Bullying has become a serious issue in our nation today. With many students hurting themselves and others in response to being bullied, it is important that stakeholders become aware of what bullying is and is not, how to prevent bullying, and what to do in response to bullying.

Bullying is aggressive behavior with the intent to cause harm. There is always an imbalance of power between the parties and it must be in repetition. An imbalance of power can include imbalance of strength, intelligence, popularity, among others. This can be the feeling that someone else has more power over a student and their happiness than they have over themselves.

Most of the time we see this behavior exhibited in the older grades. Developmentally, younger aged children are still learning how to regulate their emotions, so their aggressive behavior may be a result of this. It is important to reinforce at home in the early grades (K-2) the idea of being a good friend. What does a good friend look like and sound like? If we do not agree with someone or do not get along with someone, how should we treat them? What does it look like and sound like to communicate with someone we may not consider our  friend?

In older grades, it is important to still convey how important it is to communicate respectfully and appreciate diversity. The beauty of the world is that we all see things through different lenses, and that we define pretty and ugly for ourselves. As parents, it is important to keep your lines of communication open with your kids. Take time out of your day, even on the drive to school, to give your children the stage they need to express their feelings and thoughts. When you see a change in behavior, ask them what is going on.

When you notice that your child may have been bullied, please inform your child's teacher, counselor, or administrator. It is our responsibility to make all children feel safe and welcome at school. Our Administrative staff will investigate bullying accusations, consult with the counselor to provide support to both the student who is bullying and the student being bullied, and consequences will be given as a result of investigations. In October, Bullying Awareness Month, Ms. Edirmanasinghe, our School Counselor, delivered a Cafe Conversation to parents around the topic of Bullying. Feel free to review this presentation.

Here are some resources to help you research on your own:

www.stopbullying.gov

www.rosalindwiseman.com

http://www.education.com/topic/school-bullying-teasing/

The end of the year is coming soon and all curriculum materials will need to be checked-in through the library. Ms. Copeland and Ms. F. would love to have some volunteers each day until the end of the school year to help with this process. Take a look at the Sign Up Genius linked here - you can come in any time between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM each day through the end of the school year. If you have a few hours to spare, we'd love to have your help!

Are you helpful by nature? Do you enjoy talking to new people and making them feel welcome? If so, you can be an Amana Buddy! Amana Buddies will help families new to Amana transition into our school during the first weeks of the next school year.

As an Amana Buddy, you would:

• Be partnered with a few new families in the grade(s) of your choice.
• Welcome your new families with a phone call or email.
• Meet your new families at the Welcome Back Picnic in August.
• Be available to answer questions throughout the school year.

Sign up online or contact Sara Ead at saraeadamanapie@gmail.com for questions.