Monday, January 24, 2011

No Name Calling Week Part 2 - The Older Grades

So many of you commented on my blog post last week describing Oliver's participation in his school's No Name Calling Week, and I thank you for all that support and recognition! This week it's the middle school's turn, and Henry showed his customary grace and bravery by standing up with his peers and explaining his discomfort with the word retard.

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.



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19 comments:

  1. RenaJanuary 24, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    your children are wonderful.

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  2. ElisabethJanuary 24, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    Instead of memories of bullying, per se, it may well be that your boys remember this event, as an antidote to bullying. Wonderful.

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  3. GB's MomJanuary 24, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Way to go Henry! Sophie is lucky to have a brother like you.

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  4. Ms. MoonJanuary 24, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    It is a blessing when we find wonderful schools for our amazing children.
    I know that blessing and I am so glad you do too.

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  5. Tanya SavkoJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    Bravo, Henry! He is beautiful, loving, and wise.

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  6. GbergerJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Just 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

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  7. N2January 24, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Beautiful, amazing, courageous Boys! x0 N2

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  8. UnknownJanuary 25, 2011 at 4:19 AM

    thundering applause.

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  9. michelleJanuary 25, 2011 at 5:29 AM

    awesome. i've been away so i'm going back to read part 1

    xoxoxo

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  10. From the KitchenJanuary 25, 2011 at 5:39 AM

    Kudos to Henry and the school.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  11. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2011 at 7:50 AM

    You are raising some pretty strong and amazing children...I am happy that they are our future.

    x..x

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  12. EllenJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    There is such power in words...your son's written ones said volumns.

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  13. karioJanuary 25, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    Awesome! 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.

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  14. Carrie Wilson LinkJanuary 25, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    Makes me cry all over again.

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  15. BLOOM - Parenting Kids With DisabilitiesJanuary 25, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    Wow -- what a guy!

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  16. Alicia DJanuary 26, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    I 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 :)

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    I'm even more in awe, and moved because, yes, the stakes are higher at that age.

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  18. William Lucas WalkerJanuary 26, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    I'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.)

    I 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.

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  19. Denise Emanuel ClemenJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Your sons are beautiful and courageous....like you.

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