And I'm resisting the urge of going to the school, punting the offending kid into orbit and manhandling the parents. Public schools, brahs. Not even once. Tried telling the wife we should move to a better school district or look into private school. She thinks being educated around feral kids with shit parents is "character building." Giving the school a chance to rectify the situation before I end up on the evening news. I can just see some idiot TA on their phone while my kid is being attacked. Makes my blood boil. And of course my kid won't defend herself because she thinks she'll get in trouble.
Sorry to hear about this, I am sure the situation is infuriating.
A few things I would recommend.
First an foremost, start with the things you can control. You can drive yourself nuts getting angry about things you cant change but that wont help anything.
A) Teach your kids to protect themselves and make sure they understand that YOU have their back and if they get in trouble for protecting themselves that is ok.
I have 11 & 12 year old daughters.
They know how to throw a jab and a cross. I have them hit my palm mimicking rudminentary pad work. They love it, it is fun, it is time spent together and I talk to them about situational awareness and eliminating a threat to get to safety.
Others have suggested boxing, BJJ or MMa training. If you have time/budget for that, i agree. Martial artsnwas very helpful for me growing up. Gave me confidence and discipline and the handful of times where I was in fights that i couldnt avoid i didnt panic and stayed calm and focused which i think is directly due to sparring experience.
If ypu cant do lessons you can probably teach them a few things.
Jab, cross, guillotine, etc.
If girl attacked by boy: eye gouge, groin attacks, strike to the trachea.
Then GET AWAY.
B) If the school sucks, which seems to be the case, what are your other options?
I homeschooled my kids for a year and it was an amazing experience. It put both of them above grade level in all their subjects and bonus of teaching them a lot about music as that is a passion of mine.
Private school?
Is it bad enough to warrant moving?
Are you in a rental or do you own?
If your kid is smart and not beimg challenged or you feel the teacher is giving BS busy work, is there something that could engage them outside of school?
Music? Theater? Sports?
.....................
GOOD LUCK.
It is a terrible situation, but there are possible lessons and growth if you handle it right and hopefully ways to avoid it occuring again.