Natalie Rust
Principal
Notes from the Principal...
The Goddard School District has been proactive and committed to preventing bullying by developing a bullying policy and curriculum. Our counselors address bullying through classroom lessons. They also address student issues, hoping to provide the students with tools to use in given situations. All 4th grade students in the district participate in a survey around December. The survey results are addressed at Site Council/staff meetings.
Bullying can be a difficult issue to address. It is important not to rescue a child in every little situation, but rather to provide a healthy balance between what they can solve on their own vs. what needs more adult attention. True character can be built for a child through some struggles.
The book titled, The Bully, The Bullied, And The Bystander written by Barbara Coloroso includes more than 100 practical ways to protect your child. It also discusses different family structures and the important role that the family structure has on the development of a child. Fifteen characteristics of a “backbone family” are listed within the book, but the first characteristic of a “backbone family” really had an impact on me. I hope the first message is as meaningful to you as it was me.
“Parents develop for their children a network of support through six critical messages given every day:
- I believe in you.
- I trust in you.
- I know you can handle life situations.
You are listened to. - You are cared for.
- You are very important to me.
Through love, acceptance, and encouragement, children in ‘backbone families’ are recognized, valued, and esteemed. They are able to fend off the verbal attacks of a bully, believe they are capable of responding assertively in a variety of confrontations, and are willing to ask for help when they don’t know what to do. They know they will be listened to when they need to be heard. Nothing they say or do will be taken lightly, dismissed, or shamed. Kids who receive these six critical messages daily are able to develop a healthy, secure attachment with a parent. This attachment allows children to further develop their own innate abilities to be optimistic, to persevere, and to be generous. Optimism – the attitude of someone who feels positive and confident – is critical to dealing effectively with setbacks, mistakes, and negative social interactions. Optimistic kids view setbacks, mistakes, and negative social interactions as situations they can control or at least do something about, rather than be immobilized and victimized by them. They are more apt to look for ways to solve problems than to place blame or give up. Perseverance – steady and continued action or belief over long periods despite difficulties or setback – increases kids’ confidence and gives them the strength to take risks to help others. Generosity – willingness to give help or time freely – enables kids to go beyond themselves and lose preoccupation with their own needs and wants. The development of these three innate abilities helps kids mitigate and modulate innate aggressive tendencies and helps nurture kids’ empathy for their peers.” Posting the 6 critical messages throughout the house and reinforcing them daily could prove to be a simple, but worthwhile message to your family.
I hope your family enjoys the holiday break. We will see everyone back in January. Happy Holidays.
Yours in Education,
Mrs. Natalie Rust