISD,

A few days ago, I was told of a situation which occurred at Splendora High School on March 22, 2012 concerning Patrick Beck, who is now a senior.
On March 21, 2012 my son Brian (16) came home from school and found his mother deceased. He called Patrick who was still on the school bus and told him. Patrick exited the school bus and stayed with Brian until more help could arrive. Brian was naturally distraught almost to the point of panic, and Patrick helped him stay as calm as possible, assisted with CPR and 911 calls, and stayed by Brian’s side until I was able to get home to him.
I only learned that Patrick received a disciplinary action resulting in ISS last week when he mentioned it. In almost a year, nothing was said to me, or I assure you I would have taken every measure to see that it had not stood.
I realize that there are rules to be observed, but I also realize that there are extreme circumstances, and this was the most extreme circumstance my son had ever experienced, or is likely to.
When Patrick explained to the AP what had happened, he was told that it was not his problem. I beg to differ on that somewhat cold-hearted statement. Patrick had known Mrs. Frazier for the better part of his life. He has been an almost daily visitor to my home since he was in fourth grade and became a defacto member of our family long ago. As anyone in your school system with any knowledge of them can attest, Brian and Patrick have been inseparable for years, and the desire to be there for Brian was natural, and at the time necessary for Brian’s state of mind.
Neither Brian nor Patrick present problems in behavior for the school. They attend class, do their work, and stay out of mischief. It seems that an exception could have been made in light of the devastating loss that occurred, not only to my family, but to Patrick as well. He has looked upon us as surrogate parents for many years now.
However, it seems that none of this was taken into account at the time, and I am insulted not only on Patrick’s behalf, but on behalf of my son at the inference that it was “his problem”.
I don’t know who the AP was, Patrick would not tell me, or I would insure that much public embarrassment and humiliation took place for that statement alone, much less for subjecting Patrick to any type of discipline for his assistance.
As I said before, I don’t know that anything can be done at this late date to rectify such an action, but at the very least, Splendora ISD owes this young man the sincerest of apologies. As far as I am concerned he is one of the biggest reasons my son has been able to cope with such loss. Certainly no assistance was ever offered on the part of the school system. Patrick Beck’s actions were appropriate to the situation and that should have been recognized. I hope that in the future, your AP’s and other staff will take circumstances into consideration and treat a student who acted honorably with a little more dignity and understanding.

Sincerely,

John Frazier