Friday Message
April 30, 2021
We have a problem and I want to address it head on. It is a problem that can have far ranging impact, life changing consequences, and one that will take all of us making a concentrated effort to address and resolve.
In the past two weeks, we have had two incidents related to bullying at Tipton Middle School. One student responded to the bullying outwardly by making threats and another, inwardly, by turning to over-the-counter medication to cope. While everyone is physically ok, the outcome of these two situations could have been vastly different. We have since learned that there were individuals and students aware of these situations long before they reached the tipping point. These incidents have put a spotlight on a stubborn and pervasive problem that we must take pause and move forward with greater vigilance.
Bullying takes many forms, and can involve one or more teens who use physical, emotional, or verbal abuse in person or online to make life difficult and miserable for another. While at one time, bullying was simply viewed as relatively harmless behavior that helps build young people's character, is a rite of passage, or just kids being kids. That ship has sailed. Bullying is not normal behavior, and it can have long-lasting, harmful effects for both the victim and the bully.
The challenging and difficult year notwithstanding, bullying is not unique to our campus. In fact, it is considered one of the most underreported safety problems on school campuses across the country today. Research supports that bullying occurs more often at school than on the way to and from there. Moreover, bullies and victims tend to have backstories of inner turmoil and early intervention is critical to both when it comes to conflict resolution and developing healthy relationships.
We know vigilance on the part of parents and educators is critical, but the main solution lies with the students which is why we will be stepping up our anti-bullying initiatives through additional awareness, education, and prevention programs, kindness campaigns, and a “see something, say something” initiative among a few. We want and need our students to be empowered to act and feel comfortable speaking to someone when bullying happens to them or someone else. We also want to educate parents and staff on how to spot the signs of bullying and what they need to do.
We all have a vested interest and responsibility to work to stop bullying before gets started and takes a foothold. Let’s commit today to take proactive steps, keep the anti-bullying conversation going at home and in school, and take better care of our own in every way by reducing the incidences and impact of bullying on our campus.
The bottom line is bullying has no place at TCSC and we are working to bring sustainable changes to teenage culture here. We must be persistent in providing constant reminders of the dangerous and damaging impact caused by hurtful words, threats, and actions. We also need to take advantage of every opportunity for early intervention as we continue to do everything in our power to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for every student to learn and grow. This is the Tipton Way. #TiptonPride
Calendar Updates
May 4 - Choir Awards Concert at 7:30 pm
May 10-TMS Choir Spring Concert at 7:00 pm
May 12-THS Band Concert at 7:00 pm
May 15 - "Stage & Swing" Concert at 7:00 pm
May 18-TMS Band Spring Concert at 7:00 pm