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31
« on: April 14, 2014, 09:26:55 AM »
At a desk alone, a young boy is engrossed in “Math Ninja,” a game whose objective is to defend a treehouse using martial-arts weapons.
Walsh asks the boy what he likes about the game. “You get to viciously attack cats and dogs with throwing stars and swords,” the kid says with a perfectly straight face. To reach the next level, however, the player must answer basic math questions, such as 22 divided by 11.
“Not really rigorous learning,” Walsh says, “but if you’ve got downtime, there’s worse things you could be doing.”
Seventh grader Elizabeth Skerrett, the teacher’s daughter, is working on a script for a two-person movie she and a classmate are making about a job interview. They’re writing the script on the NotePad app, shooting it with the iPad’s camera and editing the final cut using iMovie.
In the old days, the girls would probably perform their skit live in front of their peers. But now, “If we mess up, we don’t have to worry about embarrassing ourselves in front of the class,” Skerrett says. “We can just reshoot it.”
Franklin Northwest dropped a chunk of change buying the iPads — around $125,000 for 200 tablets this year, or $500 apiece — and spent another $40,000 building a schoolwide Wi-Fi system. But the district did it without raising taxes by leaving vacant positions unfilled and making other cuts here and there, Kirsch says. Finding $125,000 every year — in order to bring additional grades online — will be harder.
The comments above are from an article in Seven Days from Oct. 26,2011
Notice the comments from the Superintendent stating, funding for the initiative comes from "leaving vacant positions unfilled" but future cuts will be harder.
Now ask yourself where have all the older veteran teachers have gone since 2011. The systematic purge of older teachers converts into $20,000 - $30,000 each for the "ipad initiative" Has that saving gone into reduced taxes? I believe the issue of teachers pay is a red herring. If teachers pay, and only teachers pay was broken out from instruction in the budget then citizens could make informed comparisons. Is the lack of specifics in the budget a new form of accounting by lumping or is purposeful in it's lack of specifics?
32
« on: April 08, 2014, 06:09:45 PM »
Perhaps I've deviated from the forum where Rachel was asking for questions. I assumed that since FWSU started this forum then they would be providing answers to questions.
33
« on: April 08, 2014, 09:20:59 AM »
It's easy to ask for information. The challenge is getting a response. That's what makes me suspicious. If there is nothing to hide then they should be forthcoming with specific information.
34
« on: April 07, 2014, 05:21:51 PM »
Anyone know what items are included in the budget heading called general instruction? Does this include ipads, MacBook Pros, tech support people, etc. and teacher salaries all lumped together? Is there a way to break out these unrelated categories and track them back a few years? Is there an advantage or a disadvantage to taxpayers to use this approach?
35
« on: March 27, 2014, 02:42:53 PM »
I say there is money to trim when you have an assistant principal being paid to be an administrator but they are not available after 2:30 because they are also being paid to coach sports. Then you add on an administrator to attend afternoon meetings that the first administrator can't go to because coaching is their priority. This doesn't seem like a prudent use of tax payers' money? How many tax payers get paid to leave their job to get another job while they are supposed to be working at the first job?
36
« on: November 17, 2013, 09:52:39 AM »
Bullying Causes Anxiety Disorders – and It’s Not Just Kids!
by Mike Nichols on August 25, 2008 · 38 comments
Bullying among children has become a hot topic.
There are innumerable websites devoted to stopping bullying in schools. In addition, many studies have been done detailing the effects of bullying among young people.
Adult bullying doesn’t receive the same amount of press. But it has been found that the social form of bullying doesn’t stop at childhood, but continues into adulthood. The same sorts of activities associated with childhood bullying are present in adults. Social bullying actions include:
◾Targeting a person’s social status to tear it down
◾Damaging a person’s relationships by shunning
◾Damaging a person’s reputation by spreading rumors
◾Excluding a person from social activities
Both childhood and adult bullying can cause Anxiety Disorders and depression.
