Every Monday Matters

 The Oscar’s aired last night and is one of the biggest awards shows of the year.  It awards movies and actors and actresses.  Sunday night's Oscars brought a lot to the table, but one winner's speech was so captivating it inspired a viral hashtag — #stayweird — that went wild on social media during the award show.

 Graham Moore, who was crowned the winner for best adapted screenplay for the movie "The Imitation Game," shared a story of personal struggle during his moment in the limelight. "The Imitation Game," based on the life of computer scientist Alan Turing, focuses on Turing's dedication to innovation but how he was ultimately prosecuted for being gay.

 BmfIHaA BmfIHaA

 How would you use your 45 seconds? What might you say? What if you were able to speak to hundreds of kids and tell them something that is on your heart and mind?

 We have one student in our very own school that is doing just that! She has something to say, so listen up. eclTHg.

 You have the power to stand up, and speak out against bullying.  In a recent survey, about half of our entire school said that bullying was a problem.  So, are you a part of the problem? Or are you a part of the solution?

 Here is what you need to know.  Neither are okay.  When someone calls you stupid, it IS NOT BULLYING. Everywhere you turn these days you hear about bullying. And it’s coming out of the mouths of kids and parents way more than it should. You and I and they are labeling all mean actions bullying. But what is bullying?  It’s not meanness.  Not unless it’s a repeated mean action every day for a period of time, it’s NOT BULLYING.

 We’re watering down the word. Every little thing that is happening at schools is bullying now. It’s important we draw a distinction. The main reason we need to protect the victims of real bullying – because it has long lasting ramifications such as anxiety and depression.

 Bullying is defined as repeated acts that negatively impact the person who is receiving it going forward.  According to “Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.”

 What you need to know:  We don’t have room for either at Vernon Middle School.  Do the right thing even when no one is watching.  If you are being bullied, please go to reportabully.com and report it.