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Dear DSU Members and Friends,
The DSU enjoyed a visit this week from Duxbury Reporter Editor, Matthew Nadler yesterday. Mr. Nadler was writing a story on bullies as a follow up to the tragic death of Phoebe Prince from South Hadley High School and found little challenge identifying an informal junior focus group willing to participate. Opinions came from students 6th grade through to High School sophomores with general consensus that bullying has a new identity, with more passive aggressive behavior via texting, Facebook, etc. The outcome, just as damaging as physical bullying. However, the humiliation takes on a much bigger public profile with "the whole world knowing" about it via the internet.
Our Staff, Board and Volunteers are very mindful of how all youth are treated at the DSU. It is one place in a young person's life where nobody is keeping score. No keeping track of academic grades, athletic scores or popularity. The vision, as defined six years ago of providing a safe place for youth to explore, be engaged and empowered to do good work for others continues today.
The DSU is working The Parent Connection to bring back to Duxbury, Bullying and Cyberbullying expert, Elizabeth Englander to talk further about how we manage social networking, aggression and violence in our children's lives. Ms. Englander is in high demand right now but we remain committed to this issue. So too, this may provide future opportunities for parent focus groups to address these issues in the short term.
My newsletter last week evoked lots of emails. Thank you for reading and responding. Many parents were surprised how familiar their children were of Chatroulette, and one parent responded saying Facebook was now "an unfortunately, easily accessible place for free pornography". We encourage your communication to better understand how youth use the internet and how to best set boundaries for their safe entertainment.
The remaining months of the school year are action packed. Our festivities this week, created by Program Whiz, Sandy, has been celebrating everything PIRATE! Tuesday was perfect for a treasure hunt with Red Beard (Tristan) and Black Beard (Rob). Yesterday Alden and DMS Members walked the plank to the treasure in a wacky relay. Joyce's PIRATE blood punch was enjoyed along with movies, crafts and more.
See below preliminary information for upcoming events in May.
Have a safe and enjoyable April vacation. The DSU will be closed so that staff can enjoy the break with their families.
Cheers,
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The 6th and 7th Grade "the party don't start till I walk in" dance was a sellout event again, with no tickets available at the door. We are incredibly grateful to our adult chaperones - Lisa Keohan, Pam Schiller, Sheri Sibley, Wes and Sue Horton, Laura Smith, Beverly Bartley, Terri Woodward, Cubby Fitts and Ken Meyers. Based upon your feedback, we are considering future dances by grade level to ensure everyone can attend.
More photos available on the DSU bulletin board or on Facebook by searching Duxbury Student -Union.
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Join the fun at the Campus clean up at DMS on April 27th from 2.45p.m - 3.45p.m. We are excited to hear many of our Members are forming groups to participate. Don't miss out on the action to be part of improving and beautifying our school campus.
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