We had a similar situation in our school (my daughter is also in 8th grade). The mother met with the principal and the guidance counselor. Since it happened on school grounds, the school had to handle. The girl was also being bullied via computer but the principal was clear that they cannot do anything about cyber bullying - its out of their jurisdiction - but they CAN handle any incidents that happen in school.

Long story short,the principal called the bullies into his office and they were given detention. The next incident will result in in-school suspension and then out of school suspension and finally expulsion. We had a serious issue in our school that was handled improperly forcing the school to come up with an anti-bullying policy and a code of conduct which every student/parent has to sign at the beginning of the year. Anyone who violates this code of conduct will be punished accordingly.

Does your school have a similar code/anti-bullying policy? Is this something you can suggest at the next board meeting? Bottom line is that bullying should not be tolerated. With all the horrible news stories about bullying, I think your school should take it very seriously. Talk to the prinicipal about the school's policy. I would advise against talking to the other parent unless you know them or unless it's with school personnel who have witnessed an incident. I have found many parents take on a defensive "not my child" attitude when confronted so it helps to have a third party.