Quick Bit of Info

Remember that tomorrow will be our school pictures. This will be the first of our ten SSA opt-out days for the year. To see what other days are also designated as opt-out, check the red PTO calendar the recently came home.

Changing the subject, I feel as if I have been spending a great deal of time correcting behaviors in class this week that we have never had trouble with before. I know that we are now splitting up and going to class with other students, but that does not mean we allow their bad habits to become ours. If anything, I would love to see that our class has the ability to positively influence others. Right now, I am afraid I see more of the former. I am by no means giving up on them, but it has been very disappointing.

I also wanted to let you know that we discussed the events surrounding the "Jena 6" today in both reading and homeroom. The topic is very volatile, but it is important for students to know what is going on in their world. I did not get into the specific details, but we discussed how unfortunately there are still uneducated, ignorant people in the world who judge people based on how they look, or their gender, or religious preference, or any silly reason they may deem important. We talked about remembering not to judge any group by one individual's actions. It breaks my heart to know that there are people today that still have to face prejudice and discrimination of any kind, and that in places it is "legal" to do and say horrible, ugly things with no punishment or consequences. We also talked about how there were times to fight back, but that we usually have many options before it gets to that point.

I encourage you to talk to your child about how you would like them to handle a situation where they feel they are the victim of discrimination or just feel unsafe for some reason. Let them know that there are many people who love and care about them--so many more than the ignorant few that seem to make the news here lately. Help your child identify a few "safe" adults to whom they might go when in a difficult situation. This might include family members, neighbors, people at church or school, or anyone that would protect your child if you were not around when something were to happen. I pray that none of my kids, (yes, I know they're really yours) ever have to face discrimination, but I also want them to know what to do if it ever were to happen. My heart is heavy, and I pray that our children can be the example and the change that the world needs for a safer and happier tomorrow.