The energy at Great Bend High School’s Homecoming was electric, from the Spirit Days leading up to it and the parade on Main Street. The football team also had a resounding victory.
Watching students of all ages participate in the parade last Friday – while other students and even younger children filled their hands with candy tossed from the floats – was a reminder of how awesome the kids in our community can be. Here at the Great Bend Tribune, we see that every time we visit one of the public or private schools. A lot of that is shared with our readers. Last week, so example, sixth-graders at Park Elementary School demonstrated their participation in Scholars Bowl and the GBHS Debate team described their latest contest.
The private schools are always impressive as well. We visited a recent board meeting at Central Kansas Christian Academy where parents voiced concerns about an incident where reported bullying led to a reported threat. One school employee took the time to describe at least one positive thing she had witnessed that week in each class and on the playground. She saw students caring, sharing and encouraging each other.
It isn’t like that for every student, all of the time. Humans, like chickens, establish a pecking order and will go after the one who appears weaker or different. Our educators have been dealing with bullying since – forever – so they know how damaging it can be. They also know that conflicts or one-time events that are hurtful also need to be dealt with even though they should not be defined as bullying. It’s a tough job, helping young humans grow.
Great Bend Public Schools are observing National Bullying Prevention Month with orange T-shirts with a positive message. They don’t say, “Stop Bullies.” They simply say, “Let’s be better humans.” Those words appear above a heart and power panther (the school mascot).
We know Great Bend Public Schools are attempting to replace out of school suspension for younger kids with a trained team and a program called RISE, which stands for relationships, instruction, safety, and emotional well-being.
The teenagers who were arrested last week on charges of criminal threat probably missed out on the fun and excitement of Homecoming. We hope Juvenile Services will help them understand the consequences of their actions and set them on a better path.
We applaud the parents and educators and others in our community who care so much about our children. We hope never to ignore the great things happening in our school and never to turn a blind eye to things that need to change. We hope to be better humans.
