The Observation Deck

I know this should technically be posted in the schools section, but since this school is also in Lakewood.....YIPEE to Garfield getting the ten thousand dollar grant for anti-bullying!!!!! This may be old news to some but new to me.

I don't think adults fully realize the impact of bullying, verbal as well, that is impacting our society. I had more people tell my daughter entering middle school, how "middle school was the worst time in my life" and really scared her. For me it was one of the best times and I just don't know how we got so low as a society to allow so many children to feel so bad in middle school. Teaching in a psych ward now, I will tell you that bullying is occurring in EVERY single community and is pretty high in the most affluent communities. To see bright, talented girls who have no self-esteem because they were bullied or verbally tortured by other students, mainly girls, is heartwrenching.

I can honestly say that I stayed in Lakewood after we bought our first home 13 years ago BECAUSE of the diveristy and uniqueness of the town that gave me hope that my children could find a place to fit in, regardless of who their personality dictated them to be. That all income levels, races and religions were among them so they would never feel "worse" or "better" than anyone. That they could actually see a representation of the WORLD that we are a part of and not one particular "group" to fit into.

That being said "YIPEE" to Garfield's grant and let's continue to encourage anti-bullying from knidergarten grade and up! I hope they have a specialized part for girls, since that verbal bullying among girls has longer lasting effects that physical scars.

Remember that tonight at the Civic "Bully"!

Facing History and Ourselves and the Allstate Foundation will be hosting a “Community Conversation” event on Sept. 6 at the Civic Auditorium that includes a screening of the documentary “Bully” followed by a discussion with “Bully” director Lee Hirsch. This free event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and reservations are requested.

http://www.facinghistory.org/film-screening-community-conversation-clv

From the Garfield Gazette:

Garfield Gets $10,000 Grant For Bullying Prevention
Mr. Chiaravalle, Garfield's Assistant Principal, received a $10,000 grant from Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason's office to continue our bullying prevention efforts. With this funding, all of Garfield's students will continue to be educated in the Olweus Bullying & Violence prevention curriculum that is taught by representatives from Campus Impact. Approximately every other month classroom lessons will teach students the dangers of bullying behavior as well as strategies to stop or reduce bullying. Students will also receive lessons on diversity, respect, cyber bullying, and conflict resolution. Bullying and violence in schools is a worldwide epidemic that has no easy solution. We can reduce this problem through educating our children on the horrible consequences that may result from bullying and how to report bullying and support their victims. Congratulations to Mr. Chiaravalle and thank you to County Prosecutor Bill Mason for providing this much needed funding.

Harding Middle School will also be offering programming around preventing bullying at school. Their approach will be a little different.

Here is plug for PTA and the Lakewood PTA Council

If you want a great way to stay on top of all of the news & events happening at Lakewood City Schools attend PTA Council meetings. At the last meeting (Tuesday evening) 3 principals were in attendance given us updates on what is going on in the district and they listened to the concerns of PTA members. The next PTA Council meeting is October 3rd at the Lakewood Board of Education Auditorium, 7pm. Meetings are open. Please consider joining PTA at your school. Dues is low and PTA Members are eligible for many perks offered by National PTA.