By Principal Paul
As we continue into the doldrums of winter,
sometimes patience can be lost; there is clearly
a legitimate syndrome called, “Cabin Fever.”
Conflict is a natural part of life; students
will experience conflict at VVES.
At school, I have developed a list of options to
try in times of conflict: talk it out, ignore,
paper/rock/scissors, compromise, etc. (available
We ask the students to try three of these
options before talking to an adult supervisor.
Most problems seem to disappear using this
technique. Now, there are conflicts and there
are true bully situations. Bully problems are
serious and need immediate attention. But, all
too often, conflict is automatically labeled as
a bullying issue!
The important thing to keep in mind is that
bullying does not go hand-in-hand with every
conflict between students. I ran across an
article written by Danah Boyd in The Wall Street
Journal regarding bullying. I have included a
few main points:
“Bullying is a serious issue. Cries to do
something—anything—have triggered new
legislation, school assemblies, and pressure
to punish those who hurt others. As
difficult as it is to step back and gain
perspective, we must do so in order to
actually address the problem.
“Bullies” usually aren’t the source of the
problem: They’re often a symptom of the
problem. Many bullies have difficulties at
home or in school, and need just as much
help as those who are targets of and
bystanders to bullying.
Not all meanness and cruelty is bullying:
Bullying refers to repeated psychological,
social and physical aggression propagated by
those who are more physically or socially
powerful. Different strategies are needed to
curb other types of meanness and cruelty,
but it’s also important not to overreact.
Some forms of teasing, pranking and
drama are perfectly healthy, even if they
look troublesome from the outside.
When a child has been hurt, people want
someone—or something—to blame, but rushing
to prosecute purported bullies only
undermines society’s ability to curb
bullying. Rather than looking for people to
blame, it’s important to look for root
causes and work to address those. The blame
game does little to stop the cycle of
There’s no doubt that bullying does serious
harm, both to those who are victimized as
well as to perpetrators and bystanders.
Combating bullying—alongside other forms of
aggression and violence—should be a social
priority. But bullying is not just a youth
problem. If we want to help young people, we
need to put an end to adult meanness and
cruelty and take responsibility for how we
perpetuate problematic values and
intolerance. We cannot expect youth to treat
each other kindly when we accept politicians
berating each other for sport, parents
talking behind their neighbors’ backs, and
reality TV stars becoming famous for
treating each other horribly. If we want to
create a kinder, braver world, we must
collectively work to develop compassion,
empathy and respect.
agree whole-heartily that bullying is a serious
issue. This article offers an interesting
perspective. Let me know if you would like a
copy of this article in its entirety. In
addition to this, check out Ask the Expert at
www.parent-institute.com now attached to our
The more you know, the smarter you grow!
now has a voice mail system in the office. You
may leave messages before and after school
regarding student absence or any other needs you
may have. We will also have school closure days
on our message.
At the end of the second quarter we were able to
celebrate 138 students who had perfect
attendance during this grading period. Way to go
students! Let’s see how the third quarter goes!
Below are listed the upcoming special events;
most note-worthy is the School Carnival. Good
Fun—Good Food—and Good Luck to the guys in the
4th grade ski
Red, White and
Blue Day Student Council
Book Making Workshop Public Library
Presidents Day—No School
2nd Grade Tubing
Winter Carnival at VVES
Visiting Author Carol Muzik 4th and 5th
grade workshop—no assembly! Carol is the author
of “Raising Lucy”. This children’s book may be
purchase through the school. Carol will also
have a book signing session on this day.
Mountain West Bank PTO Raffle! There are
five items or packages available through this
raffle. A BMX Bike value $340; an Auto Care
Package value $220; Mini Retreat at
KRI value $225; A Gardening Pack value $115
and a Craft Crate value at $180. Items are on
display at Mountain West Bank.
will match funds spent on ticket sales. Total
value of raffle over $1,000! Tickets $2 each or
three for $5.
Dr. Seuss Birthday!
I Love to Read Week
Final note: On March 6 I hope to change my
appearance and all the students need to do is …
their best! Read more than you have to, then
write with knowledge and purpose. What does a
mustache have to do with academia?
When you work hard at school, you will make a
difference! You can make change in the world!