tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335425380769670283.post1535323562088886494..comments2023-03-21T03:51:38.135-07:00Comments on Whiteboard Report: Bullying in SchoolsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335425380769670283.post-70059162236712150092010-04-26T17:05:03.326-07:002010-04-26T17:05:03.326-07:00Thank you for making such a valid point. Believe m...Thank you for making such a valid point. Believe me, as a public school teacher I know very well how much gets blamed on the teachers -- often unfairly so. Amongst ourselves we often repeat the public sentiment, "Of course, it's always the teacher's fault." <br /><br />Public school teachers are all too often expected to teach not only subject matter, but to take on the role of "parent" as well. Sadly, so many of our children are not receiving the care they deserve at home, and this has disastrous effects in the classroom, and in the school yard. Of course it is the parent's job to teach compassion, kindness, and tolerance. Clearly, many are failing to do so. <br /><br />Please, stay involved. It is parents like you that help make our schools safe places for children to be.Giannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03777680095441391623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335425380769670283.post-56556005687696550132010-04-25T13:33:36.553-07:002010-04-25T13:33:36.553-07:00Where I think you are right about the amount of bu...Where I think you are right about the amount of bullying that takes place in our public schools is accurate, I also have found that a majority of the bullies come from parents who are also bullies. So to say that it's because of our public school system, I think, is unfair. I also feel it's used as an excuse so we, as parents, don't have to take the responsibility for teaching our children tolerance and humanity.<br />I have a child in public school, with a tribe of children who respect and look out for one another. This stems from parenting. I know that this is an unusual situation. We parents have worked very hard to create a safe and fun learning environment for our kids, with support from the public school administration. <br />Certainly there are experiences that SEEM beyond our control at times, they are however, NOT. Communication, involvement and discussion are a necessary part of helping our children, teachers and schools. Without that, of course you are going to feel like you are sending your children out to the wolves. That's why, in my experience, INVOLVEMENT, not avoidance is crucial.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335425380769670283.post-49723404963266772402010-04-20T11:55:15.622-07:002010-04-20T11:55:15.622-07:00Thank you for such an insightful response. I think...Thank you for such an insightful response. I think that part of what we have both experienced as parents who chose to home school is the knee jerk reaction of those who feel personally threatened by the idea that you are choosing to pull your child out of the very place they are choosing to insert their own child. In a sense then, by choosing an alternative path for your child you are, by default, insinuating that what they are choosing is wrong or damaging. Of course, this is not the case. All families have different circumstances to contend with, and what works for one kid or family, doesn't necessarily work for another. <br /><br />Therein lies the key. Children are all different, and sometimes need different environments in which they can thrive. For convenience sake, we continue to shove them all into the same mold, but as a parent, if you realize your kid does not fit, and that mold may be causing them undue suffering, for crying out loud, get them out of there!Giannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03777680095441391623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2335425380769670283.post-5741025901840977922010-04-15T01:53:31.066-07:002010-04-15T01:53:31.066-07:00I too home schooled my kids partly because of this...I too home schooled my kids partly because of this issue. I get so offended by the ignorant use of the "social retard" comments that I hear people use on the radio or in circles where people do not know I home schooled. I took a lot of flack from my public school teacher in-laws as well.<br /> One of the main issues with my experience in schools, (especially elementary and middle school) was the dominance of the children. They so outnumbered adults that there was no way to even monitor their behavior let alone modify it. By their very nature, children are immature and just do not know any better. They can often form a mob mentality lead by some comment made in an absolute state of ignorance and social mania. And because children are also forming their permanent perception of reality at this vulnerable age, it is not a great idea to let the kids lead on this one. <br /> I think the idea on this is that one has to develop a thick skin early so as to be prepared for the constant onslaught of criticism and abuse to come. I hope the holes in this particular argument are self evident, but just a quick reflection on Psychology 101 can remind us that early abuse does not necessarily prepare one for abuse and make one better able to deal with it but seems to form a template or pattern in which one tends to repeat and draw towards more abuse as known and comfortable ground.<br /> I hope you are right about the changes that we may see after this sad story of Phoebe Prince. Even though I sacrificed my career and quite a bit of social standing I am really glad I home schooled my kids up until 8th grade and I can honestly say that NO ONE will ever call my kids "retards". Not only because they are both really socially savvy, but also because they will never be in an environment where that is tolerated. <br /> Thanks GiannaJaneVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10803163341379136061noreply@blogger.com