On April 1^st-April 4^th, 2012, STARS took a group of eight high school students who are deaf and hard of hearing to Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. Gallaudet University is the largest college in America that offers services specifically for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Over 4,000 students attend this school from all over the world.

This trip is incredibly important because it shows our students first-hand the academic opportunities available to them.  While on the trip, the students stayed on campus in the dorms, ate at the cafeteria and were able to socialize with other college students. They were given a full tour of the campus, met with academic advisors and admission counselors, had question and answer time with a student panel, joined a college class in session, and were introduced to several successful professionals who are deaf and hard of hearing and working in the Washington, DC area. 

One boy who currently plays football in Tennessee was able to meet with the Gallaudet football coach and join a practice with other Gallaudet players. The experience was incredible and provided the students with hope and inspiration for their future.

Did you know that a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds?  Children who experience child abuse and neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult and 30% more likely to commit violent crime?

STARS and Kids On The Block recognizes and supports National Child Abuse Prevention month in April. Kids On The Block offers a Child Abuse Prevention presentation for third graders. This personal safety program educates students to identify child abuse and neglect, empowering them to say “NO!” and encourages them to talk to a trusted adult. Although the topic is sensitive in nature, the program is presented in a kid-friendly and non-threatening way through our Kids On The Block program using puppetry and other teaching tools.

Over the past three year after seeing this Kids On The Block presentation, more than 60 children have had the courage, the strength and the information they needed to disclose being victims of abuse.  In each circumstance, a report was made to the Department of Children Services beginning the process of appropriate intervention.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Prevention  indicates prevention is the best hope for reducing child abuse and neglect and improving the lives of children and families. Strengthening families and preventing child abuse requires a shared commitment of individuals and organizations in every community.

For more information, on the Kids On The Block Child Abuse Prevention Presentation, contact us at 615-279-0058.

Highlighting the latest in home building innovation and interior design while giving back to the community, the 2012 Charity Tour of Homes features seven stunning custom homes ranging in style from French Country to Louisiana Farm House on home sites from Hendersonville’s Fairvue Plantation to Leipers Fork weekends May 18-27 and benefiting two worthy Middle Tennessee non-profits, Students Taking A Right Stand (STARS) and Miriam’s Promise. Presented by the Master Custom Builders Council of TN and Pella Windows & Doors, tickets may be obtained from STARS Development Office at 615-983-6805 and we need your help volunteering for the event as well. More information on the tour, www.charitytourofhomes.com.

With the Friday, March 30 limited release of the movie “Bully,” once again this difficult issue is being presented in an important national forum.  We applaud the efforts to create a dialogue and show a sympathetic view of the pain affected students are experiencing.  

At the same time, as advocates of bullying prevention, we want to caution our community to understand bullying and suicide are very complex issues. We encourage parents and teachers to take a careful look at the movie before allowing your child or student to view it.

We do not endorse any political views but did want to share with you a passage from an article written by Slate senior editor Emily Bazelon who interviewed Ann Haas, a senior project specialist for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

She quoted Haas as saying “Hirsch (Director of “Bully”) has created a real risk of suicide contagion—the documented phenomenon of people mimicking suicidal behavior in light of media representations. “I worry terribly about the contagion effect,” Haas said. “One message of this move is: ‘Bullying kills’—as if it’s a normal response to kill yourself, when of course most people who are bullied don’t do that.”

At the end of the day, we all have to be careful that we are not incorrectly portraying the issue of bullying which does a huge disservice to students and our entire community.

Students Taking A Right Stand (STARS) has been on the forefront of bullying prevention in our community by working with students, teachers, schools and families to address this serious issue through a variety of solution-based techniques. If you have any questions or need assistance, STARS specialists are located in most schools throughout the Nashville area or you can call 615-279-0058. In addition, we encourage anyone with concerns to contact the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network at 615-297-1077 or www.tspn.org.