Pickin'

I'm a huge advocate of any action taken to help curb the age-old problem of bullying. That is why I was quick to commend our community middle school's focus on the negative side effects of this ever-present issue. All of us have at some time dealt with bullies in varying degrees. By working together, we can find solutions to reduce interpersonal violence.

An email was sent out last week from Kingwood's Creekwood Middle School Principal, Walt Winicki, advising parents about a play the Theater Arts class would be performing illustrating the problem of a student being harassed at school. The somewhat controversial play, called "Pickin'" by Tyrone Butler and published by Pioneer Drama Service, reflects the negative social climate some of our young people are forced to dwell, as well as the consequences. I believe taking this approach to demonstrate the behavioral choices students make not only increases awareness about bullying and victimization, but also empowers students to make the healthy response and reduce bullying situations.

The topic of bullying is rapidly growing with cyberbullying becoming the new social cruelty tool. Communication technology has given children a new means to intimidate through instant messaging, texting, emails, and chat rooms. But as the the CMS Theatre and Debate teacher Tracy Perthius told me, "The more this topic is discussed, the less it will be seen." Thank you Creekwood Middle School!