lmomg
12-22-2006, 09:39 PM
I just read your newsletter about high school atmosphere--it was so timely because I had just had a long talk with my 18 year old h.s. graduate about the true climate of his school.
When I offered the terms predator vs prey he said that was exactly what it was like. He never told us any of the things that were going on, probably because he felt our involvement would make things worse. He didn't want to change schools when offered the opportunity because he did have a nice group of friends.
What I heard were examples of blatant favoritism BY TEACHERS of the "preps, jocks and cheerleaders".
I heard a story about an overweight student eating by himself in the cafeteria and tables of "preps/jocks" throwing food at this poor fellow and making pig noises towards him.
My son and his friends defended this boy and were thereafter targeted . When I asked where the teachers were, I was told that they often choose not to get involved.
I heard about members of the track team trying to oust a member of their own team who they didn't feel was as "cool" as they....
I've heard from other parents about teachers who like to pick one student each term to pick on in their classes. It makes them more popular with the in crowd.
So it creates a hostile, stressful atmosphere and no one to go to for help....can't tell the teachers, they tell the students to deal with it themselves. Can't tell the parents, god forbid, they head down to the school and your child is in for worse trouble.
If I'd known what was going on, I'd have home schooled, but kids won't tell you and you can't always tell by their behavior. I feel badly now for nagging about grades.
And this is in a very good school district. I know parents who are buying $800 dresses for their daughters' winter formal....but that is a whole 'nother topic.....
I pray that this is gone in college, but there are always fraternities and sororities....
Great to hear this topic addressed.
When I offered the terms predator vs prey he said that was exactly what it was like. He never told us any of the things that were going on, probably because he felt our involvement would make things worse. He didn't want to change schools when offered the opportunity because he did have a nice group of friends.
What I heard were examples of blatant favoritism BY TEACHERS of the "preps, jocks and cheerleaders".
I heard a story about an overweight student eating by himself in the cafeteria and tables of "preps/jocks" throwing food at this poor fellow and making pig noises towards him.
My son and his friends defended this boy and were thereafter targeted . When I asked where the teachers were, I was told that they often choose not to get involved.
I heard about members of the track team trying to oust a member of their own team who they didn't feel was as "cool" as they....
I've heard from other parents about teachers who like to pick one student each term to pick on in their classes. It makes them more popular with the in crowd.
So it creates a hostile, stressful atmosphere and no one to go to for help....can't tell the teachers, they tell the students to deal with it themselves. Can't tell the parents, god forbid, they head down to the school and your child is in for worse trouble.
If I'd known what was going on, I'd have home schooled, but kids won't tell you and you can't always tell by their behavior. I feel badly now for nagging about grades.
And this is in a very good school district. I know parents who are buying $800 dresses for their daughters' winter formal....but that is a whole 'nother topic.....
I pray that this is gone in college, but there are always fraternities and sororities....
Great to hear this topic addressed.