602 E Poplar Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401

I enrolled my soon to be Fourth grader in Highlands this year (22-23 school year) with such high hopes. Only to be let down beyond comprehension. I should have taken head early on when a family member read these very reviews. Or when the teacher made his political views/judgements known at Back2School Night. Much less, our first parent teacher conference, I mentioned some issues with forgetfulness on my child’s behalf exasperated by Covid closures. To be told to see a pediatrician.. It is now April and not only is his education detrimentally lacking like a nightmare continuation of Covid, he’s also never felt so down about himself after the bullying that is allowed, if not at this point- encouraged by two adults-Principal & Teacher tag team. In the year 2023 a happy, confident little boy was bullied to no end at his seat within a group of 4 for months on end. On multiple occasions he was allowed to sit crying at his desk with his down to not even be checked on by “Teacher”. After enduring day after day and many weeks of pain/shame/embarrassment, my sons spirit so broken, he tried to reason w/the bully. To be told to “GO KILL YOUR(him)SELF!” To No surprise, I never received a call, email- anything (however, I was informed via email my child doodles in his planner too much) I just had to lose sleep wondering why my child’s mood/attitude/behavior had changed so much. Is “hanging out w/the wrong crowd” a thing in todays 4th grade? Is it something at home? Until he broke down in my arms, using phrases never said before such as “my life is Miserable” “Please don’t make me go back there!” Felt great forcing my baby to go back and be tortured. Along w/all of that, he has also fallen ill, chronically at one point, this year. I went directly to Principal Betti. Only to be shut down, down-played and reminded that we are new here this year- all while not in an office setting but in attendance office with an audience. I was rushed and shushed as well. I have since gone to the district. Guidelines set for my sons return to school ignored and retaliation attendance letters being sent home after Dr.s note was provided. This teacher never Once reached out to me to address concerns, let alone acknowledge any wrong doing. Bully student has received zero discipline, moreover the help she needs. My issues have since been validated by other parents as I'm finally not afraid to speak up anymore. I am at a complete and total loss…