A Port Orchard mother is speaking out after her elementary school-aged son was injured during an altercation with another student, sparking a wider conversation among South Kitsap parents about how the district handles bullying and student aggression.
The mother, Honeylyn Hartwell, shared her story in the Port Orchard Community group on Facebook, explaining that her son sustained injuries to his head during the incident but is now doing well.
She said the altercation happened the day before summer break began, leaving her worried that the case would be forgotten over the break instead of being properly addressed.
Parent demands transparency from the district
Hartwell said she has not received clear answers from school administrators or the South Kitsap superintendent’s office about what disciplinary steps, if any, were taken.
She said filing a police report has not led to progress either, and she is now considering taking her concerns to the school board and pursuing restraining orders on her son’s behalf.
She also raised broader questions about accountability, saying repeat student offenders should face stronger consequences and that parents deserve to know what policies exist to keep children safe at school.
In a later update, Hartwell said the mother of the boy involved in the altercation reached out after seeing her post. The two had what Hartwell described as a respectful, mother-to-mother conversation and plan to work together to prevent future incidents.
Even so, Hartwell said she still intends to meet with school leaders to push for clearer answers about how incidents are handled and reported.
Hartwell mentioned that fellow parent Marla Ann Petronzio is organizing a meeting with the school’s new principal at the end of July so families can raise concerns directly before the next school year begins.
Community members weigh in on school discipline
The post drew dozens of responses from other parents and community members, many sharing their own views on how schools manage discipline.
Commenter Elaine King advised Hartwell to ask the school directly about filing an HIB form, which is used to document harassment, intimidation, and bullying incidents.
Stephanie Benedict, who said she volunteers regularly at the school, wrote that she tries to pay close attention to behavior among both students and staff.
I volunteer at the school as often as possible I try to pay attention to behaviors and such of the kids and adults alike, I’ve witnessed a lot of good at Manchester but there is a lot of stories of terrible experiences I’m seeing I would love to be involved in making sure the schools are safe let me know how and if I can help
Cydney Elle asked whether South Kitsap schools have security cameras, noting that in her previous district on the East Coast, footage was often used to show parents what happened during incidents.
Shellie Thomas pushed back on the idea that schools are powerless, writing that administrators can take meaningful steps even without naming other students involved.
Schools absolutely can do something! Clearly this parent doesnt need the school to name names. But the absolutely can tell then what has been done to rectify the situation.
When my son (now high school) was in elementary, he got in a fight with another kid. The principal called me in with my son to discuss the situation. Both boys got suspended for the fight (first issue with either child) and the consequence for any other issue with each other or any other student was expulsion.
Other commenters offered a more sympathetic view of school staff. Nevaeh Meyer, who said she studied education, wrote that most parents and administrators are doing their best within legal limits.
AnnaMarie Kay pointed out that the district serves many students with behavior intervention plans and individualized education programs, which can shape how discipline is applied.
As of now, no formal statement from the South Kitsap School District has been shared publicly regarding this specific case. Hartwell says she plans to continue pressing for transparency and is encouraging other parents to document incidents and speak up rather than stay silent.
