Coffee with the Counselor

Hello Guardians! As you know, education is a collaborative effort between home and school. Administration would like to inform you of an increase in reports of students “roasting” or teasing one another, which can escalate into arguments or fights. We’ve also seen an uptick in students using phrases such as “go kill yourself” or “I want to die.”

Please take a moment to talk with your child about the seriousness of using this type of language. By law, schools are required to conduct threat assessments and suicide risk assessments whenever such statements are made, regardless of intent. While many students say these things out of anger, frustration, or as a joke, we must treat every instance with utmost seriousness.

At school, we work with students on understanding appropriate language, practicing empathy, and developing healthy coping skills. However, we need your partnership to help shift this mindset and reinforce these important lessons at home.

I appreciate your support in keeping our school a safe and caring environment for all students.

In October, a portion of our classroom guidance lesson will focus on bullying, conflict, and positive communication. Students will participate in grade-appropriate discussions and activities designed to help them recognize the difference between bullying and everyday conflict, communicate their feelings, ask for help when needed, and stand up for themselves and others in respectful ways.

When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying, they send the message that it is unacceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time.

Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help kids prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy.

Children and teenagers who feel secure and supported by their family, school, and peers are less likely to bully. However, some youth do not have these types of support. Every individual is unique, and many factors can contribute to bullying behavior. A youth who bullies may experience one, several, or none of the contributing factors.

Read more on stopbullying.gov