For bullying if no progress is being made I’d force an in person meeting and ensure that when the meeting ends specific action will be taken or that my child is separated from the one in question. If it’s bad enough, legal action. Bullying has a very specific legal definition in VT and schools can be held very liable if they’re aware of it and do nothing.

Academically, any areas I had concern on for my child I’d find ways to work on at home or over the summer. I’m privileged enough to have the means that I’d be able to make up the difference in ensuring my child has the academic skills required to be successful moving on, at least within grades K to 6.

Within my school though, and from other teachers I talk to in my district, the kind of stuff worst case scenarios and hellscapes I’m hearing being described aren’t happening. That doesn’t mean they aren’t, but from my own perspective, things are maybe a little rough, but are still perfectly manageable. Learning is happening, fun is happening, social development is happening. Teachers feel supported, behavior response has to be triaged, but is still within the scope of being managed within the classroom and in a way that generally isn’t disruptive.