By Bonnie Barbee
It saddens me that Terry didn”t see Chance”s letter for what it really is. Because Terry”s experience in high school was different from Chance”s, it doesn”t mean Chance”s was OK too. I can see Terry has taken this personal and I admire his passion, protecting his school, however, this is not just a CLHS problem, it is a national problem that has continued. Like the Richmond teachers remarked after the two-hour rape occurred, then made the statement that their students are not criminals. Well, apparently they have some. Unless Terry is there with Chance all day he cannot know his experiences at school.
As far as Chance looking for attention, well it won”t be good attention; in fact you have to admire him for sticking his neck out. I only hope the school administration protects him, for it is not unusual to be rough on the whistle blower who is trying to right a wrong.
I don”t know what ideas or methods have or are in place to combat this problem. A company I worked for had weekly safety meetings and even though in the beginning I thought, how redundant, but later realized that it kept it in the forefront of my mind and in doing so was practiced more. Having a weekly or bi-monthly meeting or assembly to reinforce positive actions, like being helpful if someone isn”t doing well. Be courteous, give compliments; all the good is contagious, unfortunately, so is the bad.
I have seen banners in the Konocti School District with positive slogans, but is it verbally reinforced on a regular basis? Remind the students that not all kids come from a happy home and can have a lot of frustrations. Remember, students can come to school after a real bad situation at home. Students can show a thumb up or down or a smile or frown to students that are doing right or wrong. Here”s a big one; strategically place punching bags and scream rooms around campus. A lot of students have no way of releasing their frustrations; they have to live where they live, they have no escape, so what a way to do it. I am sure they will find some reason that won”t be OK. This has to be a whole school effort if it is to work.
I must commend Chance for being so brave as to come forth on such an important issue (these things can impact one”s whole life) and on his well-written letter. His parents should be proud. On Terry”s passion, we need more of that too!
Bonnie Barbee
Clearlake
