Armour School PTT Meeting Apr 2
Again, we had a wonderful speaker for our PTT meeting. We started the meeting with information from Alex Wold about the airplane that he and Jerry Farke made. Next we discussed the need for the community to have a computer class. This is going to take place and anyone interested in attending or teaching should contact Donna Brenner, who will organize it and get everyone together. We also discussed the upcoming meetings. It was determined that we will meet in May and probably take off June and July then meet again in August to restructure and plan for the upcoming year. Burnell Glanzer dicussed the trophy cases that are now ready to be stained. Anyone that is able to help with this is encouraged to contact him. Also, he talked about the incentive program for the middle school. They now receive tokens for work done on time and appropriately. At the end of the year they will have an auction for the kids to buy items with the tokens they have earned. At this point we are forming a committee to get prizes together. One idea for some top prizes will be an “i-pod shuffle.” These items need to be donated or bought by May 1.
Jennifer Koster presented a survey that was conducted in the 5, 6, 7, and 8th grades on bullying. Questions were handed to the students to fill out and a graph was made to show results. All answers are confidential. It did show that 15-30% of students are either bullied or victims and it is very common in younger students.
Alyssa Larson, School Psychologist Intern presented a slide show of statistics and facts along with suggestions and helpful information about bullying. Most bullying happens in low supervision, such as bathrooms, hallways, playgrounds. The teachers cannot be in all these areas at all times therefore we need to teach our children what bullying is and how it affects everyone. Bystanders are found to commonly do nothing when they witness bullying because they are usually afraid. Boys are more likely to report bullying where girls are more inclined to gossip, exclude others, harrass, and name call. Most of these actions peak in middle school. As parents and teachers we need to TEACH our KIDS that: 1. Assume everything you say behind a persons back will get back to them. 2. What you said can be turned around. 3. Watch what you put in writing, letters, emails. 4. Think what you want to say before you say it.
The impact of all this is childrend who bully as kids will bully as adults. Bullying should be dealt with when it first begins. Listen to the children. Monitor phones, computers, text messaging, and interactions between kids. Provide positive roll models.
As parents we need to be aware of changes in our children. Be involved in school programs and functions. Volunteer when possible. Teach our children strategies for counter bullying, such as walking away, tell and adult, humor, joining another activity. We need to teach our kids to think positively about themselves. Praise them for a job well done or the effort put for in doing it. Do NOT use physical punishment. A great quote for finishing up the evening was this said by Mr. Glanzer “Even though you don’t think it is wrong, if it makes someone feel bad then it is WRONG”. Thank you to everyone that attended. We had 16 parents and 11 teachers. We appreciate all you input and hope that more will attend future meetings.
Armour PTT Committee
April 3rd, 2008 at 6:05 am
Great meeting again! Jerry and Alex have a great curious bone. What a great idea. And Alex…. you spoke very well and answered questions without thinking twice. Good job!!!
The auction incentive idea is a great one. Our community supports the school so well I know that donations of items are going to roll in. Thank you in advance to everybody who contributes. And it doesn’t have to be big things. Just think about what would make a student happy!
Alyssa’s information is always eye-opening! And Jennifer thank you for taking the interest in our school!
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Thanks Nicole for your informative post about the PTT Meeting! What a great recap of an eventful meeting.
April 5th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I heard Alex the next night and he is getting better each time with his speaking. By the time Atlanta gets here look out!
Donations have already been promised for the auction so I think that will go well.
Alyssa once again did an outstanding job. The information is useful to EVERYONE!
Please parents take time for you child. Listen to them, get involved in their lives, discipline them, instruct them, love them. Parenthood doesn’t come with a job description but these items i feel are part of the job. Yes they take a lot of our time but they are worth it. Soon they will be gone and you will miss them.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
PTT is proving to be a rewarding and positive networking resource between the parent, school and community.
The wide variety of informational presentations covering topics of concern to children, parents, school and community has been catalyst to lively discussion. As a result of these presentations and the open discussion that follows, we are learning more about each other and gaining an understanding through our sharing of experiences via the parent, school and community point of view.
Due to the positive nature of the PTT, I sense an increase of trust and partnership as we search for common pathways to cultivate a safe and positive community for our children to learn and grow. Perception barriers are broken through the open communication. Confession is the first step toward solving a problem.
For those who truly are seeking constructive outcomes within our collective capabilities to change, PTT is a venue to bring comments and concerns into the light of day in a safe, caring and nurturing forum.
PTT is about children. PTT is about parenting. PTT is about educating. PTT is about community. PTT is about you. You can make a difference.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I thought the meeting was great. I was happy to see so many people there also. I think that 16 partents and 11 teachers is a great start. I encourage each person who attended to attend the next meeting also but this time ask someone else to come with you. I think that 54 people would be even better. I think it was a great help for me to help explain what a bully is and give examples to my daughter. Thank you to everyone involved! The PTT is a very positive thing for our school and community.
April 10th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Yes 27 people is a start and we would love to have many many more participants but if each of us attendees took one small piece of information out of that meeting - just look how much each of us has gained. I had a professor tell me once if you only help one person gain knowledge it is better than none.