District Wide Information

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to see Jonathan Friesen, Minnesota author, speak again. His powerful message stirs your emotions and makes you think about mental illness, disabilities, how we, as teachers, have no idea what students lives are really like outside of school. 

He spoke last year at MHS to the students. His message to students and educators is, "Every student has two questions, 'Does anyone see me?  Am I visible? Does anyone like what they see?'" Jonathan shares how he was treated by students and teachers, he shares life with Tourette's Syndrome, Epilepsy and Panic Attacks, now he shares his message through his writing and speaking engagements. His message continues to resonate through books he has written.  Jerk, his first book received the Schneider Family Book Award, honors an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.  

Check out his website http://www.jonathanfriesen.com/  His books are available at the high school and middle school media centers, if you are interested in reading them to your class or just for your own reading.  His books are quick to read, but well written. I cannot wait to read his newest book to be released in December titled, Both of Me.  

Another way to recognize National Bullying Prevention Month is to check out the weekly events planned at Stomp Out Bullying.  Simple things can make a difference.  Jonathon says, "Teach with your heart, not your head."