We have taught social responsibility, anti-bullying, effective problem-solving and anger management. Coloroso has even given a workshop to our parents. I muct say that the students in our school are very well behaved but it is always a problem dealing with those few students whose parents just don't get it!

I called home and asked dad to bring another t-shirt for his son because the one he was wearing was totally inappropriate for the classroom. It said something like the best way to deal with a bully was kick him and run! This was on a seven year old boy who was in danger of being bullied because he had 'big mouth'. Talk about setting up your kid! It was in direct opposition to what we were teaching. Believe me, this kid did not need that kind of attention!

When dad arrived with the new t-shirt, he asked me when I was going to retire! As if this was going to solve the problem! Whatever...
There have always been jerks and there will always be jerks. Its how we respond to them that matters.

BTW - Dad sent me a nice little present and a card on my birthday a couple of days ago. I guess he had a change of heart.

When a school is determined to be a safe school. It can be done but it takes commitment at all levels. It also takes a certain amount of risk taking on the part of teachers. We do have a socially responsible school and the kids are polite and accountable for their actions. I keep wondering if it will carry over to high school.