Since these were middle-schoolers, I believe the stakes were even higher. One of the main thrusts of No Name Calling Week is bullying, and after three students did a short, personal presentation, several teachers and the principal recounted their own experiences with bullying and name-calling, stressing that these incidences can be wounds remembered for a lifetime. It was a terrific age-appropriate assembly, and once again I was proud and moved that my children attend such an exceptional school and that they participated so openly.
your children are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteInstead of memories of bullying, per se, it may well be that your boys remember this event, as an antidote to bullying. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Henry! Sophie is lucky to have a brother like you.
ReplyDeleteIt is a blessing when we find wonderful schools for our amazing children.
ReplyDeleteI know that blessing and I am so glad you do too.
Bravo, Henry! He is beautiful, loving, and wise.
ReplyDeleteJust awe-inspiring. Thank you for bringing this to our awareness, and thank you to your beautiful boys for being such lights in the world. And praise to their lovely mother, who has helped to form them...xoxo
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, amazing, courageous Boys! x0 N2
ReplyDeletethundering applause.
ReplyDeleteawesome. i've been away so i'm going back to read part 1
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
Kudos to Henry and the school.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
You are raising some pretty strong and amazing children...I am happy that they are our future.
ReplyDeletex..x
There is such power in words...your son's written ones said volumns.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! My daughter came home last night reminding everyone that it was "no criticism day." They've been exploring words that are 'honey' and words that are 'vinegar' for the last week and I love how she's applying it.
ReplyDeleteMakes me cry all over again.
ReplyDeleteWow -- what a guy!
ReplyDeleteI love that henry was able to stand up there and do this. I,as a middle schooler, could have NEVER. I was too insecure, shy, naive, unsure. I love him. i love this program at the school. you have the best kids ever :)
ReplyDeleteI'm even more in awe, and moved because, yes, the stakes are higher at that age.
ReplyDeleteI'm the grownup in the photos with Elizabeth's kids. (and my daughter; she's the girl at the elementary school holding up the sign about having gay dads.)
ReplyDeleteI did not know either of Elizabeth's boys well before this. They both struck me as intelligent, sensitive kids who really love their sister, but certainly not as "look-at-me" types who would easily volunteer to speak in front of their entire school, especially about such a personal subject. But the power of love is, well, powerful. Their protectiveness toward their sister and their passion about telling how the word "retarded" makes them feel blew away any concerns about shyness or stage fright or making themselves vulnerable in front of their classmates. Elizabeth was right. You could have heard a pin drop. She does indeed rock as a mom.
Your sons are beautiful and courageous....like you.
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