I had no idea when I began writing 6th grade revisited that my son would soon face his very own 6th grade bully. It happened this week during recess. Ah, recess where kids should have fun, run wild with reckless abandon. It should never be a combat zone. However on this day it was, just like it was for me so many times when I was in 6th grade. Except my son did something that I never did: he spoke up.
You know, I am not quite sure I want to call this person who sucker punched my son a bully – defined by Webster as someone who torments, intimidates or frightens. My son was not scared. This kid was being extremely aggressive on the playground with others knocking and pushing them around. When suddenly my son stepped in the child’s path and said, “Hey look we are not afraid of you.” That is when his face met the attacker’s fist. He and a group of kids immediately took this situation to a teacher, who swiftly escalated it to the principal. The call to our house from the principal was complimentary towards my son. He made it abundantly clear my son was not in any trouble, plus he was impressed by his calm demeanor finding his story credible. After interviewing several other witnesses including the playground punk, the principal made a suspension. I have a pleased little boy walking around the house feeling like a hero, hoping he will have a black eye before the weekend. He believes girls are more receptive to a battered and bruised hero than one who appears unscathed.
In 1982, tattle-telling was taboo, with no inclination there would be repercussions should you go to a teacher. I applaud my son’s school system, empowering young children to speak out. Not only do they encourage open communication, but they also make it very clear there is zero-tolerance for violent behavior in school.
It was an exciting day for my little 6th grader, an upsetting day for grandma (she wants to hunt the little brat down.) Hubby was proud and as for me…I could not help but marvel at the irony…his first adversarial peer in the 6th grade. Begs the question, will there be a 6th Grade Revisited Part Deux??...STAY TUNED!
Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
6th Grade Revisited - What a Ride!!
Wow, the last month has been crazy for us 6th graders. A new love interest has emerged and we did not see it coming. We are not living up to our potential in Math and our popularity rating keeps going up and down. What a roller coaster ride!
My son was begging me this week to let him quit school, so he would not have to face his new, not-so-subtle gal pal who is crushing on him. She is very vocal and very embarrassing....some might say down right overbearing. It took all I had not to giggle uncontrollably at his predicament, but, I realized this is as serious to him as my bullies were to me. So I took off my fellow-6thgrade-classmate face and put on my Mommy face and told him, “I understand your despair, therefore, I will allow you to be homeschooled.” Shock turned to disappointment when he realized what homeschooling meant:
Cleaning the house from top to bottom, laundry, ironing, and cooking all the meals, - oh and I also want a garden!
Kidding aside, I explained to him. “It is unfortunate you children have to worry about stuff other than academics at school, but that’s reality.” “We parents need to remember that, and it is our job to help you with "coping skills" so you are able to handle these additional distractions.” I guaranteed, “In a few days, this girl will tone down her demonstrative doting” (which she did.)
I told my son, “Have fun on this year’s roller coaster ride, the ups and downs are what make things interesting." I told him that my 6th grade ride was the awful, scary, slow, indoor boat ride... and... the only reason this particular attraction even had a line, was because it was the coldest ride in the park on a scorching hot day! I received the smile I was looking for, now on to Math homework, (Yuck, I would rather have a garden)…STAY TUNED!
My son was begging me this week to let him quit school, so he would not have to face his new, not-so-subtle gal pal who is crushing on him. She is very vocal and very embarrassing....some might say down right overbearing. It took all I had not to giggle uncontrollably at his predicament, but, I realized this is as serious to him as my bullies were to me. So I took off my fellow-6thgrade-classmate face and put on my Mommy face and told him, “I understand your despair, therefore, I will allow you to be homeschooled.” Shock turned to disappointment when he realized what homeschooling meant:
Cleaning the house from top to bottom, laundry, ironing, and cooking all the meals, - oh and I also want a garden!
Kidding aside, I explained to him. “It is unfortunate you children have to worry about stuff other than academics at school, but that’s reality.” “We parents need to remember that, and it is our job to help you with "coping skills" so you are able to handle these additional distractions.” I guaranteed, “In a few days, this girl will tone down her demonstrative doting” (which she did.)
I told my son, “Have fun on this year’s roller coaster ride, the ups and downs are what make things interesting." I told him that my 6th grade ride was the awful, scary, slow, indoor boat ride... and... the only reason this particular attraction even had a line, was because it was the coldest ride in the park on a scorching hot day! I received the smile I was looking for, now on to Math homework, (Yuck, I would rather have a garden)…STAY TUNED!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
6th Grade Revisited – Desegregation
Wanted to give a quick history lesson further explaining why I’ve decided to revisit 6th grade. In the 1980’s court-ordered busing was enacted and so began desegregation or “bussing.” Many black kids were bussed to schools in predominantly white neighborhoods. It was an effort by the courts to have the right integrated mix of students throughout certain Indiana townships. The practice of bussing was phased out around 1998.
Prior to 6th grade I was among the two or three black students already living in a "white" township. I did face some of the normal teasing, or just down right mean spiritedness that most students face such as, being too fat, too skinny, wearing glasses, etc. However, the “reverse” prejudice I was about to encounter from the other blacks students entering the school system in 6th grade with the advent of bussing was a difficult pill to swallow, and one I wasn't prepared to take.
The adversity and bullying I endured was not fun at the time, but the fun I am having with my son the last couple of weeks makes the experience well worth it! Over and above what else might be taught, "the lemonade you can make from lemons" is perhaps the best lesson we 6th graders will learn this year.
So glad I am revisiting 6th grade!
Prior to 6th grade I was among the two or three black students already living in a "white" township. I did face some of the normal teasing, or just down right mean spiritedness that most students face such as, being too fat, too skinny, wearing glasses, etc. However, the “reverse” prejudice I was about to encounter from the other blacks students entering the school system in 6th grade with the advent of bussing was a difficult pill to swallow, and one I wasn't prepared to take.
The adversity and bullying I endured was not fun at the time, but the fun I am having with my son the last couple of weeks makes the experience well worth it! Over and above what else might be taught, "the lemonade you can make from lemons" is perhaps the best lesson we 6th graders will learn this year.
So glad I am revisiting 6th grade!
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