13 Reasons Why
Have you heard of the Netflix show, 13 Reasons Why? Perhaps you are behind the times as I am until you began to see posts on social media about the content being portrayed in this show (which is based on a popular novel). When I encounter this type of content, one of the first places I turn is Common Sense Media. I’ve posted about them before, and think they are a fabulous resource as it is impossible for me to keep up with all of the latest tv shows, movies, apps, and books that are out there. When I went to this website, here’s what I find about 13 Reasons Why:
“Parents need to know that 13 Reasons Why is an intense, dark Netflix drama based on the popular young adult novel Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher and is definitely not a light watch or for younger kids. The disturbing story explores a troubled teen’s motivations for committing suicide, opening after the fatal event, with all appearances by deceased Hannah in the reflections of a boy who harbored a secret crush on her. Messages about treating people with respect and not taking others for granted are prominent, but the fact that Hannah blames others for her suicide is problematic and may send the wrong messages to some sensitive teens…While this challenging story could help parents start conversations with teens about issues like bullying, isolation, and depression, the way the series addresses these issues is complex and may be confusing for impressionable viewers.” —Taken from Common Sense Media
From speaking with a couple of parents, they have learned about the show and that their teens are watching it from conversations with their teens. It is great when our kids come to us to talk about topics such as this. However, not every child will start the conversation with us. It is important to know what our kids are watching and be ready to start a conversation about this. Looking for some help to guide you through that discussion? Common Sense Media put out a guide for helping parents talk to their kids about this that you may want to check out. You may want to watch the show with your kids (if they are going to watch it with or without you–with you is definitely better!)
The National Association of School Psychologists has also weighed in. In a document they put out, they provide this guidance for parents (along with not recommending “that vulnerable youth, especially those who have any degree of suicidal ideation, watch this series”):
- Ask your child if they have heard or seen the series 13 Reasons Why. While we don’t recommend that they be encouraged to view the series, do tell them you want to watch it, with them or to catch up, and discuss their thoughts.
- If they exhibit any of the warning signs (found in the document), don’t be afraid to ask if they have thought about suicide or if someone is hurting them. Raising the issue of suicide does not increase the risk or plant the idea. On the contrary, it creates the opportunity to offer help.
- Ask your child if they think any of their friends or classmates exhibit warning signs. Talk with them about how to seek help for their friend or classmate. Guide them on how to respond when they see or hear any of the warning signs.
- Listen to your children’s comments without judgment. Doing so requires that you fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is being said. Put your own agenda aside.
- Get help from a school-employed or community-based mental health professional if you are concerned for your child’s safety or the safety of one of their peers. See Preventing Youth Suicide Brief Facts (also available in Spanish) and Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips or Parents and Educators for additional information.
As I’ve been writing this, I’ve read a lot online about the show/book. Here are some resources I found particularly helpful:
My first inclination is to encourage folks to not watch the show. But reality is our children will be exposed to this type of dialogue and media whether they watch the show or not and we need to be active and engaged in their lives as someone with whom they can discuss anything. One thing I know for certain: family support and connectedness are essentials for every child. Every child needs a significant adult in their lives–be it a parent, and aunt, a teacher, a coach, an administrator, a school counselor, or a close family friend. Navigating these waters is challenging, and our kids need support. If you need help as a parent navigating these waters or have concerns about your child, don’t hesitate to contact your building administrator, school counselor, or a community based mental health agency.
Most of all, researching this has made me want to wrap my arms around my boys who are too young to understand all of this and think of the ways each day to give them reasons why they matter. I know that is the cry of every parent’s heart. Take time this week to have meaningful conversations with your kids, even if they are about tough things.
PTSC Standouts:
NWI Works Council Selects the following Porter County CTE Graduates for Prestigious Outstanding 21 under 21 Future Leader Award: BGHS celebrates with Kennedy Starcevich on this honor!
