WestTexMan, I was born in Morton and we lived near Stegall and moved near Baileyboro before moving to Odessa, where I grew up and attended Odessa High. My grandparents lived near Baileyboro for years and years (Mom attended ThreeWay Schools) and we'd visit them on the farm, often.
Guys and gals, let me tell you about an anti-bullying program we 5th grade teachers borrowed from our sister middle school. (Not for the faint of heart, mind you!) I'll create fake names, for the purpose of description...
Let's say that "Max" is known to harass "Ida" because Ida is large. He goes around saying that Ida is going to sit on people and flatten them, etc., etc. Here's what we'd do. We'd bring Max in to face us 5 fifth grade teachers, privately, and he'd be confronted. It would be explained to Max why his actions were inappropriate, and why this would not be tolerated. Ida would then be called in and Max would have to appologize to her. Then it would be explained to both students that a second conference would be set up where both Max's and Ida's parents would be present.
At conference #2, Max would have to sit, again with the 5 fifth grade teachers, his parents, Ida's parents and Ida. He would have to explain to Ida's parents what he did, what he said, etc. He would have to explain why he did what he did, as well. Next, Ida's parents would be asked to respond to Max. What was amazing every time we did this was that "Ida's parents" would always be very understanding and talk about how they felt that Max probably just wasn't using good judgement, and how most likely a valuable lesson was learned. I was always touched by their understanding and willingness to offer kind and wise advice. Not sure I would've been as understanding, if I were "Ida's" dad. Funny thing, also, in each and every case, "Max's parents" never elected to attend the conference. Boy, if I were Max, you can bet that my parents would've been there, and I would never have heard the end of it!!
Anyhow, this was a pretty successful program, and it pretty much put a stop to a lot of the bullying.
