To the editor:

After my daughter Jaimiaya came home from school crying multiple times in second grade, I knew something had to change. Bullies targeted her because of how her skin looked after she suffered a burn injury. It was a terrible experience for her, and she didn’t deserve it.

When she continued to come home crying, I started looking for alternatives. Fortunately, I came across Virginia Virtual Academy, an online public school that’s providing Jaimiaya with a school environment she’s thriving in. She’s now 12, and she’s broken free from her bullies and isn’t letting anything hold her back now. At her new school, she’s focusing on her classes and doing such an amazing job.

Since October is National Bullying Prevention Month, I urge other parents to consider alternative education options for children who’ve been bullied. Jaimiaya has been so happy with her new school, and seeing her joy every day warms my heart.

Latasha Wilson

Norfolk