The issue of bullying and social curriculum is of vital importance in our work with students in schools. Cambridge and the Baldwin in particular have been proactive in this regard, with nearly every teacher being trained in Responsive Classroom in K-5 and Developmental Designs in 6-8, which are useful tools for creating the kind of climate that we all want for our students.

The Commonwealth last year passed a law holding schools and students accountable for bullying and harassment that “causes physical or emotional harm to the victim, and creates a hostile environment for the victim at school.” Most relevant perhaps is the issue of cyberbullying. This is the repeated targeting of a student through the use of technology, including the Internet, computers or cell phones. While cyberbullying generally occurs outside of school, schools and school officials are now entrusted to investigate and hold students accountable for their behavior in this newer electronic environment, because it impacts students in school. Schools now are also instructed to involve the Cambridge Police Department in cases where school efforts do not bring the desired results. So it is more important now than ever that students learn to build positive relationships with each other, and avoid the put downs and teasing that can build up into a bullying situation.

Our students in grades 5-8 have been learning about Internet safety through the Common Sense Media curriculum. Our teachers and students work on building community during our Morning Meeting and Advisory structures throughout the school year. Even with all this time and effort, it is important to remember, as I mention to students on a regular basis throughout the year, that it only takes one student to make a hostile environment for others, and it takes all of us to build a positive environment here at Baldwin.

My approach to this issue is a combination of holding students accountable for their behavior, while at the same time seeking to educate them on how their words and actions truly impact others. It is vital that we do not lose any opportunity to teach students right from wrong. We know we have to protect each and every child from harassment and targeting, but we must also stress the fact that everyone deserves an opportunity to right themselves and that we are in the business of teaching children.

The popularly coined phrase “zero tolerance” only promotes the idea that a quick fix can solve what can often be a complex problem involving multiple points of view and the way students communicate through words, looks, tone of voice and actions, which can be interpreted in many ways. Taking an approach that seeks to show students the importance of their words and actions and to take responsibility for them is a fundamental way to improve behavior, and we ask parents to help students understand that each of us individually have the power to make or break a positive environment for all. This is perhaps important now more than ever before.

Nick Leonardos