Behavior at School

Spring is creeping up on us, and the children's behavior is taking long rides down slender tributaries. Some children will travel untraveled waterways and end up in the muck, and some children will look down the inviting waterway and say "NO!" We are grateful to those who say no.

This week we had to dismiss two children for such wrongful behavior, we could no longer handle either one of them. Rarely do we do this, but there are times when the safety of the entire group is at risk, and then it's a no brainer.

For years we have been the school where children could come and fit in - if they were shy, if they were late bloomers, if they were brilliant, if they were slightly odd, English was a second language, or they had a dormant but serious illness. These were our beautiful angels, and nobody knew a thing except they were Garden School children and were loved.

But outrageous behavior that's affronting, rude, dangerous and malicious is never tolerated. We're sorry about the choices these children have made, but their terrible choices must never ruin the day of the other children.

Behavior is something that is modeled by parents. Most negative behaviors comes from watching mom or dad do the following: treat other family members shamefully, curse, be overtly sexual, be rude and demanding in public, have screaming or throwing tantrums, demonstrate selfishness - the demand on the part of the parent that he or she always comes first every time, ignorant about the effects of TV, or be extremely lazy - or rarely exercise helpfulness to do the work that's required at home. When parents show their lesser sides, children are watching and will often model these behaviors. When they have practiced a few times, the behavior becomes the child's and there is a slim chance that a teacher is going to change it.

Sullenness, pathetic negativity, disruptive self doubt, and failure are all taught by unloving parents who haven't a clue nor want one.

On the bright side, industriousness, calm review, self-less-ness, helpfulness, and smarts about what is appropriate for ANYONE to watch on TV will strengthen a child's model range and help make him the best he can be, which is what most of our parents do. We can tell because most of our children are outstanding little citizens and can accomplish just about anything.

Because most of our parents are excellent examples, we've thrown away the age appropriate guides and have thrust our children into activities beyond their years because that is what the children are wanting. "Figure it out," has become our theme song these last weeks, and you know what? The children are figuring things out for themselves, and it's wonderful to see. Independence is growing in leaps and bounds and the children are discovering at a furious pace.

Good families and good children are backbone of our school. We thank every single parent for their love and cooperation.