RE: [ncte-hs] How to use this crisis

[Kelly Flanigan <msflanigan@excite.com>]

Hello everyone. I'm primarily a list lurker; I enjoy reading and having
contact with other high school teachers.  I did have something I wanted to
say about the events of NYC and our students.

This morning I called one of our local radio stations (I live in the
Minnesota twin cities area)because they were taking calls about the events
of the past few days.  I called because I wanted it publically known how
absolutely mature and appropriate my classes and the student body as a
whole are behaving through this crisis.  These kids are being tested in
ways they never have before, and I was at first unsure of how some would
respond.  With situations like Columbine and other acts of violence it
seems as though there are always a few kids with comments that are said as
jokes but come out completely offensively or inappropriately.  Even my
most outspoken, anti-government students are being absolute models of
respect.  I'm sure my school isn't alone, and that other teachers out
there are seeing the same behavior out of their students.  This is an
excellent opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate our kids on being
the mature young adults we continually expect them to be.  As the saying
goes, "catch them being good." If they offer ways to help, praise them. If
they refrain from telling jokes about President Bush or other members of
government, praise them.  If they refrain from focusing on rumors and try
to stick to facts they've heard on the news, praise them.

Our kids are demonstrating all over the country that they are not the
lazy, disrespectful urchins many members of society see them to be.  
Remember we as teachers are fortunate because we get to see the good in
kids every single day.  Many people don't see this--their exposure may be
only bad.

Our kids are going above and beyond here with their attention, their
support, and their patriotism.  Praise them, praise them, praise them.  
Support them, tell them you see and appreciate even the tiniest things
they do to help eachother and to help the cause in NYC.

Have a good day, and hang in there everyone!

Kelly