Symbols are powerful things. Just try to change one that has been around for a long time. Let it be associated with athletic teams or school names and its power is even more profound. Just ask anyone whose district has lived through decisions about keeping or changing a Native American school identity like Indians, Braves, Red Skins or Chiefs.  Grades can be considered symbols. Those letters and numbers can communicate "you are smart" or "you are not smart".  Those messages may not be the intention but they surely are the result.  Celebrations and rituals are symbolic.  Certainly, the end of the school year is filled with them. When a circle with a line through it accompanied by the words "No Bullying Here" is posted in the hallways, what message is being sent?  Is it teaching how to offer welcome to others?  Is it indicative of an embracing culture or one in which behaviors are either tolerated or not? Read more...