Dateline Bullying Video

Here is a link to a recent Dateline episode about bullying. It's very interesting to see the perception of what some parents assume their children will do in certain situations. There is a bully in all of us, most of us know how to manage those emotions appropriately. In this day and age of internet students are learning that it's easy to be tough behind a computer or cell phone without immediate consequences. Take a look at this Dateline episode and potentially educate yourself a little more on an epidemic in our schools and in our society.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600/

Energy Drinks Warning!

Here is an article that certainly pertains to many of our young students in the Norton School system...buyer beware!

They claim to give you that extra boost, but recent studies have shown that energy drinks containing large amounts of caffeine and other stimulants, can actually cause major health problems in children, teens and young adults. In fact, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, of the 5,448 U.S. caffeine overdoses reported in 2007, 46% occurred in those younger than 19 years. Now a new report in the journal of Pediatrics warns parents, and doctors that these drinks could be especially dangerous to children with ADHD, diabetes, sleep issues and eating disorders.

Tips for managing diabetes

Doctors from the University of Miami School of Medicine say that although caffeine can improve attention spans, it also increases blood pressure and disrupts sleep patterns in young people. And scientists have found the attention span of kids who consumed these drinks on a daily basis eventually decreased. So did their heart rates over the long run, while their blood pressure numbers increased, which could put unnecessary pressure on the heart. Researchers note that could be dangerous for children who are on other medications

"Mixing other drugs with these drinks, could lead to a host of other complications." says Dr. Steven Lipshultz, a pediatric cardiologist and chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. "The problem is, a lot of young people don't realize what's in these drinks and the combinations could be serious, even deadly."

These drinks should not be consumed after long periods of exercise, or mixed with alcohol, study authors added.

"A lot of young people, especially teens and young adults think they are drinking sports drinks," warned Lipshultz. "So they drink them after practice. But instead of replacing electrolytes in their bodies, they are adding large amounts of caffeine and other stimulants, which can rev up the body and the heart even more. "

But the American Beverage Association, which represents the manufacturers of these drinks, says there's plenty of caffeine in lots of drinks that are available to a younger age group. "Young adults getting coffee from popular coffeehouses are getting about twice as much caffeine as they would from a similar size energy drink," the ABA said in a reaction statement to the Pediatrics paper.

But doctors warn that many people need to be made aware that these are not just cans of "quick energy," but beverages that contain not only caffeine, but stimulants such as guarana and taurine, that could affect different people in different ways.

What's inside energy drinks?

"Some kids can handle these substances, but others cannot," says Lipshultz. "Kids need to be careful of how much they drink."

Lipshultz and his co-authors stressed that pediatricians need to recognize symptoms and health problems associated with these drinks and should advise parents and young people of their dangers.

"The problem is, when kids come into a doctor's office with nausea, dizziness, racing hearts and even worse, seizures, pediatricians immediately think some form of drug abuse," says Lipshultz. "But in many cases, it could be energy drinks that are causing these problems. And doctors need to be on the lookout for that"

Deliberate Acts of Kindness

Here is a story about a "deliberate act of kindness". Random acts of kindness are also great...but there is nothing wrong with making a concious effort to do something thoughtful. This is a great story about kindness, thoughtfuness, and friendship. Enjoy!

http://www.boston.com/community/stories_to_inspire/articles/2010/12/23/a_teenagers_simple_act_elevates_all/

Rachel's Challenge/Legacy

We were fortunate enough again last night in the Norton community to be touched by the memory and work of an Angel. In a follow up to Craig Scott's presentation from last year, Larry Scott (Rachel and Craig's uncle) came and spoke to the NHS students and then at night to the NMS community. The message is very clear...kindness and compassion really go a long way. The interesting thing is that these concepts are so easy to grasp and simple to follow if we just make a commitment to them everyday. Change will not happen overnight, but random and deliberate acts of kindness are contagious and one person CAN make a difference...just ask Rachel Scott and those that she touched. Please contact me if you have interest in joining a Friends of Rachel Club or finding out more about Rachel's Challenge.

