Regarding what you missed.‏

From: "Charles Whitner", <c.whitner@losangelesschools.edu>

To: "Janet Thomas", <j.thomasriley@rileyartprints.com>                                      

                                                                                                                                                  Dec 2, 13 10:15 am

                                                                                                                                      

Ms. Thomas;

I was disappointed that you were unable to attend the last conference. It seems that, between you and your ex-husband, you are more receptive to my ideas. At this point, I don't believe that punishment is sufficient, to curb your son's behavior. I'm also afraid that, the troubles he has at school are somewhat rewarded, when you are forced to sit with Bruce in my office.

Christopher is very smart. He resents the fact that you two are divorced, and he looks for any opportunity to bring you together again. In the interests of full disclosure though Janet, I'm sure that isn't his only motivation. Like many other children, Chris idolizes the vigilantes he's seen.

If you recall, the last incident we discussed involved a pushing match, between three other children. As I said before, we are well aware of the Toll brothers' disciplinary issues and I promise we're not ignoring them, but when a child sees a case of bullying, he should tell an adult not get involved. Marcia Toll was not pleased to know, that her sons were attacked with a push broom. It took a considerable effort, to convince her not to pursue legal action.

In regards to what you missed, apparently Chris saw that some boys were spraying graffiti, on the old Porter's Hospital building. When they ignored your son's protests, he grabbed a nearby garden hose and soaked them. The two young men hopped onto their bikes, to chase after Chris on his, but that ride turned out to be very dangerous. Thanks to the local shop owners, and one of our drivers, I can tell you that Chris rode down two flights of steps, and even into traffic, to escape onto school grounds.

The resulting traffic jam took some minutes to sort out, but I thank heaven it wasn't a lot worse. At the beginnings of our talks, I had wished to save your son from delinquency court, but if this continues I really do fear for his life. If you want my honest opinion, I don't think that taking away his bicycle will do near enough. A more drastic approach is necessary.

If you would allow us to transfer him, not just to another school but to another state, that may very well shock him out of it. Please note my reasoning, before jumping to any decision here. With a move of this nature, we can be assured that you and Bruce can't accidentally enforce, what we're trying to curb. It would also mean that, not only would his friends be unable to cheer him on, he would miss all of this attention and that's a very important factor to this.

I believe, that in one full year afterward, we would receive a child ready to heed us again. We would also have a lasting tool for punishment, that he knows we are willing to use. I am, as always, open to other ideas. Let me assure you though Janet, that I have racked my brain on the matter, and I truly believe this is the best course of action.

Eagerly awaiting your correspondence;

C. Whitner;

Charles Whitner
Acting Superintendent of Public Schools;
Los Angeles United School District

"Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom" - G.W. Carver