Bullying

Some memories from childhood can be joyous, others painful.  The most powerful of those painful memories usually involve teasing or verbal bullying.  Bullying is not a typical “kids will be kids” problem anymore.  Bullying is a societal problem which touches all of us whether we are in public or independent schools.  Recent studies show that one of ten students is regularly harassed by bullies.  Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the students who stand out who are bullied.  Children who wear glasses, are overweight, have red hair, speak differently or dress differently do not automatically invite bully attacks.  Any student can be a victim of a bully.

Here’s what you can do to help stop this from being a big issue at our school.  (1) Acknowledge your child’s feelings.  Don’t minimize the distress caused by teasing.  A child who has been teased or bullied may be ashamed to tell anyone, so be sensitive to your child’s concerns.  (2) Watch for symptoms your child may be a bullying victim.  Withdrawal, a drop in grades, torn clothes, unexplained bruises, not wanting to go to school, needing extra money, “losing” possessions at school are all symptoms.  (3) Share your past with your child.  Were you bullied or teased?  Sharing this information will help to ease your child’s humiliation.  (4) Praise your child’s kindness and acceptance to others.  Our children look to us as parents to set the tone when it comes to accepting the differences of others.  (5) Most importantly, notify your child’s teacher of possible bullying behaviors in a timely manner.  It helps us tremendously if we can investigate this as soon after it occurs as possible.  Waiting a week or two does not help in these situations.

If you have any further input on this topic, please contact me through email at sjackson@sumneracademy.org.

Be a Dreamer!

Well, for me, it was a dream come true.  In the summer of 2007, before a crowd of about fifty or so at AutoZone Park in Memphis, I had my chance to play big time baseball.  It was a Fantasy Day for Memphis Redbird sponsors, coached by former big leaguers Reggie Williams and Charlie Lea. I was issued practice clothes, a uniform, and a locker…complete with my name.  I got to participate in pre-game batting practice and fielding practice.  Then there I was, playing first base at AutoZone Park!  My performance was one you might expect from a then 46-year-old, overweight, slow, minimal-talent "wannabe."  My stats: two walks, one hit by pitch, two runs, and NO fielding errors.  My performance at the post-game buffet dinner was much better!  My team, Reggie's Raiders, did come up victorious 24-4.

I have dreamed of such an experience all my life!  Growing up a Detroit Tigers fan, I dreamed of playing first base for them and having Ernie Harwell announce my name.  To have a chance to hit in a real ballpark with adoring fans (Amy and two other couples) and have my name announced for all to hear (50), was truly a dream come true.

What about your dreams?  What about those of your children?  I firmly believe that as we get older, our dreams are put on the back shelf.  As you have probably noticed, time goes by more quickly with each passing year.  So don’t wait. Make time to take that trip you've always wanted to take. Or, just enjoy some real quality time with your children.  It's so easy to say, “maybe at Christmas Break, or Spring Break, maybe this weekend . . . or next?”

So, what is that dream of yours?  Is it rafting down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, riding horses at a dude ranch, or visiting lighthouses on the coast of Maine?  Perhaps you’re yearning to try out for American Idol or a game show like Jeopardy (been there, done that)?  Maybe you simply desire to sit down with your family for dinner three nights in a row.  How about reading a book like Treasure Island as a family instead of watching episode #500 of “Law and Order” or some other show? The mother of one of my colleagues is taking tap dancing lessons at the age of 77.  The last time she tapped was in elementary school!

Some of the things I’ve mentioned here can be cost prohibitive--others are free.  Only you know what you are able to afford, but please continue to chase your dreams.  My time in the spotlight lasted only six hours, but the memories will last a lifetime!

As always, I hope this message finds you well and happy with our school.  Please know that my door is always open, should you have anything you would like to discuss with me.