Bullying in childhood causes Anxiety Disorders and depression in young adults
Social bullying causes anxiety and depression
A recent study at the University of Florida discovered a link between social bullying in adolescence and Anxiety Disorders and depression in young adulthood. Allison Dempsey, the lead author, said,
Even though people are outside of high school, the memories of these experiences continue to be associated with depression and social anxiety. It was interesting to see these relationships still continue to exist even though they are in early adulthood now and in a completely different setting. … [T]his is a real problem and continues to be a real problem after students leave school.
While it is commonly thought that boys are the biggest bullies, girls participate in social bullying in equal numbers. The researchers found no gender differences in the link between social bullying and Anxiety Disorders and depression.
Surprisingly, they also discovered that having friends or other positive social relationships didn’t lessen rates of Anxiety and depression in adulthood. Some children take the words and abuse to heart and begin to believe what’s being said about them. Eric Storch, co-author of the study, said,
Those types of negative thoughts are actually believed to be at the core of things like depression and anxiety. Behaviorally what starts happening is you avoid interactions and situations that could be quite positive for you.
Adult bullying in the workplace
Adult bullying most apparent in the workplace
Bullying patterns continue into adulthood, and can do as much or more damage. Adult bullying can occur in any setting, but it is most apparent in the workplace. There have been a number of studies dealing with adult bullying in the workplace. The main features of adult bullying they agree on are:
◾Threat to professional status — Belittling opinion, public professional humiliation, accusation regarding lack of effort.
◾Threat to personal standing — Name-calling, insults, intimidation, devaluing with reference to age
◾Isolation — Preventing access to opportunities, physical or social isolation, withholding of information
◾Excessive overwork — Undue pressure, impossible deadlines, unnecessary disruption
◾Destabilization — Failure to give credit when due, meaningless tasks, removal of responsibility, repeated reminders of mistakes, setting up to fail
Adult bullying in other settings
Adult bullying can occur anywhere
There are other settings besides the workplace where bullying can occur. Anywhere there is interaction between people is a possible setting for bullying. Neighbors bully, other church members bully, even your friends can bully you! Ask yourself if the person you are having trouble with:
◾Ignores you. Doesn’t say hello when you greet them. Doesn’t return phone calls or other messages.
◾Dismisses what you’re saying or “puts you down” while alone or in the presence of others.
◾Sabotages you or makes you look foolish, such as by “forgetting” to tell you about something important. Or if the person is a person in authority, sets you up to fail by making impossible demands of you?
◾Spreads rumors, lies and half-truths about you?
◾Frequently acts impatient with you, treating you like you are incompetent?
◾Blames and criticizes you?
◾Tries to intimidate you by by interrupting, contradicting and glaring at you and/or giving you the silent treatment?
◾Teases, ridicules, insults or plays tricks on you, especially in front of others?
◾Always insists on getting their own way and never apologizes?
◾Yells, points their finger, swears, insults or threatens you or call you names?
What is the result of bullying on the adult victim?
Adult bullying causes anxiety and depression
Studies of adult bullying have shown that at the very least, adult bullying causes anxiety and mild depression. But such behavior, especially when persistent, also has been shown to be the cause of Anxiety Disorders and clinical depression, as well.
Just as in children, people susceptible to Anxiety Disorders and clinical depression take the bullying actions to heart, and begin to believe the bully’s actions reflect their true nature. This leads to an escalation of the kinds of thoughts that lead to diagnosable mental illnesses.
In particular, the sort of destabilizing effects that adult bullying causes can be a major factor in the development of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia and panic attacks leading to Panic Disorder.
What frequency of bullying causes Anxiety or depression?
A single action is not enough
The frequency of bullying actions that can then be called a pattern of bullying are a subject of debate. The definitions of a number of studies vary widely:
◾One incident per week, with incidents occur over a period of at least 6 months
◾Several incidents over the past six months
◾A single threatening act of bullying, i.e. no pattern is required
The definition I believe is the most accurate is the second, several incidents over the past six months. I have been the victim of, and have witnessed, many incidences of adult bullying, and they all fall within this definition. Less frequent bullying actions, though still upsetting, are usually not enough to trigger severe Anxiety Disorders or depression.
What can you do about adult bullying?
