It has come to my attention that there is a great deal of bullying and personal threatening being allowed to take place in the Hall Dale school system without action to keep the children and adults safe.

Given all the school tragedies locally and throughout the country, I am astounded that reports of bullying and threats are not being taken seriously and investigated in order to ensure the safety of others.

For children to learn, they need to be in a safe and nurturing environment. I cannot imagine the further harm to these victims when they are not being taken seriously and their self-esteem is further traumatized.

I work in the mental health field and scenarios like this can contribute to suicides, school shootings and other tragedies. Schools are supposed to care for, keep safe and educate. In order for that to happen, children and adults alike must be kept safe, physically and mentally. If reportings of bullying and personal threats are not investigated and taken seriously, then how can these young individuals learn to their highest potential in an unsafe environment?

I hope that other school districts do not follow suit. I hope they take these reportings seriously, not just for the school system, but for the community as a whole.

Beth Shores

Gardiner