See those canvases in this picture? The ones surrounding the clock? Here's what they say. "Some kids are smarter than you. Some kids have cooler clothes than you. Some kids are better at sports than you. It doesn't matter. You have your thing too. Be the kid that can get along. Be the kid that is happy for other people. Be the generous kid. Be the kid who does the right thing. BE THE NICE KID.
Well, believe it or not, there is a parent that disagrees with this sentiment. They are under the impression that the students in our class will get stuck on the first line, "Some kids are smarter than you." , and that will make the students feel bad. At least that's what I understand from speaking with this parent and from what my principal told me.
I've been "warned" about this parent by many fellow educators, but I have been trying to reserve judgement based on my own experiences. So far, the parents have had reasonable requests and concerns that I have been happy to accommodate. I find this latest request unreasonable and overreaching. After all, I try to teach my own children, and live my own life like this sentiment. I would really rather my own children be kind above all other qualities. I would rather be kind than smart or fashionable or athletic.
However, I plan to remove the first three sentences because my principal asked me to remove it. I know my principal has more important things to do than to spend her afternoons having the same conversation with these parents over and over again. I would rather her focus on doing good at our school. That's how I plan to spend my time too.
So I will be the kid that can get along. I will be the kid that is generous. I will be the nice kid.