Tonight four of our BGHS students will be inducted into the Porter County Career and Technical Center’s Honor Society! This is a terrific honor! Congratulations to Hannah Christy, Emily Barton, Truman Maxwell, and Eden Priest on their outstanding achievements!
Here is an outstanding email we received complimenting our student athletes and coaches for the track team that says a lot about our staff, students, and the families in Porter Township (AWESOME!):
“On Tuesday April 11th, your track team traveled to South Central for a meet. I was one of the moms who volunteered to assist at the throwing events. This was the first time myself and the other moms were completely in charge of the event and we were unsure of all the technicalities. Your throwing coach could not have been nicer. He assisted us with going over rules, explained exactly how to measure throws, and how to check for ‘scratches’. In addition, your boys, I only helped with the boys events, were some of the most polite students. Too often the positive behavior is not recognized and I wanted to be sure to let you and your school know what a pleasure it was to work with your student athletes.”
On Thursday, April 13, 2017, Commander Charles of the Indianapolis Division of the USO came to Boone Grove Elementary to pick up donations the 4th and 5th graders at Boone Grove Elementary collected for deployed troops as part of their Valentine’s/Friendship Day celebration. The children collected everything from razors and socks to snacks and playing cards. We had over 2,000 items donated!
Commander Charles is a veteran that served in the Marines for many years before retiring and joining the USO. He spoke to several students and told them there are approximately 400 troops set to be deployed this month and the items that were brought in by our generous Boone Grove Elementary families and students will be given to these troops as well as sent overseas to others already deployed. Commander Charles explained to several students how much the troops appreciate any little donation they receive while they are deployed and that they usually only receive items around Christmas, not throughout the year.
Commander Charles also honored Kennedy Blashill with a USO Challenge Coin for her hard work with organizing and taking inventory of the donations received. Commander Charles also gave the children that helped to load up his vehicle some fun USO sunglasses!
Thank you to each 4th and 5th grader for their selfless acts, for thinking about those that are making such scary sacrifices for our country, and especially to ALL the fourth and fifth grade teachers who were so patient, supportive, and letting us use a corner of each of their rooms to store the donations. Boone Grove definitely has wonderful families!
[Pictured clockwise are: Hayley Takacs, Annie Blanchard (secretary), Patrick Fuller (assistant-principal), Barb Blashill, Ashlyn Ramos, Nicholas Ramos, Leah Lewin, Natalie Meinert, Kennedy Blashill, and Madison Martin.] –Special thanks to Barb Blashill for sending this to me! We agree wholeheartedly and are grateful for the example our 4th and 5th grade students have set for the entire district!
Do you have a standout to include in this section? Email PTSC standouts to Dr. Schmidt at stacey.schmidt@ptsc.k12.in.us to make sure your standout is included.
Important Dates:
- April 24-May 26: ECA Spring Testing Window
- May 2, 2017: Beyond the Influence Workshop Series on Marijuana by Todd Willis
- May 26: End of Quarter 4/Semester 2–Last day for students
- May 27: Kent’s Run–The 10th and final Kent’s Run 5K will be held on Saturday, May 27th, at 8 am at Boone Grove Elementary School. Over the past nine years this event has raised over $350,000 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The entries are capped at 1,000 participants. Race details and a link to the registration page can be found at www.KentsRun.com. As always, there will be live music on the course, finisher medals for all participants, and a free pancake breakfast to all participants.
- May 30: Last day for teachers
- June 4: BGHS Graduation
Things to Know/Do:
- Now hiring substitute teachers! Please contact Linda Dusek at the administration building if you are interested in substitute teaching and she will help you start the application process and discuss qualifications.
- Do your friends and neighbors know how to find our weekly updates? Even if your neighbors don’t have kids in school tell them about our weekly updates so they can hear the great news of what happens at PTSC!
- Every Wednesday is a 30-minute delayed start. If we have a 2-hour delay, students will arrive at school 2 hours after the regular start time for the building.
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