School is starting soon!

So it's time to look at a topic that is a bit uncomfortable for some people. But it's been brought up and rehashed a lot in the media, as well in schools. Today we're going to look at bullying. I know that many of you aren't worried about it. But here's the thing. Being aware of how something works and havig the knowledge of how to react to a situation is very important.

To start we should look at what the basic definition of the problem is. By knowing how something is defined we become more aware and our ability to identify it in action improves. Bullying is defined by StopBullying.gov as follows.

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.

Which isn't necessarily clear about what can be percieved as bullying by various individuals. This isn't necessarily science, as each of us are unique individuals and have our own quirks. But the site also gives a clear break down of 3 specific types of bullies that people may have the bad luck to encounter. Verbal, social, and physical bullying are the three kinds that they give rather extensive elaborations on.

What they don't look at though, which has become a real problem since so many kids are spending so much time attached to technology, is cyber bullying. Of course you can argue that cyber bullying is a combination of two out of the three offered types. Verbal and social. This is something to think about when you're posting on facebook or other social media.

So really when you go to interact online you should think about what you're writing or making available indefinetly. Things that go out into the digital world are never completely gone. So be aware that something you may say off handedly, without thinking about it, could come back to have negative repercussions. Yes you have the freedom of speech, but what you say and do should not be done with the intention of hurting someone.


Poster a resource from https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/

Now I know that most of you aren't going to find this interesting or useful. But in truth there's specific people that this is intended for. I'm really hoping that they find the time to read and look this over. But for those of you that might be interested in looking further into the topic, or have a strong opinion on the matter I'd like you to think about the following.

HeyUgly.org looks at various ways to prevent bullying, as well as looks at the topic of suicide prevention. They offer a variety of perspectives and resources for both students and adults for raising awareness as well as how to campaining against both societal problems.

HeyUgly.org also runs various contests that can help youth to think about the topics. By participating, it helps to make them think deeply about the ideas, as well offers them the opportunity to win a prize. Currently they have contests running for the following: acronym, essay, photo, poetry, songwriting, and video. If you want more information go to their site. It's the thirteenth year that they're running the contests. So if you're between the ages of 7-17, you may want to look into them.

If you have another resource that you use or find interesting, please feel free to share it with us in the comment section below. I'm always interested in learning about new programs. Being informed, after all, is half the battle.

Music Monday

Today is a monday! Which means that we may as well have some music to get us through the week. I know that it's been a while, but it's about time that we go ahead and hearf some things new, maybe some things old. We're definetly leaning into the steampunk spectrum today too.

Anyway I hope you have an amazing week and that you're doing well. We missed you!

The Ford Theatre Reunion - Famous Monsters

 

 

 

Steam Powered Giraffe - Scary World

 

 

Digital Daggers - Fear The Fever

 

Veronique Chevelair - Vampire Surprise

 

The Scarring Party - No More Room



Not Lost...

But not yet found.

It's been a long while now since I've sat down and managed to attempt any updates here. To be a little honest, there's really been very little to say. My life isn't very exciting and it's been turning into a rather mundane and boring thing. Yet, it's unfair not to let you in on the story. Just because I don't find it particularly interesting currently, doesn't mean that some of you won't enjoy bits and pieces here and there.

Since March things have been a little busy as far as what I've been doing out in the world. I suppose maybe I should give a month by month synopsis of what's been going on. But it's not always as simple as just saying Hey! look! listen!

Before I get to far into things. Yes I'm still subbing at the school. (for now at least, am lucky thay're still letting me). Every other weekend (unless something comes up that I have to do) I get to spend with my good friend Emma, and sometimes we're lucky and get to see Amy too. And yes I do have a significant other still.

MARCH
We (meaning the whole family)participated in the Old First Ward Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

APRIL
April saw a lot of Easter time activities.

MAY
May was a little wonky weather wise.

JUNE
In June things were a bit quiet on the event front. But I did get to attend and interesting training event.

JULY
We helped decorate the float for the fourth of July in Orchard Park. The church float took second place. While it's nothing more than a plaquard, it was still nice for them to be recognized. It's a lot of hard work to put together a float, and it isn't easy to play music live on a moving float either.                     

 

And now it's August. This month is going to be rather busy in itself. Not that it's a bad thing. But at least this way I've checked in and anyone that was curious about whaqt I've been up to won't feel so out of the loop. Not that I really think anyone has been concerned about what I've been up to.

 

On the plus side, If I can get things figured out I may be able to set up a regular schedule sometime in the near future. But for now This is just a checking in post.