10/9 Meeting

I would like to address the complaints regarding the way teachers were talking to students on the way downstairs during practice the last two days. I do shout at the kids because I'm scared for their safety. Conrad said, nobody should shout at a child individually unless they are in "imminent danger". Running around the halls unsupervised is an example of imminent danger; sliding down the stairs is an example of imminent danger; running down the stairs with their laces untied is an example of imminent danger. Until we, as individual teachers and as a whole staff, confront our students about these minor problems, they are in imminent danger. One day, unless this sloppy behavior stops, someone will get hurt. It's no use talking to a child after he/she has fallen down the stairs. Let's be proactive and stop being intimidated by the students. It is better to stop something bad happening than learning from mistakes. If the "shouting" at the children is to stop, all teachers shouldn't let their students leave the lobby in the morning or their class throughout the day until their shirts are tucked in and all laces are tied. We all miss incidents, but if you see one no matter what it is, address it and make it right. Please don't turn a blind eye. I understand the point of view of saying it differently,however, when the child is half a flight of stairs above or below the teacher, talking to the students simply is not going to work. I personally apolgize if I have affended any teacher by shouting at our students, on the other hand you need to come to me and personally express your concerns.