Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
Hi Janet--If you email me with some more details, I'd be happy to offer feedback. My email is craigb@ptotoday.com, or you can message me by clicking on my name (above). -- Craig

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Community Advice

jrohde writes:
I wish I could see the dates on these posts. I would love more information about how to start an anti-bullying campaign or raise awareness within the school or through the PTO.

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Community Advice

jhcesi writes:
Do you agree that we should seriously consider a "Zero Tolerance" campaign in the schools? (posted 10/4/2012)



Thank you for your response to my letter to Governor Scott. Your response confirmed so much to me and serious frustrated me.



I appreciate the fact that the purpose of the DOE is to provide "leadership and support" to the districts. However, it appears that either the DOE is not providing the leadership and support needed, or the bullying template the state was required to prepare is not adequate, or the districts and boards are simply ignoring it. If the DOE is to provide leadership and support, then it would seem obvious that the DOE should tell the districts and boards they are not complying with state and federal laws and that "awareness" projects or policies does not stop or cure bullying.



Enormous amounts of needed funds are being spent on "awareness" programs and it appears no one is concentrating on remedying the problems or establishing consequences!



The solution is so simply and would not cost a dime to enforce, if the state, districts and schools would simply enforce the laws and establish a "ZERO TOLERANCE" campaign!



If the bully, whether the person is a student, faculty or staff, is removed from the environment, all laws are adhered to and the students are provided with a safe learning environment; and teachers and staff have a safe working environment.



The school systems are cramming "awareness" down everyone's throat but offering no solution.



I appreciate your suggestion that I contact each school or school district regarding the use or purchase of my "Because Its Just Good Manners! book. As I stated in my previous letter, I have done that, across the nation. As I previously stated, the response back from teachers, principals and superintendents was that the teaching of good manners and common courtesies were not permitted because of the possible psychological consequences of correcting a student. Their feelings could be hurt enough to scar them for life, they could go home and cause personal harm or return to school with a weapon and cause harm to others.



When we have laws that we do not enforce, even in our schools, we as adults are setting an example for the younger generation. We are not giving them hope, we are showing them futility.



As adults we are supposed to see this and set an example for the younger generation. We are not even using common sense to protect them and to give them a safe learning environment.



Everyone is entitled to an education. Everyone is entitled to the opportunity to learn. Not everyone wants to learn. When cannot control when a person is ready to learn. Everyone is capable of learning from their, or other's, mistakes. At which point is the DOE going to learn that what they are contributed to, or ignored, is not working?



Seriously, think about all the problems that would be solved, and the monies saved, with a "ZERO TOLERANCE" campaign? You could hire me to write a policy template for you but you don't need to. It is just common sense; enforce the local, state and federal laws. Who knows, you could end up with a model district for the rest of the state or even nation to follow! Don't over-think! Just enforce the existing laws! Turn our schools back into educational facilities and not unsafe environments in which to learn and work.



Janet Horton

265 NE Jacksonville Loop

Lake City, FL 32055

386-719-6999

386-344-1115



cc: Governor Rick Scott (via email)

----- Original Message -----

From: Chandler, Tiffany

To: jhcesi@gmail.com

Sent: Monday, September 24, 2012 3:19 PM

Subject: CorrFlow Folder #85748 e-mail response - Bullying





Dear Ms. Horton:







The Governor of Florida, Mr. Rick Scott, and the Commissioner of Education, Ms. Pam Stewart, have asked the Office of Safe Schools to respond to your e-mail dated September 20, 2012, in which you express concerns about bullying in schools and your book, Because It’s Just Good Manners. We are pleased to respond on their behalf.







Bullying in schools is of increasing concern and focus for Florida and the Florida Department of Education. Florida Statute 1006.147, also known as The Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act, requires school districts to adopt an official policy prohibiting bullying and harassment of students and staff on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, and through school computer networks.







The following link provides you with the citation of this law:







http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=bullying&URL=1000-1099/1006/Sections/1006.147.html







In Florida, the responsibility of operating, controlling, and supervising the public schools lies with the district school board and school superintendent. This is referred to as “local control.” It is the schools and school districts that identify curricula and programs to use in schools. The role of the Florida Department of Education is to provide leadership and support to the districts.







For this reason, we recommend you contact each school district in Florida to share your book, concerns, and suggestions. You can find the contact information for each district at the following website:



http://www.fldoe.org/schools/schoolmap/flash/schoolmap_text.asp







If we may be of further assistance, please contact Ms. Shelly Hatton with the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Safe Schools at (850) 245-0827 or via e-mail at Shelly.Hatton@fldoe.org.







Sincerely,















Brooks Rumenik, Director



Office of Safe Schools



Bureau of Family and Community Outreach







BR:dd

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