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Posted on Sun, Jan 23, 2011 : 8:10 a.m.

Tackling the problem of bullying in schools requires involved parents

By Letters to the Editor

I'm writing as a Northside Elementary parent of a current first-grader and 8th-grade graduate of this school. I was puzzled by the recent article that was featured prominently in your publication; I wasn't aware that the climate of Northside is any more prone to bullying than other elementary schools in our town.

That being said, I have heard parents complain about isolated incidents. Again, in my contact with parents from other schools, no event at Northside stands out in dramatic contrast.

This year, I have witnessed Northside's leadership and staff making ongoing, intensive efforts to encourage peaceful relationships between students. I attended the first of what have become monthly school-wide assemblies that model peaceful conflict resolution.

In addition, the teachers in every classroom are discussing relationship skills during gathering time, and reading books that reinforce Ann Arbor Schools' Lifeskills concept. Just yesterday, during a very moving Martin Luther King Junior tribute assembly, Mrs. Harrold framed his struggle as someone who wanted people of all cultures to " stop bullying each other and being mean."

To all parents in this town, I urge you to draw closer to your school community: spend a few minutes talking to other parents you don't know during drop-off or pickup. If your child buses to school, make a special effort once in a while to come in and meet your fellow parents. Take one day a month to eat lunch with your child. Attend a school event or PTO meeting.

Taking these actions have helped me understand and appreciate the richness of my children's experience at Northside. We have so very much to offer: a culturally rich environment, excellent staff, caring parents. In addition, by becoming involved with the school community I have an extensive support network if my child should experience trouble.

I have a lot to be grateful for in Northside school and felt the need to be express that during this time.

Christen Arnold Mitchell Ann Arbor

Comments

Jan Dismaye

Mon, Jan 24, 2011 : 4:47 p.m.

The above opinion seems a curiously tailored puff-piece. Unlike other A2 elementary schools, the response to the Northside School article generated a significant amount of diverse commentary. That alone ought to be a flag for the Ann Arbor School Administration. Insinuating that the dissatisfaction amongst parents is due to their own lack of input is disingenuous. When parents attempt seek the help of a school administration and hit a brick wall, it is understandable that they become less likely to participate through established channels. It does not necessarily signify that they abdicate responsibility for their child, they merely look to other means of rectifying the situation. This can take many forms, such as circumventing the administration as best they can, or moving their child or children to another school with a more proactive administration.