Bully Talk with Mr. Senitte

Today Mr. Senitte and Mr. Ashcraft were in our room. The purpose of their visit was to discuss some bully issues happening at Bitterroot Elementary. Now, these are not severe issues but we are doing everything in our power to nip this behavior in the bud before it gets there. Bitterroot is known for its strong respect for rules and safety. We will do everything to keep it that way. Some of the issues we are seeing are swearing, name calling and rumor spreading. Mr. Senitte addressed the swearing issue with giving alternatives to swear words. At school, the word sucks is considered a swear word. I have heard this in our classroom recently. It will not be tolerated beyond this point. Mr. Senitte was right today when he said we are a school of respect and we need to demonstrate that with our words when we communicate. Name calling was also discussed in length. What we are seeing a lot of is words being used that are probably not really understood by 9 and 10 year olds. Words like gay, lesbian, and hooker. Students most likely have heard these words on TV or at home and have brought them to school. These words have been used by some 4th graders and it will no longer be tolerated. Mr. Senitte did not go into the meaning of these words, but did encourage students to have at home conversations about them. He also addressed the phrase, think before you speak. This is a phrase that I use as well in class. Students need to make sure they are saying things that make others feel good about themselves or nothing at all. We all know the saying, if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. Lastly, we talked a lot about rumor spreading. This has been a huge problem in our class. We have been talking about this for over two weeks now. The strategy I have taught the kids, and they are finally starting to understand and use, is when they hear a rumor stop passing it. Go directly to the source and get the real story. Ask them directly if they said this or that. Most of the time, by the time one hears a rumor it is so far from the original truth that it is even more hurtful. So, I encourage you to tell your child the same thing when they come home with a story about so and so said this or so and so said that. I encourage you to say to them, did you go to the source and ask them if this is true? It is also important to say to them, have you told this to anyone else or did you stop the rumor in its tracks? Students need modeled behavior. There is no better model than you their parents and us their teachers. Together, we can solve all three of these bully type behaviors quickly. I appreciate all that you do already, and please feel free to talk to me openly about any of these issues.

Monday!

Great start to the last week before spring break. Petey is getting really good, and our journey through the Everglades is getting a little wet, then dry, then cold, then wet, then dry...ask your kids what that is all about!

Pennies for planets is going great! We have collected over 30 dollars. We are ahead of Mrs. Hankin's class but we are NOT getting cocky! Keep checking under those couch cushions!!

The recorder concert is this Wednesday at 1:00 in the gym. If you are unable to attend...no worries! I will be broadcasting it LIVE on the interned on our classroom ustream channel. WOOHOO!! Live is best, but if you really can't make it try to get near a computer at that time. It will also be recorded and can be viewed later. Watch for the address on tomorrow's blog or on the information sheet coming home in the take home folders tomorrow. Yes!!

Have a super night.