Five choices for handling bullying
A full discussion of what you can do about adult bullying is outside the boundaries of this article. However, the Bully Free Workplace site lists these five possible choices for handling workplace bullying:
◾Avoidance – A refusal to engage in the bullying. This is the most prevalent tactic, and typical of Anxiety Disorders. This is a not very effective method.
◾Taking the conflict and submitting – Very frequently used, especially when there is low confidence and self-esteem, symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Phobia. This method is not very effective.
◾Compete – You push hard to get your own way. Can lead to a vicious circle as conflict escalates.
◾Compromise – More win-win, but requires the good will of both parties.
◾Collaborate – Most useful tactic, particularly with extreme conflict and workplace bullying. Both parties must have ownership and commitment to the solution.
What do you think?
As mentioned, I have been the object of bullying several times, and I have seen it happen to a number of others. I can say without question that bullying, both as a child and particularly as an adult, has contributed to the development of the Anxiety Disorders I have.
◾Have you ever been the victim of a bully, especially as an adult?
◾Do you identify with any of the characteristics of adult bullying?
As always, your comments are welcome!
If you have enjoyed this article, please consider subscribing to this blog, either via RSS or email at the top of your screen. It’s free! I would also appreciate your sharing it using your favorite social media, such as StumbleUpon or Digg. Just click the little green “ShareThis” button at the bottom of this post.
Resources used in this post:
Birdwell, April Frawley. (2008, April 22). Social form of bullying linked to depression, anxiety in adults. Retrieved August 23, 2008 from University of Florida News Web site: http://news.ufl.edu/2008/04/22/bullying-2/
Cade, Valerie. (2008). The Five Choices for Handling Workplace Bullying. Retrieved August 23, 2008 from Bully Free Workplace Web site: http://www.bullyfreeatwork.com/blog/
Cowie, Helen. (1999, December). Adult Bullying. Retrieved August 23, 2008 from TMR Network Project Web site: http://old.gold.ac.uk/tmr/reports/aim2_surrey1.html
Science Daily. (2008, April 23). Social Form of Bullying Linked to Depression, Anxiety in Adults. Retrieved August 23, 2008 from Science Daily Web site: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422143529.htm
37
« on: November 14, 2013, 10:35:34 AM »
I'd like to my a prediction. I predict that the administration will identify the need for a another administrator.
38
« on: November 13, 2013, 10:23:19 PM »
How much of a surplus or deficit did the school end the 2013 year with?
39
« on: September 08, 2013, 05:28:53 PM »
I saw a VTrans press release that indicated the goal for completion is the first week in October.
40
« on: September 06, 2013, 02:11:37 PM »
Anyone know who has been named as the new coach of the softball team? I see the team is raising money for a trip to Florida next spring.
41
« on: August 12, 2013, 09:08:19 AM »
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King
42
« on: July 08, 2013, 08:00:40 PM »
Sending good thoughts your way!!!
43
« on: June 30, 2013, 02:39:32 PM »
Anyone besides me wonder what kind of supervision this coach had from the administration? It just seems peculiar that a coach with Mary's track record would have to "resign' without some of the responsibilty falling on leadership. Good coaches don't put the blame on their team.
44
« on: June 30, 2013, 09:37:35 AM »
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the greater Fairfax community for allowing me to work with your children and get to know so many of you over the last 23 plus years. Since I am John Woodley, it seemed appropriate to give you my heartfelt thanks. I have so many great memories over the years but I will mention three personal highlights. I was hired by Dick Brown in 1990 and had known him as a teacher and coach when I went to Essex Junction High School. I remember when he called me the conscience of BFA. I have always hoped I could live up to those words. Another highlight is that I was selected by the National Honor Society in 2012 to give a speech to the parents and members at the 2012 induction ceremony. Obviously I am eternally honored that the class of 2013 selected me to be the speaker at their commencement. Nothing can ever take away from the warm feelings and respect I have for the many individuals I have come to know over the years from your wonderful community. Thanks to all of you. Sincerely, John Woodley
45
« on: February 19, 2013, 07:13:00 PM »
I'm wondering where you stand on the proposal to extend the bullying policy to cover adults and thus protect them from bullying from other school employees?
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