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Many years ago when I was in middle school I had to ride the city bus. I had to be 11 or 12 when I first started using the Milwaukee Transit System and it was fairly easy. I felt so grown up. Riding the bus to and from school by myself with no worries at all. It was a great way to learn my way around the city. By the time I was in 9th grade I was an expert.
Jazz started 9th grade last month and I was scared. Even though she is 14 I was scared of the world that she would suddenly be exposed to without me to protect her. I have been driving her to the bus stop almost every morning for the last three years. When she walked to the bus stop I watched from my front door until I saw the bus go by. Just for my own peace of mind. Yeah I am a worrier. I worry about eveything when it comes to my four kids. In an effort to prepare both of us for what was ahead I did everything possible to help her learn how to catch the city bus. I am so proud of her. She picked it up quickly.
Unfortunately in Milwaukee, we have had a rash of bus attacks. Young people are attacking bus drivers and other passengers. The sad part is no one on the bus ever reaches out to help. There are video cameras on the buses but the attackers do not care.
May 14th attack
September 11, 2008 attack
Another bus attack
Two days ago a girl was jumped by at least 3 other girls because she was kicked accidently. Last night there was another attack.
As a parent I am terrified that my daughter has to ride the bus to and from school every day because her school does not offer the yellow bus service. It seems like the situation is getting worse and worse. This is one of the reasons I am researching home schooling. I am starting to feel as if there are no other options. I have 3 other kids who are in a school I am not too happy with. Nannah will be starting middle school next year and I am overcome with fear. What is a parent to do?
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Hi I am soooo excited about your shout out on the sidebar.
megryansmoms last blog post..Thoughtful Blogger
It is so nice to meet you. I really like your blog
you dont have to worry about jazz because i take the bus with her everyday and I wont let anything happen to her, I’ll protect her.
thank you so much for stopping by Matthew, I hope you had a nice time at the dance
After everything my daughter went through i’m a huge advocate of homeschooling. My daughter was driven almost to the brink of suicide due to the bullying and just flat out unacceptable creeps that inhabit public schools. The problem is that those creeps are everywhere and the BEST thing we can do is arm our kids with the confidence to ignore the brats other people raise. It’s REALLY hard but there’s so little that you can do. I snatched Ash out of school when it all came to the suicide talk and for 2 years we worked on her confidence and her schoolwork. She’s back in school now and i think she’d whoop the crap outta anyone who messes with her now. Not exactly appropriate but kids who defend themselves generally don’t get picked on. Make the decision based on what YOU feel you and the munchkins can handle. If you decide to homeschool, there are tons of free curriculum sites and other resources to help you be successful. I know you’ll make the very best decision either way.
Nessas last blog post..Time To Catch Up
@ Nessa : That is a great idea to arm them with confidence. It is a good thing that you were able to see what was going on with Ash and help her. Thanks for your kind words, Homeschooling is such a big decision. I worry about making the right one.