Hi Bec,

I'm so sorry about your day. You're right -- that is upsetting --
and it was made worse by the tragedy at Fort Hood. My dad and mom
were stationed there for a while (before I was born) -- and they have
some very good memories of that place.

I think documenting this event to your principal is a good idea. In
your position, I would go a step further and definitely call the
parents -- and you should have them on speaker phone with your
principal sitting right there. All you have to say is what happened
in class. Tell them that you are aware of their position, and that
the sister is also having trouble participating in your rehearsals
for the assembly. Tell them that they have the right to their
opinion (they do) -- and if they would like their children to NOT
participate -- then you understand -- and they can do something
different during the assembly. Personally, I think this is fair.
You're not going to change their minds (that can only be done by
prayer) -- and you don't want the kids there showing that anger and
resentment to the soldiers that might be invited to the assembly.
That's not the way to honor them. These kids and their parents have
the right to the freedom of speech under our U.S. Constitution -- but
we don't have to give them the forum to express their opinions. Does
that make sense?

Also, I think you handled the situation as best you could. I HATE
false information in my classroom -- and I do my best to nip it when
it occurs. Last year's presidential election was tough! But, in our
school, we have an expectation that says "We will not laugh at or
make fun of a person's mistakes, use sarcasm, or put-downs." I love
that expectation, because I can quote it to kids who are doing just
what you said -- calling other students' parents names -- although
not overtly. We just don't tolerate it. We also use "kind words,
kind touches, and smiles" -- and that also gives me some room for
correction without coming down completely on the child.

Let's face it -- he's six. He doesn't really believe what he is
saying -- he just believes that his parents think that. It's sad --
but true. In "South Pacific" there is that song "You Have to Be
Carefully Taught" -- so true.

Anyway, I hope tomorrow is much better. I'm sending thoughts and
prayers to you and your kids who may be affected by the Fort Hood
tragedy. And I'm also sending prayers to that particular family --
I'm asking that God love them, even when they can't love the people
around them who put lives on the line, so they can say these foul things.

kitmusic/OK

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