Saturday, April 25, 2009

Query - Strategies/Policies on hurtful language

Our upper school recently initiated a conversation with our students and fa=
culty about the casual use of hurtful language. Our focus was NOT on the cu=
lture outside of our school (facebook, television, movies, etc.) BUT INSTEA=
D on what we value and care about within the confines of our campus and sch=
ool buildings. In 20 years of school leadership, I cannot recall a more poi=
gnant and moving conversation with students and teachers. I am now starting=
work with faculty and students on next steps. Here are my questions:
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1) How have you approached the use of hurtful words IN SCHOOL from a discip=
linary perspective? Please be as specific as possible.
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2) What successes have you had in working with students around creating and=
sustaining a truly safe school environment?
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Please limit responses to what happens in your=A0school community with day =
to day issues around hurtful language, insults...as opposed to how you deal=
with the broader issue of facebook, media, television, etc.
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Many thanks,
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Dean J. Fusto
Head of Upper School=20
Assistant Head of School
www.bement.org
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