AMELIA COUNTY, Va. — About a dozen parents protested outside Amelia County High School Monday morning, demanding the district respond to reports of bullying they say have gone unanswered.
The protest comes after the family of John Tyrcha, a 17-year-old sophomore at the school, said their son took his own life last week after enduring what they called "relentless bullying."
Tyrcha's stepfather told CBS 6 the family had reported the bullying to the school multiple times and had been in contact with school representatives by email, phone, and text.
After Tyrcha's death, a photo began circulating on social media showing a message, said to be written on a wall at the school, including the word "John," alongside several insults.
When asked if she could confirm the validity of the photo and message, when it was written, if and when school staff were notified, if and when it was removed, and if the district had taken any disciplinary action, Superintendent Lori Harper responded in part via email.
"My focus is on supporting our students and staff. We are working on gathering additional information that may in the future provide answers to some of your questions," Harper said via email.
Concerned parents and community members who shared information about the picture said they believe the message was written just days before Tyrcha died.
"It's time for them to live up to their responsibilities. There are a whole lot of good people in them schools, and if their hands are tied, they need to let us know so we can untie them. It's time to act," Amelia County resident David Worner said. "We have to talk to whoever needs to be talked to and not stop, it's time."
Worner, who was among the people who left flowers and held signs outside the high school Monday morning, knows all too well the pain of losing a child, and his heart breaks for the family in this small community who lost theirs.
"My son committed suicide," said Worner. “I'm so sorry. The words can't fix anything.”
In a message from the school system sent Sunday night and shown to CBS 6 by a concerned parent, the school system began their weekly note acknowledging the “deep loss within our community” and sent condolences to the student’s family and friends. The message went on to explain counselors will be available for students and staff who need support.
Dr. Lori Harper, superintendent of Amelia County Schools, shared the following statement with CBS 6 on Monday:
The Amelia County School Board is aware of the tragic loss of a student in our school community. This is a devastating time for all of us. Our hearts are broken for the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this loss. We are all grieving together. Our division leadership is focused on supporting students, staff, and families who may be struggling to process this news. Counseling services and crisis resources will be available in our schools on Monday and throughout the coming week.
At the present time, my focus is on supporting our students and staff. We are working on gathering additional information that may in the future provide answers to some of your questions.
Monday evening, Dr. Harper sent this email to family and staff addressing their concerns.
"Please be assured that the leadership of Amelia County Public Schools is actively investigating the concerns that have been brought to our attention," the email said.
"We recognize that the efforts and actions taken by school leadership often remain unseen by the public. This is due to necessary rules and laws that protect student privacy. While we understand that this lack of public dissemination may sometimes lead to a perception of inaction, we want to assure you that every incident is taken with the utmost seriousness, and we have clear expectations for a thorough and timely response," it continued.
Dr. Harper said there will be a special school board meeting on Monday, May 5 at 6:30pm in the Amelia County High School auditorium. The letter said ACPS will provide detailed information about the Code of Conduct, the processes for accepting and addressing referrals for student misconduct, anti-bullying programs and other resources at the meeting.
Some of the protesting parents also acknowledged that the work to stop bullying can start at home.
“It's not only in school," Worner said. "When they go home, they're on groups. They're on the phone, content continuously. You know, it's just, it's too easy."
"Please don't let this happen again," said Worner. "It hurts too much."
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, call the suicide and crisis hotline at 988.
This story will be updated as we learn more. Click here to email the CBS 6 Newsroom.
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