Counselor's Corner

Dear Parents:

Welcome to the Counselor’s Corner! In an effort to be proactive about our goal of maintaining a Community of Kindness & Respect at Crocker, the Assistant Principal and I have spoken to every student at Crocker about the important topics of bullying, harassment & sexual harassment.  The students were attentive and seemed to absorb the information we presented in a meaningful way.  However, as I believe parents are valuable allies in reinforcing these messages, I would like to share some key points of our presentation with you below and ask that you discuss the information with your children as well. 

• • Harassment is: words, actions or gestures that make a reasonable person feel uncomfortable.

  • Sexual harassment is: persistent and unwelcome directing of sexual remarks, looks and unnecessary physical contact directed at another person.

  • Bullying is: when one person is habitually overbearing towards another person, especially one smaller or weaker than they.

  • Our Crocker handbook, the California Education Code and specific laws all forbid harassment.

  • This is not just a Crocker rule, but a rule at all other schools, colleges and workplaces.

  • Even if someone says that his/her intention is to just “kid around”, their behavior can be considered harassment if it is hurting someone else/making them feel uncomfortable.

  • Everyone deserves the right to come to school and learn in a safe, kind and respectful environment.

  • If ANYONE feels that they are the victim of bullying or harassment, they should always tell an adult.  If they are not comfortable coming forward in person, they are encouraged to leave a note in Mrs. Yamasaki’s mailbox.

  • If you someone feels like they are being harassed online, they should NOT REPLY.  The best thing to do is to save the evidence and tell an adult.  Electronic communication is easily traceable, according to the Hillsborough Police Department.

  • Students were encouraged to stand up for one another if they see someone being harassed.    

  • 9 times out of 10 it just takes ONE PERSON to stand up for someone else to stop bullying.

“Standing up for someone” means saying something like, “Hey, that’s not funny.  Why don’t you leave him/her alone?”.

Retaliation of any kind is against school rules and will result in consequences, as delineated in our student handbook.

Thank you in advance for your help and support!  I just know this is going to be a wonderful and positive year for us all, filled with learning and personal growth.  Please let me know how I can assist you as we journey through this exciting time together.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Sincerely,

Maia Yamasaki