LEBANON TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

70 BUNNVALE ROAD*CALIFON, NJ 07830

PHONE: (908) 638-4521  FAX: (908) 638-5511

 

Valley View School                           Judith H. Burd, Superintendent                       Woodglen School

400 Rt. 513                                 Ruth Fanjoy, Business Administrator/Board Secretary               70 Bunnvale Rd.

Califon, NJ 07830                                                                                                                           Califon, NJ 07830

Phone: 832-2175                             Marjorie Meyer, Supervisor of Special Services                     Phone: 638-4111

Fax:     832-6280                                                Phone: 832-2174                                             Fax:     638-8418

Michael C. Gorombey, Principal                           Fax:     832-5068                                            Michael B. Rubright, Principal

 

 

February 2008

 

Dear Parents and Guardians:

 

It seems that everywhere you go these days someone is talking about bullying.  In response to all

of the national attention that has been focused on this issue, we sat down and took a long hard look

at what was going on at Woodglen School.  After working with our students, we found that the issue

 at Woodglen was not so much bullying, as it was meanness.  While everyone seems to be focusing

on bullying, we felt that if we could effectively deal with meanness, we would never get to the point

of bullying.

 

We looked at many “anti-bullying” programs available, but could not find something that really

addressed our goal of stopping meanness.  After a great deal of time and effort, we decided to

work with all stakeholders to develop our own program that truly focused on our goals.  The result

is Woodglen School’s STAMP program – Stand Together Against Meanness, Please!

 

The idea behind the program is that, since there are more people who do what is right rather than

what is wrong, we should stand together against unacceptable behaviors that are mean.  While this

is not really a new idea, we tried to put it in a context that kids can use on a daily basis.  Adults constantly tell kids that they should stick up for others being picked on, or to stop your friends from calling others names.  This sounds perfectly reasonable on paper, but just ask your son or daughter

how easy this is in the real world of middle school.  When someone is being targeted, most kids are

just happy that it is someone else.  Standing up isn’t easy at all and often puts a kid at risk of

becoming the next target.  Adults also advise kids to immediately tell an authority that someone is picking on them.  Again, in theory, this is a great idea.  Too often, though, kids are reluctant to tell

on others, fearing repercussions of being a “tattletale” or a “rat.”  In addition, things may be fine

when the adults are present but may get even worse once they are gone. 

 

The STAMP program looks to provide middle school students with the tools necessary to deal with

and to eliminate meanness.  The strategies were developed with input from students, teachers and parents.  They focus on empowerment of both the victims of meanness and the bystanders.  The

goals of the program are long term, helping students to deal with meanness far beyond their middle school years.  The STAMP program is a school-wide effort to promote a culture of kindness and

respect – one in which meanness simply isn’t tolerated. 

 

Attached you will find several items that form the foundation of the STAMP program:  “What Is Meanness,”  “How Should I Deal With Meanness,”  “What Should I Do If I See Meanness,” and the “Pledge For Students And Parents.”  Please read them over carefully.  Take some time to discuss

them with your son or daughter.

Participation in the STAMP program is totally voluntary.  No student will be forced to take the pledge. 

In fact, we want students to think long and hard before they do choose to sign it.  Signing the pledge indicates a certain level of commitment.  It means not only that your son or daughter will not engage

in mean behaviors, but also that they will refuse to be a victim of meanness and will stand together

with someone who is being victimized by meanness.  This commitment extends, as well, to parents

who sign the pledge.  It means that you recognize that, while kids need help in dealing with

meanness, in order to eliminate it, they need to be empowered to do it themselves.  (As you will see,

the program does distinguish between meanness and physical altercations.  The later which should always be reported to an adult immediately.)  It also means that you will encourage your child to deal with meanness head on in a timely manner and not waiting until both of you become totally angry or

frustrated.  Finally, it means that you will encourage your child to espouse the ideals and behaviors

of the STAMP program at home as well as at school.

 

In addition to the expectations associated with the STAMP program, those students who choose to stand together against meanness will be eligible for a variety of benefits.  All students who sign the pledge will receive a STAMP wristband to let people know that they are standing against meanness.  Throughout the year there will also be activities only open to those students who have made a public commitment to stand against meanness.  These activities could include special breakfasts and

lunches, after school activities and possibly a trip.  We plan, as well, to have students sign a large banner that will be posted in the school.

 

If you have any questions regarding the STAMP program, I would encourage you to contact me.

I look forward to getting the program underway and am excited about the prospect of standing

together as a school and a community against meanness.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Michael B. Rubright