3RD GRADERS MOVE STATE AND LOCAL DIGNITARIES TO ACTION

        On Monday, February 13^th, 2012, state and local dignitaries were invited to David Lipscomb Elementary School to hear about third grade efforts towards reducing hazardous waste, specifically the disposal of outdated and unused medication.  In attendance were State Representative Mike Stewart, Metro Councilman Sean McGuire, Lori Munkeboe with TDEC, Sharon Smith from Metro Public Works and representatives from the Metro Police Department, Detective Donaldson and Officer Charles Vance.  Students shared with the guests their yearlong efforts in educating themselves and the community on the proper disposal of medication while enlightening the visitors about the dangers of not doing so.  

         At the completion of the student presentation, Representative Stewart responded with a promise to the students that he would collaborate with them to take the issue to a legislative level.  Additionally, Councilman McGuire addressed the class and committed to taking the same stand.  He promised to draw up a resolution to honor the David Lipscomb Elementary School 3rd grade for its work in raising community awareness about the issue and to work toward a class visit to City Hall to share the information with Mayor Karl Dean.  Following yesterday’s events, TDEC’s Ms. Munkeboe stated, “My applause and admiration to a group of young students and their ability to understand a complex issue like unwanted pharmaceuticals. They investigated the problems and made smart decisions on how to recognize and implement solutions.  From one-day collections to a public service announcement, their work was thoughtful and targeted.  I am more comforted knowing that these young people will protect our state, our country, and our earth with the dedication and respect it deserves.”

          DLES third grade students took on the charge to spread the word of safe and proper medication disposal in August of last year as a part of their involvement in the Disney Planet Challenge.  Since that time, the project’s efforts have been integrated into multiple disciplines within the classroom, including Literacy, Math, Social Studies, and Science as well as enrichment areas of Art, Music, and Technology.  All students have been in close collaboration with Lipscomb University’s School of Pharmacy, Biology Department, and Chemistry Department through professor/student hands-on learning experiences, visits to the university campus, and a joint hazardous waste collection day for the Nashville community.  This effort brought in over 165 pounds of medication, not to mention other hazardous waste of over 40,000 pounds of e-waste, 8,000 batteries, and nearly 3,000 pieces of household waste.

"No Mustang Runs Alone" Kicks Off!

It is my hope that our spectacular kick-off for our anti-bullying program “No Mustang Runs Alone” will encourage open dialogue in the classroom, open discussions at home, and open conversations among children.  We all know what it feels like to be intimidated, called names, and in general, made to feel “less than.”  We want our students to know that they are beloved and that they belong. Hopefully, a few of us will realize that we have been teetering very close to the definition of the word “bully” I sent out last week.  That awareness is what we’re looking for…before it becomes bigger and more intense.

Our children have soft hearts. One mom wrote me this morning to say that her kindergartner spotted some bullying in their neighborhood, one child picking on two others.  He said, “That is bullying. He doesn’t need to act that way to them and we need to tell him not to do it anymore.”  I hope all of our students begin to see how their words and actions are perceived.  Our goal is not to create a culture where everyone is pointing out bullying, but rather that  children and adults examine themselves to question their own motives. We might be surprised how we are perceived by others. 

Along the way, I’m sure we will also identify some real bullying that will be addressed. From these conversations, I also hope we give skills to some children who have silently joined a crowd of spectators, not knowing how to defend and tell. Thank you for the comments you have sent us; pray God’s guidance as we continue to encourage our students to be “Christ-like in attitude and behavior.”
Sharon Farmer, DLES Principal