pathways newsletter

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Hi Everyone,

Attached is our February 2011 newsletter with our new " Include ME! " logo.

Our March programs will be posted soon.

Thank you!

Pathways for Exceptional Children

www.PathwaysKids.org <http://www.pathwayskids.org/>

Redefining the Future for People with Disabilities

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Next Steps

The Monthly Publication from Pathways for Exceptional Children February 2011

P athways began its t-shirt design contest in November 2010. Over 200

entries were submitted from chil-dren and then narrowed down to three final

drawings. Suggestions from the public further enhanced the logo for the new

" Include ME! " which is featured on the right. The Lead Mentors are now

gearing up to make " Include ME! " a national campaign. But what does the new

" Include ME! " logo represent?

There are many " anti-bullying " and " no toler-ance " laws and policies that

have been put into place. These have no doubt helped to provide added

protection but it is question-able how much they have helped to change the

mind set of the children. Furthermore, we often title these laws and

policies as " zero tolerance " but in the same breath instruct the chidren

that they must learn to be more " tolerant. " The messages we send often seem

contradictory and confusing. Schools are filled with banners that declare,

" No Bullying Zones. " Often in jest, children ask if they can move to a

different zone to bully. Children frequently complain that many of these

" anti-bullying " campaigns are not positive and consistently reinforce

consequences for bad behavior. They also report that schools have many

anti-bullying assemblies that last a few hours or a day and then what? Where

is the practicle application or follow-up? Again, for all the time and

effort expended, laws and policies that have been made, and money spent;

what are the outcomes? Simply listen to the nightly news and it becomes

clear with all reports of bullying, suicide, and violence, we must question

how effective have the anti-bullying campaigns been. The news frequently

does not report all the subtle and

communities, I have found children are growing apathetic with

" anti-bullying " campaigns and are looking for some-thing more meaningful.

Pathways has taken a closer look at our trainings and revamped some aspects

to ensure children understand inclusion and the need everyone has to feel

they belong. It is almost a universal language. Pathways has begun to

challenge youth to become role models and leaders for inclusion. Many

children want to become a part of the " Include ME! " movement because it

encourages students to lead and chart their own course, while adults provide

guidance and continually challenge them to stretch their vision further. One

of my favorite questions for the Lead Mentors is, " Now what? " Inclusion is

not finishing a two page assignment or getting a right answer on a test. It

is an ongoing process that needs to be instilled as a part of who children

are from the inside-out. So often we look to the " fast food " answer or

legislating yet another law to " make " people change. Inclusion is not a law

on a piece of paper. It takes time, work, and a tremendous amount of

sacrifice. There is no final destination nor will we ever " arrive " but we

must get started. Children need to come together, create a vision, and get

busy direct-ing their future. " Include ME! " is a vision created by children,

and now it is up to them to do the hard work and to invest in their future

so that it becomes a reality! It then becomes our job as adults to become

role models and to support them on their journey toward " Include ME! " We

must join the Lead Mentors with their vision, contact them at mvtpec@...

and check our website at www.PathwaysKids.org

- Melinda Jennis, President

untalked about forms of bullying where a child is targeted and intentionally

shunned or excluded from being in a group. Schools can also only control for

so much. What happens after school under parental watch is probably the

worst area of abuse. How many parents are consistently watching and

monitoring their children and the many things that go through cyberspace and

text messaging. Bullying does not happen just in schools nor is it soley

their responsibility to control it.

Recently I was asked to speak at an " anti-bullying " workshop. Many

administrators were there, but the question I raised was, " Where were the

kids? " Adults seem to be leaving out the most important aspect of the

process: the children. Adults need to under-stand they are failing to solve

the problem because they cannot do it alone. Adults need to begin guiding

our youth toward taking ownership and finding viable solutions. This does

not mean a once a week advisory group, a webinar, or a one time bake sale

where kids raise money, donate to a charity, and check off they have

completed their community service requirment. All of these activities are a

start, but they do not bring changes in cul-ture. After having been in many

schools and

Introducing Andreluis Fernandez, " Include ME! " Logo Artist of 2011

My name is Andreluis Fernandez. I was born in New York but my entire family

is from the Do-minican Republic. I am very close to my familiy especially my

mother because she raised me and my 3 other siblings all by herself. I never

liked school until after this year, in the past I have not been successful

in school. I finally have my head on straight and I made the honor roll for

the first time! I hope to graduate in less than a year.

I love all kinds of art, and want to pursue something in the future that

involves art. I am think-ing maybe something in animation. When I was

approached by my teacher Ms. Plaisted about entering the Pathways' " Include

ME! " contest that involved art skills and also representing our school, I

began to work on it right away. I am proud of the t-shirt design I developed

because it shows my artistic talent and it also shows I was raised not to

hate people or pick on them because they are different than me. I was

surprised that so many people in my school ap-proached me and told me that

they were going to go online and vote for my shirt. I am thankful for

everything and everybody I have in my life and winning this contest shows

how much I have grown, and that taking my education more serious is really

paying off. I am proud of myself for the changes I am making in my life.

C 2010 Pathways foir Exceptional Children