Claudia: My 8th grader is in the school district of a smaller, country public school. She went there 2 yrs and begged to move to a bigger school, with many more levels of students. Recently she has been approached (3times) to “transfer” drugs and has had some bullying. Now she’s asking to move back to smaller school. I am concerned for her safety but my husband thinks she should just walk away and stay . No one agreed to me moving her in the first place to the bigger school. But i gave in to her persistance.
The conversation should start with the school counselor and campus security for her safety, confidence and self-esteem. Is she able to navigate in a larger school? What supports are needed? There is a huge safety risk which cannot be ignored. Are there after school activities in either school district which may better serve to help her network with peers and find an interest area. My first concern would be her safety at this point and her ability to navigate socially. The middle school years are difficult and to transfer from one district to another is not easy for some students. I do admire your daughter as she is desiring more in terms of levels, students, etc.