Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on March 28, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pros and cons of Emporia schools offering a Challenge Day.

Posted by Pollyanna (anonymous) on March 28, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Copied from Neighbor's post on another thread:

"I am a parent, of two teen age daughters. I would be very disappointed in the school board and school administration if they allowed such a program access to my children. My kids do not go to Emporia schools, but if they did, they would not be allowed to be involved with a program such as this. The company is offering the program for profit, not to address bullying and compassion for kids. The program is luring the sponsoring teachers with a stipend, money that they cannot get from the school board for other programs and events. The program targets kids that are the victims(very vulnerable) of the bullies and criminal activities instead of the perpetrators of the acts. Those aggressive kids will not be there."

Hey neighbor:

Just to clarify a couple of your points on which you are incorrect. Nobody gets a stipend to help bring the program here. The program does address bullying and compassion for kids. Last time I checked if the schools were to invest in any bullying or compassion curriculum, it would be at a cost. Also Challenge Day recommends that students who are involved in the day are an accurate cross section of the student population. Bullies and all.

Posted by starfire (anonymous) on March 28, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Excellent idea!

Place kids who bully with kids who get bullied by them . . . and give the bullies more dirt on the kids they already pick on as is. Not an excellent idea at all.

I know for a fact that school staff picked 100 kids who range from known bullies, to kids who get bullied, to smart, well to do, popular white kids, to kids in gangs, etc. You can bet that if your child got an "invite" that someone believes they fall into one of the categories listed above.

Now, lets throw all those kids (some possibly being in rival gangs) into a room for 8 hours, tell them to tell their secrets, and then see what happens!

Not a good idea ...

Posted by neighbor (anonymous) on March 28, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Nobody gets a stipend to help bring the program here."

Has the program been introduced to the school administration, has funding been asked for out of the budget at that level? Has the school board been allowed to review the program, checked it's references and background, and have they been asked to consider funding the program? If no to either of these, I would have to question the claim that some form of compensation or kick back has not been offered for promoting and enacting this program. Everything in our capitalistic society is driven by financial gain.

"Last time I checked if the schools were to invest in any bullying or compassion curriculum, it would be at a cost. Also Challenge Day recommends that students who are involved in the day are an accurate cross section of the student population. Bullies and all."

Would the school spend $9000 on another form of curriculum for such a small percentage of the student body? No. Challenge Day may recommend sending a accurate cross section of the student population, but who will TRY ensure that this happens? If bullies are that easy to identify, I would think something could be done with them. If they allow this group access to the student body, should religious groups who promote compassion, caring for others, self respect and esteem the same access? Sure it's a good analogy, both claim to have the same goal. If you didn't read the link that create provided, please do.

I offered my opinion on the subject, remember my family is not part of USD#253. I went to school in the Emporia school system and I remember a similar program being offered/promoted at the high school when I was there. I am not out to change anyone else's mind.

I feel if you approve of the program and want to participate, get the checkbook out and by all means attend with your child, but do it somewhere outside the school environment and not during a school day so the students won't miss out on their regular studies that will benefit their chances of succeeding in life.

Posted by Deepthoughts (anonymous) on March 28, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think neighbor has a good point - if someone wants to participate, let those people pay for it and attend themselves outside of a school function. Starfire - I like your sarcasm - I agree with you.

Did anyone read the website given a few posts back and pick up on the fact that Rich D-whatever-his-name-is actually says there is a "spiritual" element to the program? Hello? Where are all the atheists and separation of church and state people now? A school sponsored event that has "spiritualism" in it - I wouldn't think that would fly?! Christmas Program or a weird cult-type program operating under the blanket of helping bullied kids, yet making a nice little - excuse me - BIG profit in doing so. The Christmas Program ain't looking like such a bad thing now is it? If these people cared so much about the kids, why wouldn't they make this a free program or have it include all kids? Why do they only want 100 kids there? If they really wanted to change things, shouldn't everyone be involved in the program? Easier to sway a smaller group? I kinda think the way they hand picked the 100 invited seems like a passive bullying method - make all the other kids feel left out. Great plan. Interesting psychology there.

Back when I was in school, we talked about bullying and all that stuff in like Health class or something - are the teachers no longer responsible for that type of curriculum?

Posted by create (anonymous) on March 28, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In order to make sure everyone gets a chance to read this article, let me post it here again on this new thread. It is an enlightening read. It was originally offered by a reader in Florida last August when this Challenge Day scenario surfaced here in Emporia. Many were very much against it then. I'm surprised it will still go on.

The following two paragraphs are taken from the article; the link follows:

The safety of an in-school program is one of the most important considerations of a school administrator. Protection of student confidentiality is another solemn responsibility of teachers and administrators.

Few would deny the potential danger of untrained adult volunteers and older teen “mentors” discussing sexuality, eating disorders, violence, depression and suicide with eighth and ninth graders in small groups.

http://www.cultnews.com/?p=2201

Posted by MisterO (anonymous) on March 28, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EqualRights posted:

"I'm not trying to be rude either, I really am curious as to why you are opposed to this?"

The simple answer is that group therapy has it's place, and that place is NOT in school during school hours.

Group therapy needs to be held in an appropriate environment and conducted by licensed mental health professionals.

Once again, I ask: If this program is such a good thing, WHY are parents required to sign such a broad release of liability for their children to participate? If this is such a good thing, what could possibly happen during, after, directly, or indirectly related to the sessions that would require such a waiver?

Hmmm?