This week's safe schools snippets

Reforms pitched for Colorado schools’ zero-tolerance rules

After nearly two decades marked by zero tolerance, reformers are intent on revamping the state’s approach to school discipline, but the effort to craft new legislation has created sharp battle lines. Read more in the Denver Post. 

Plan to end bullying and make schools kinder and gentler

A plan that would virtually end school bullying and make school discipline kinder, gentler and more meaningful is being proposed for schools throughout the country.

The man behind this revolutionary concept is Dr. Robert Goldman, a Long Island psychologist/lawyer. He is intent on changing the culture of schools based on lessons found in his book, No Room for Vengeance, and his work with the Suffolk County Probation Department. Read more in the Huffington Post. 

Young, in love and sharing everything, including a password

Young couples have long signaled their devotion to each other by various means — the gift of a letterman jacket, or an exchange of class rings or ID bracelets. Best friends share locker combinations. Read more in the New York Times.

Youth of the Year shares bullying experience

Something good came out of all the bullying Bariyah Lee endured during her elementary and middle school years in Loveland.

Sharing her experiences Wednesday as a student at Garfield Elementary and Bill Reed Middle schools culminated in Lee being named Larimer County Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year for 2012. Read more in the Coloradoan.

Is my child being bullied? Action steps for parents

Most adults can recall a time when they, or someone they know, were bullied. It usually was a humiliating experience that they preferred to forget. The “school yard bully” was avoided at all costs; rarely did adults get involved. Well, the times have changed. My career has been devoted to protecting children — but usually due to abuse or neglect at the hands of an adult. Unfortunately, children also need to be protected from other children. To set the record straight, bullying is not teasing or the occasional name calling or arguments that happen between friends. Bullying is behavior that crosses the line and, as we’ve recently seen in tragic cases, can drive children to commit suicide. Read more in Huffington Post. 

Supreme Court to consider educators’ response to cyber-bullying

Reporting from Washington— A middle school principal in northeastern Pennsylvania was shocked to see his photo online along with a description of him as a “hairy sex addict” and a “pervert” who liked “hitting on students” in his office. Read more in the Los Angeles Times. 

 

About our First Person series:

First Person is where Chalkbeat features personal essays by educators, students, parents, and others trying to improve public education. Read our submission guidelines here.