NMS vs. NHS

Part of the responsibility of being the new guy at any school is the school newspaper interview, which is was lucky enough to be a part of recently. One of the questions that came up was, "what is your advice for 8th graders preparing for high school?" I jokingly said to the girls, "how much time do you have?" I gave a pretty standard answer about being "prepared" and staying organized but I'm not sure I was able to truly give the answer the justice it deserves. I think the answer can be very complex for some people and yet very simple for others. I'm a little too old to remember back to my 8th grade year and what I did to ready myself for high school but having gone through high school I think I can offer a little advice for our 8th graders preparing for NHS. 1. Expect what you anticipate about HS to be nothing what you expected, it's just different from NMS. 2. You will have a lot of in school work and homework...it WILL prepare you appropriately for college. 3. Use your planner, it will help you stay organized. 4. Don't be unnecessarily absent and get to school on time. 5. Eat breakfast and lunch, you'll need the energy to get through rigorous 90 minute classes. 6. Become involved in some sport or afterschool activity, it will help you stay connected with the school and you'll get to meet people who have the same interests as you. 7. Develop relationships with teachers, it's not "kissing butt"...it's networking that will help you academically and give you a sounding board when you're feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. 8. Bring your lunch as much as possible...tan food isn't the best choice too often. 9. If you're visiting Mr. Dewar's office, whenever possible bring in a medium regular coffee...it will get you places. 10. To quote Mr. Dewar, HS is what you make of it so apply yourself and enjoy the ride. Don't get hung up on the "pebbles" of your HS career. You will have tough times. Focus on the "rocks" and good times. It goes quickly. I've solicited some help from current and past NHS students to give their advice. They ARE the experts!

Communication, or lack thereof?

I found this little snipit written in a recent article by Peter Gobis to be telling and troubling as well. As someone who has spent 15 years as a coach and 30+ years as an athlete, communication amongst players is so crucial. Verbal and non-verbal communication can often be the difference between a win and a loss. Take the non-verbal communication between Tom Brady and Deion Branch in yesterday's 23-20 OT win by the Patriots. On the tying drive in the 4th quarter Brady knew Branch would read the defender and break off his route. When he did, the ball was right there for him to catch. These guys spend countless hours together and learn how to communicate verbally and non-verbally. It's important that we recognize the important learning tool that technology is and embrace it when we can, however, at some point people need to put the phone down and TALK! Are we going to get to the point where athletes have PDA's on the field?? Anyways, read the blurb I have attached and see what you think. Oops, gotta run...text message coming in. :)



"It's a growing phenomenon, an epidemic if you will among female students, female student-athletes - being able to converse. With the advancement of technology, many an area high school coach has noticed the deterioration of communicative skills among their team members. North Attleboro High AD Kurt Kummer is recommending a public speaking course to be installed as part of the curriculum.

Foxboro High field hockey coach Melissa Bordieri has instituted a method to eradicate some of the madness. "If they want to talk to me, it's face to face or call me on the phone - no texting, no e-mails. That's an inexcusable absence!"

Texting and Driving

The new texting and driving law goes into effect today, and it seems as if the population that is most directly aimed at (teens)...is more concerned about how to get away with it and prove that the police cannot prove they were texting while driving. Many teens claim that it won't stop texting and driving, and that may be the case, but with an initiative such as this if ONE life is saved from the law then it's well worth it. It reminds me of the starfish story...one person CAN make a difference potentially in the lives of many by refraining from texting while driving. The message that these teens are missing is that the law isn't being put in place to be a hassle or curb their instant gratification need, it's there for their personal safety. I've always said as a driver that I'm not worried about the way I drive. I'm worried about the way others drive. I've attached a link to some interesting PSA's and stories about the topic, enjoy...but hopefully you're not reading this while driving!!!