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Kids, parents should be aware but not scared
Let's see, if you tally up all the extra-curricular events that have been going on in and at schools around here lately, it adds up to a lot of mayhem. And you should be concerned, rightfully so. But how do you show that without teaching fear?
There have been shootings, stabbings, teachers accused of inappropriate sexual conduct, teachers assaulting students, students ambushing teachers and yesterday's giant fight at South Broward High School.
Schools everywhere are potential venues of turmoil at one time or another over one thing or another. Even death and murder. No one intentionally puts their child in harm's way because of the school they are attending.
Last night, one of my son's friends called so they could chat about the incident. At the end of the conversation, they both said they are looking forward to going to S. Broward next year anyway. Sometimes things happen that are out of an individual's control.
But what if your kid expresses they are nervous about going to school because of these incidents?
Do you discuss this stuff with them? What about those classic rumors like, there is going to be a big fight at the bus stop, or so and so is going to beat up someone at lunch time? How do you encourage your child to be alert but not afraid; to be safe and have a plan, but not overly worried?
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Comments
Communication is the key. Talk with(as opposed to at or to) your children. My son is a Bulldog (South Broward's mascot). I was on the phone (yes, I know students are not to have electronic devices or use them during school) with him soon after the incident and asked him if he feared for his safety. He laughed and said no. It was just a fight.
No weapons, no injuries more than bruises, probably egos more than skin. Yes, it COULD have erupted into something bigger but the administration and security staff have a handle on their school, therefore, it did not.
My niece, also a student there, today said she was not aware that 'gangs' existed at South Broward. She is a participatory student (junior) and I made the point that they (gangs)must not be that prevalent.
The media needs to focus on the positive, but that does not sell papers or advertising. Has anyone in the media asked how South Broward arrived at the 'D' grade? The lowest quartile of students did not show an improvement in standardized testing for 2 consecutive years, we maintained the score, which under the State of Florida school grading policy you lose 1 point. We lost 1 additional point elsewhere, so yes we were a 'C' now a 'D.' Did anyone from the media attend the regularly scheduled monthly parent meeting held that very night? No. Did the media comment on the production of Peter Pan put on by the VSE students that day?No. These students have varying degrees of disabilities, down's syndrome, blindness,cerebral palsy, autism and to see this production brings tears to your eyes but your heart swells with pride. South Broward hosted visiting schools that morning to enjoy the production. A grand number of others things happened at that school on wednesday. Their teacher of the year was recognized by Broward County. Was ANY of this on the news. No. Shame on you, media, shame on you.
If students are aware of a situation or potential one, they need to tell someone at school. They can remain anonymous. Knowledge is power. When you have knowledge of a situation, you have power over it. Communication is the key.
Posted by: hollywood mom | January 29, 2009 11:15 PM
i go to south broward !
Posted by: kelly | April 9, 2009 3:38 PM