CRESTVIEW — A Facebook post requesting birthday wishes for Jennifer Warren gained the attention of hundreds. Now, the bullied student has a level of support that, her family said, seemed lacking from the Okaloosa County School District.
Jennifer, who turned 12 years old Jan. 6, endured several months of bullying from classmates; it all started in October, according to her father, Joseph Warren.
Peers teased the child’s physical appearance and chased her until she was out of breath, she said.
The school counselor was visited “four or five times,” Jennifer said about the bullying. She was given a letter to take home and told the only thing to do was continue reporting any incidents.
Warren spoke with the school’s assistant principal in October but was told the situation was not considered bullying. After Jennifer had a breakdown over the winter break, Warren again spoke to the assistant principal and the principal. Again, the situation was unresolved.
“There are always two sides to the story and I have heard both sides,” Okaloosa County Superintendent Mary Beth Jackson said in an email to Warren. “I fully trust the principal and assistant principal at our school and I feel they have investigated this situation fully.”
“There must be a repeated pattern,” Jackson added in the email.
Jackson — whom the News Bulletin could not immediately reach for comment — offered her approval to transfer Jennifer to a different school if the family desired. The family agreed to withdraw her from the school, but opted instead for homeschooling.
“Bullying needs to be dealt with and I have never heard about ‘a repeated pattern’ (requirement) but it's probably how administration has structured their punishment system,” said Matt Rooney, an elementary school teacher in a neighboring district.
He believed the school’s handling of the situation is “weird” but said such processes are managed on a school-by-school basis, which could account for its replies to the Warren family.
Jennifer’s situation shifted when her sister, Tiffany Price, posted to Facebook about the bullying and asked friends if they could send a birthday card. The post went viral, receiving hundreds of comments, reactions and shares.
Strong community feedback from similar social media posts prompted Price to tell her sister's story, she said. Facebook users have offered prayers, birthday wishes and pen pal offerings. In addition, others have shared their own experiences with bullying.
So far, Jennifer has received dozens of cards from people as far away as Guatemala, she said. However, it's not just cards being mailed. People sent flowers, gifts and offered celebrations. A local family hosted a birthday party for Jennifer and local photographer Kelli Marles had a photo shoot for the birthday girl.
Even non-locals visited Jennifer for her birthday. Members of the Niceville High School football team and band personally delivered gifts to her and stuck around for conversation and crafting. They talked to her about their personal experiences with bullies and how they overcame them.
Warren said the community’s response has made a positive impact on a negative situation. He’s seen his daughter regain confidence and self-esteem.
Bullied children need to seek help as soon as possible, Price said. And when help isn't given, "go higher," she said. Price believes all kids should be taught respect and compassion instead of the concepts of "toughening up" and violence.
Jennifer, a “Star Wars” fan, said she wants to move to Europe when she finishes school to possibly pursue modeling — if NASA doesn’t work out, of course.
She believes homeschooling is an opportunity to try something new and didn’t seem too concerned about the change.
As for all the support she’s received?
“Thank you,” she said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bullied student receives birthday letters, gifts from around the world